Using your kitchen faucet to heat the pool

[Brock]

I understand that it is the same thing as a solar heater, but it would be in the pool, cost no money to run, no pumps, no messing with plumbing and doesn't take up any more space then the pool already does.

[tmmort]

Interesting idea, a "black bottom pool". One problem, though, you have no way of turning it "off" and the pool might get too hot.

At my location, solar heating simply extends the season; that is, we're able to open sooner and close later. During the mid-summer, I usually have my solar off completely or else the pool gets way too hot.

[Brock]

Exactly, it would have to be a mat like material heavier then water, like a solar cover, once your pool is up to the temp you want you take it out rool it up and put it away.

[imfignewton]

Some one should come up with a crystal type structure as an addative to the plater finish that could change the color of the pool with the flip of a switch. That way you could have a black pool for heating in the cooler months and a white pool during the hot summer months. Just dreaming

[Tredge]

The primary function of a solar cover is to prevent heat loss....the black matt Idea would help heat the pool in the day but do nothing to prevent heat loss.

I have a feeling you would gain more from a simple cover to prevent loss due to evaporation than you would adding a black matt to the bottom.

Good Idea though

[graciec]

Then why aren't solar covers black?

[JohnT]

Then why aren't solar covers black?

There are black covers. My guess is clear is better because then you are heating water, not the cover.