I'm considering a solar heater in the midwest (Chicago burb area). Will this work?

[gonefishin]

Hi guys and gals,


I'm so confused on what decision to make regarding a heater for my 24' round above ground. I've read every thread that the keyword "heater" gave me. The information I read in these threads has certainly helped me to question my initial impulse of wanting to go with a natural gas heater.

Just today I had a guy come out to give me an estimate to run the gas line from my meter to my pool. The price was around $450.00. After he left I began to look up the cost of 150,000BTU gas heaters. I waslooking at a price between $1,100 - $1,700.

Then I came here (as I always do) and decided to do some reading on heaters. Initially I was looking for information that would recommend a certain brand...and then about operating costs for a gas heater. But after reading for a bit...I decided to start visiting those "solar panel" threads that I had been avoiding. The main goal I have for a heater is to raise the water temperature from (a now 80f) to mid 80's.

It has certainly led me to rethink the whole gas heater situation. But...


Could solar heaters really be for me? I live in Joliet, Ill (a southern burb of Chicago)

We don't have a large yard...but could probably fit 1 4'x20' panel in full sun. Would one panel be enough to be effective on a 24' pool in the upper midwest?

I could deal with the fact that I wouldn't have a heater if it were a cloudy day. But will I find the solar heater to work under most conditions (in the midwest) when I'd want to swim.

Would a unit such as the SolarBear do the trick...or are there other things to consider when looking at a one panel system. (it's a 4'x 20' panel with built in diverter).

thanks for the help!
dan