Solar heater for above ground pools

[mommak]

Yes, we will need solar panels and a solar cover for night. I looked at the Fafco solar panels, and there are different ones. Any particular one to look into? Also, what about the solar cover? What company has the best one?

(We are first time golden owners, and we absolutely love him, he is such a joy and terrific with our younger ones.)

[Watermom]

Mine is the Solar Bear from Fafco. I wanted a 4x20. You have to be careful. Sometimes you think you are getting a 4x20 but what you get is two 2x20 panels instead of one piece. That is more of a nuisance. I had to buy a new panel this year and I ordered off e-bay from a place called Leisure Living in Tonawanda, NY. It cost $280 with free shipping.

I usually just buy a solar cover locally. The last couple I have gotten have come from Lowe's.

(We have had 6 goldens over the past 26 years. They are wonderful gentle-natured dogs and we, too, love them.)

[mommak]

Thank you for the information on the solar panels, this helps a ton. Do the two 2x20 give off the same amount of heat as just the one 4x20? I read that if you have two panels than you also need some type of additional diverter for the additional panel.

[Watermom]

It does give the same heat. You can either hook them in a series or in parallel. I used to have two 2x20 panels in parallel; each was fed separately. The plumbing is easier with a 4x20 instead of two 2x20s and has less flow resistance which means lower operating pressure and less strain on the pump.

[mommak]

Just ordered the Fafco 4x20 from eBay. I am really looking forward to using our pool again this summer.

[Watermom]

Good deal!

[Watermom]

Bumping this thread up to make it easier for one of our new members to find.