Longevity of heaters

[Whetstone613]

Thank you for your input. Which of those things are relevant to propane heaters and which are for solar?

[PoolDoc]

Sorry!

That list was 100% addressing longevity of 'fired' heaters (natural gas / propane).

Solar heaters . . . I have no direct experience with them. From what I've heard, and from what I know of the materials, the 2 major factors would be

1. plastic deterioration from solar UV
2. freeze damage

[swimdaddy]

I am using a solar heater, 20ft by 52 inches, I have it laying on a raised platform next to my pool. The first one I bought only lasted 2 years before it started leaking in a LOT of places all at once, I was pretty disappointed. I am trying another one (glutton for punishment?) because it works pretty well and I will see how long it lasts.

[PoolDoc]

Many plastics are NOT really UV stable, and depend on added plasticizers, UV blockers and dyes. Generally, black polyethylene is UV stable for at least several years. But Chinese manufacturers can and do manufacture all sorts of stuff that LOOKS like it's decent material, but is really trash. I've been burned so many times, that I have a pretty negative attitude toward anything made in China.

My guess is, if you get a solar panel manufactured from US made tubing . . . it will last. Otherwise, not so much.

[PoolDoc]

I did some checking.

There are US-made solar heat systems, with long warranties, and apparently, with long lives. But they are expensive and mostly dealer installed. I didn't see any do-it-yourself US-made systems.

What brand did you get?