New solar advice

This is one of those questions where the quality of the information you GET is pretty dependent on the quality of information you GIVE. Giving good info doesn't guarantee a good answer, but the lack of it pretty much guarantees a bad one!

I changed your location to "Sacramento area" based on your IP address, but you didn't include info on your pool. But, you still need to tell all the following:

1. How far, and how far above, is the 'collector' location (your tile roof?) from the pool?
2. What size, model and make of pump and filter do you have?
3. How big is your pool?
4. How warm do you want it?
5. Do you want the system to be "effective" (warmer water), "cost effective" (warmer water at a good price) or just 'green' ("I want to be 'environmental', but it doesn't really have to work")?
Sorry -- I know this is sort of rude, but we've ended up wasting a lot of time with posters who HAVE an answer to this question to this question in their own head, but haven't thought about it, or acknowledged it to themselves. But, the problem is, mechanical type guys who just want to save money making their above-ground pool warmer for their wife and kids, often can't help scratch the itch of someone who wants to be 'green'.

Some background: Black poly solar 'rolls' laid at an angle next to, and below, an above ground pool have been very economical and effective. Elaborate solar systems -- with freeze controls, and drain back systems, on pools with built-in spas and electronic control, and panels 2 stories above the pool -- are rarely cost effective, are hard to install correctly, and often get turned off after a couple of years.

Hope this helps!