The nature of my panels makes the turbulence FAR more important than it typical Fafco roll-up panels. Fafco uses the manifold-to-tubule design to maximize the surface area exposed to water.

I don't have the physics and fluid dynamics understanding that these other guys do, but I suspect the tubules reduce the laminar/turbulence effect.

My panels, on the other hand, have a series of relatively large chambers, each about 2' across and 4" long by 1" high that go across the panel. The water flows like a snake from one chamber to the next and out the far end. With such relatively large passages, I suspect the laminar effect is more evident so anything that breaks that down makes them work better.

Somewhere or other I have the FantaSea documentation about heat energy transfers of the panels.

Mainly, much of solar heating can be handled by rules of thumb and common sense. While Richard's and Daggit's analysis will let your squeeze every BTU available out of your system, it's VERY easy to get excellent results you are DELIGHTED with using a simpler approach.

The great thing about the roll-up panels is it is VERY easy to add another if you aren't happy with the amount of hot water you are generating. If you start by having your panels having a surface area equal to 1/3 your pool's surface area (a MUCH lower number than normally recommended--you can go down as far as 1/4 and still get good results) and set it up so you can easily add more panels (in parallel) you should be able to easily find the optimal set-up for your pool. Ah, the joys of PVC glue-on fittings, PVC pipe, and TigerFlex! I DO recommend a good solar cover when you are heating it and not swimming. It will add its own good measure by both insulating the water and by acting as a greenhouse. I've been happiest with heavier weight clear plastic covers. I don't think blue or opaque work as well.

My pool got to 98 F last summer--I found it too hot to enjoy, but my wife believes there's ice cubes in the water (and that she can feel them!) if it's below 92 deg.

Meanwhile my plastic welder arrived this week and I have to learn how to use it...