Quote Originally Posted by wer3angels
How big of a solar panel are you using? We are new to a 12 x 32 IG pool and are hoping to have some heat in it this summer.

Barb in PA
We have 8 4x14 panels, which give use about 450 sq ft of coverage for an 800 sq ft pool. I could have squeezed on another panel, but it would have required some custom work on the fittings.

My recommendation for an IG pool is to go for as much as you can afford and your pump can handle. Not so much for the maximum heat you can get to, but for recovery time. The more panels you have, the quicker you can recover heat after rain and the cold early spring/late fall nights. If you have no interest in extending the season but just want warmer water, I really don't think you need to go much more than 40 to 45% coverage.

I would say for a small pool like yours, you could easily get by with 4 4x12 panels, which is 50% coverage. BUT, if you have the roof space, I would add at least one or two more panels. The increased cost shouldn't be much more than the cost of the panels. We added a panel and went from the 4x12 to 4x14 panels for a couple of hundred extra.