Former User with New Name - Homemade Solar Heating System

Hi Ben and Pool Forum posters

I haven't posted in a few years, since I had an old Verizon email account now defunct so I created a new Registration.

Years ago, and I apologize for not remembering...., a longtime user and poster here described a homemade solar heating system he created using hoses attached to plywood in a tight S-pattern attached to a pump. Turned out he lived in my region of the USA (Eastern PA - maybe Kresgeville?) and even was kind enough to send me pics of his setup.

Since that was in a former life with a defunct email and a long-dead laptop, I was wondering if he's still posting here and if the system is still working. He said that he swims early in the year using it and swims later in the year as well. I think he also said that said that he uses it to cool off the hot water in the summer.

Anyways, I'd love to re-connect with the gentleman because now we have a 3-year-old grand-nephew who'd probably, unlike myself, would like the water warmer.

If this is ringing a bell with anyone, I'd appreciate a response.

THANK YOU.

I think I already posted in this thread but since I received a second email, here I am again. My first thread asked the question. It might actually have been one of the moderators who corresponded with me before!

Hi and welcome back! What was your username before?

I know exactly who you are talking about and you are right, it is one of the moderators, Poconos (lives in NE Pennsylvania) but he isn't around the forum much anymore. However, I will ask him to pop on this thread for you, so, sit tight.

By the way, I merged your other thread with this one. Let's keep it all in this one thread.

Again, glad to have you back with us on the forum!

I contacted him this afternoon, but unfortunately, Poconos is no longer interested in being on the forum. He is too busy with other things. He also told me that he no longer even has a functioning pool. His old pool needs so many repairs and he doesn't want to sink the money into it so he is filling it in this summer. Sorry I couldn't help.

Yes, Poconos did invent his own solar heating panel using black hosing on a black plywood panel. I believe he angled it on a frame, too. It's merely a matter of diverting water from your return line through the panel and then returning it to the pool. There are lots of ways to do this and all kinds of solar panels including the new dome-shaped coil types. I don't know how much solar energy those capture.

Thank you Watermom and CarlD. If Poconos changes his mind, you can tell him I'm just over the mountain from him, around Blue Mountain Ski area. I'd be happy to give him a call if he has advice he'd be willing to share.

Life has a way of sneaking up on you!

. . . membership upgraded.

I have some of Poconos' pictures somewhere. If you really need to see them, and ask AFTER July 4th, I'll see if I can find them. But he built that system when the available plastic solar systems weren't that common. You might want to look at the roll-out solar matts that are available now, and do what Al did, but somewhat more efficiently.

Here's an example:
Fafco Solar Bear System for AG Pools @ Amazon

3/4" black poly pipe is about $3/sq-ft and 1/2" is about $4/sq-ft. Solar bear panels are about $3/sq-ft and are going to be much more efficient so why bother making your own?