Solar heater for above ground pools

[Jlrymedic]

Watermom,

Can I ask where you live? I'm in Central Illinois. I've been searching solar heaters, and I'm thinking it would be good here. I was just curious as to how many degrees they actually add to the temp. I'm also not a tech person, but I'm pretty sure I can follow directions if they were clear enough. How much time did the solar setup take you?

[Watermom]

I'm in WV. I really can't say how many degrees we add, but I can tell you that without it, my swim season would not start as early or last as long. i can usually swim early to mid May until October. Without it, I'd guess probably early June to mid-September. If you have a sunny place to install solar panels, do it. They will make a big difference in a pool. Equally important is to get a solar cover (solar blanket) to cover your pool with at night. It keeps your pool from losing at night the heat that you gain during the day. That also makes a BIG difference. I don't think you'll regret getting solar panels. It isn't complicated. You just have to know how to do some basic plumbing. Some of the websites that sell these things may have tutorials about installation. Take a look and see. If you get it, there should be some people here on the forum who can help you with some pointers. I'm not one of them!!! You want help with pool chemistry? No problem. You want help with anything mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc. Not my department!!

A good way to cool a pool down is to uncover the pool and run the solar panels at night.

[madwil]

cooling is an issue for me right now- no heater, no solar panels, water temp 92 yesterday!
I've been thinking about solar panels, like Mom said would help cool overnight and maybe extend the swim season a couple weeks earlier and a month maybe later...