Solar heater for above ground pools

[Watermom]

Solar heaters can make a world of difference. I have two 2x20 panels on my 24ftAG and they add a lot of heat to my pool. On May 31, my pool water was up to 90. (Which is a little warm for my liking, so I may leave the solar cover off for a night or two.) I *think* my solar panels were made by FAFCO.

[mommak]

Watermom,
Could you please tell me what kind of Fafco solar panels you have? Also, are they mounted on your rooftop or at an angle on the ground? Does it make a difference, as long as which ever you choose gets a fair amount of sunlight?
I am trying to find out as much information and then order solar panels for our AG pool. Also, what kind of plumping does one need?
This is all new to me, and I am feeling lost and overwhelmed.

[Watermom]

I have a 4'x20' solar panel on my 27ft AG pool. We built a south-facing rack to mount the panel on. I can either run all, none or part of the flow through those panels. The plumbing is basically some flexible hoses, a few pvc ball valves and some pvc. I will take a picture and post it in a while to show you my set up. The solar panel, combined with the solar cover, make a huge difference in the temperature of my water.

Whether rooftop installation or on the ground makes any difference, I don't know for sure but I wouldn't think so. I think most important is how it will best fit on your property.

[mommak]

A picture would be great. We have space in our yard for the solar panels.
Thanks

[BigDave]

I also love our solar panels. We had them installed by a contractor that specializes in solar systems. The panels are on a second story roof. Our setup includes a basic solar controller with temperature sensors for the water and the panels on the roof, a diverter valve controlled by the solar controller, a check valve, and a vacuum relief valve and isolation valves.

[PoolDoc]

[mommak]

Wow, this is some set up PoolDoc. Do you have the pvc running under ground? Also, the chicken wire, is that to keep little critters from chewing on it? That looks totally foreign to me, where do all those hoses go to?

[mommak]

We want to be able to set up our own solar panels that we purchase and have them near the pool. As our house is too far away from where we intend to set up the pool. Also, since our home is a two story with a very high pitched roof, it would not be feasible for us.
Also, I have read that some people put a 1 1/2" or 2" pink styrofoam under the pool. Is this a good idea to do? Why do some do this?