In The Swim Ratings and Reviews
Product Reviews
Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Find above ground solar pool heaters at competitive prices at In the Swim. Solar pool heaters are free to operate and cost less to purchase than gas pool heaters.
Average Customer Rating:
(32 Reviews) 32
26 of 32(81%)customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Review 1 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
It's doing the trick,
Date:May 28, 2010
By ohdon
from Buffalo, New York
from Buffalo, New York
Pros: It does heat up the pool 5-10 degrees
Cons: Panels are more fragile than stated
"I bought the deluxe system in the spring of 2009. Connected to pool according to the directions. No heat coming out. I then noticed that one panel did not have an "integrated disk" in the tube which diverts the water through the panels. As the manual states, "An integrated disc at the mid-point within the “Inlet/Oulet” header automatically diverts the right amount of flow through the solar panel." I called the Sungrabber tech support and they said to just connect the panels in series instead as per the directions. I'm thinking that I should just send the panels back, but thats a pain and a big box to deal with. So now the water is forced in through one whole panel and back out through the other. It should go in and out of each panel individually. But, it works fine with this set up. I have a two speed pump so I just run it on low all the time. Its just the right pressure. I also got the bypass connection kit. This spring I hooked it up and found I sprung a leak in one of the panels. It looks like something scratched it accross 3-4 tubes. I would order the repair kit with it. If you already have it, then hopefully you will not need it."
Review 2 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
Works great but only for 1 season,
Date:May 3, 2010
By coldbones
from Norfolk, VA
from Norfolk, VA
Pros: warmed pool nicely
Cons: panels fragile, kit incomplete
"The first season I bought the deluxe kit and hooked up what I could (2 out of 3 panels) with what was provided. I had it on the ground to begin with. It worked very well, warmed the pool nicely. Tried to store the panels over the winter and they all cracked, so I bought a new set. Drained and stored them flat, but they still did not make it through the winter. I am looking for an alternative product this year, as I have bought two of these so far, and they really are quite ugly. I did set these up with minimal help from one other person, but it was time consuming, and there wasn't enough hardware or hose to do the job."
Review 3 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
Incomplete,
Date:April 12, 2010
By NewMexican
Pros: Should work fine once its complete
Cons: Incomplete
"I ordered a 3 panel system, with bypass valve, and mounting kit.
I am short one hose to complete the assembly, and the mounting kit is only straps and screws, no framework I'm a bit disapointed in the completeness of the kit."
Review 4 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
It Works!,
Date:August 3, 2009
By debbyks007
from Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
from Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Pros: Doesn't cost you anything after initial purchase
Cons: No Sun = No Heat
"We purchased the deluxe package with 2 solar panels. We attached them to existing lattice panels on the deck so they would get more direct sun. After a week of gloominess & rain, the sun finally came out. Within 2 days the water temp was up to 78* from the 70ish that it had been. It did take 4 adults many hours (and 2 trips to Menards) to assemble & hook everything up, but it was well worth it!"
Review 5 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
works great,
Date:August 1, 2009
By DOITYOURSELFERJESSIE
from Bucks PA.
from Bucks PA.
Pros: free heat, cheaper than gas heater and dont have to pay for gas.
Cons: unheats in rain,have to build a rack to put them on
"Got 4 pannels for my inground pool, used above ground pannels due to space restictions around pool and no south faceing roof near pool. built a rack onto wood pool fence to lay pannels out off the ground.the rabbits around here like to chew on plastic. best not to lay on ground anyway the ground is prity cool it would suck the heat out as fast as the sun puts it in.had to install a three way valve in discharge of pump, pannels cant handel that much water flow. anyway they work great, 18000 gal. inground pool is at 85* in about two days.it rained the next day lost 5* cold rain will cool the water.so I bypass the pannels on rain days, the heat stays in with pool cover.maintains a constant temp now.I will likely get a solar controler so i dont have to bother with rain days.would be nice if they sold an erector set rack to mount them on, it would look nicer.something like the picture maybe?"
Review 6 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
Excellent Product,
Date:August 1, 2009
By Summerisgreat
from Mahanoy City, PA
from Mahanoy City, PA
Pros: Efficient product & easy installation.
Cons: None-to-date
"We purchased two solar panels for our above ground pool. The weather has not been cooperative due to the extreme rainfall this year. The past few days it has been sunny and the pool has heated to 84 degrees. This water temp is only with a few sunny days. If the weather does cooperate, we assume our pool will be much warmer, but 84 is pretty good. We always purchase products from In the Swim due to their performance and outstanding customer service. No one beats their service in our opinion. Thank you."
Review 7 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
Hot water!,
Date:August 1, 2009
By Weswim
from Ohio
from Ohio
Pros: We now have warm water!
Cons: Takes up space
"When we use our solar cover & the solar heater we have temps of 84-88 degrees! It's been great for the kids this year. No more shivering!"
Review 8 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
great product,
Date:July 25, 2009
By poolman75
from vincent ohio
from vincent ohio
Pros: This product works as well as expected.
Cons: I need additional pannel for my 24 ft pool two was ok
"Overall the pannels work great to raise the pool temp. I do think if i had went with 3 it would be better and raise faster even on the cooler days. But we have been able to raise the temp 10 degrees using just the panels. With the solor cover in place we even have broken 84 degrees in the pool. Great product will look at buying more pannels next sping."
Review 9 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
Great product,
Date:July 24, 2009
By desndamon
from Mogadore, Ohio
from Mogadore, Ohio
Pros: works well when its sunny
Cons: cannot heat up pool on cloudy days
"We finally decided to purchase one of these because we were tired of losing so many swim days because of cold water. It really does raise the water temp when its sunny. I think its a great investment and will really give us alot more swim days."
Review 10 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
Really Works,
Date:July 22, 2009
By FranktheTank
from Southside Chicago, IL
from Southside Chicago, IL
Pros: Warm pool water
Cons: somewhat involved set up (8 hours)
"Purchased 2 panel kit for 24' round pool 7/5/09 due to the unseasonally cold weather (55 at night) we are having in hopes that when a 75-80 degree day does arrive we can enjoy relatively warm pool water. Works like a charm. Here is what you need to know: You WILL need to pruchase additional hoses (30 feet for me). If you pump hp is greater than 3/4 - you WILL need to either build or purchase a manual bypass system to divert some water back into the pool, bypassing the panels in order to prevent backpressure on your pump. I built the valve myself for a third of the price using the schematic on the manufacuters website with some parts from Home Depot and hose adapters from the local pool store. You WILL need to create some sort of platform to set the panels on. I used cinder block and (3) 4x8 treated plywood panels to rest the panels on. I run the pump daily from 10am-4pm, peak sun hours and use my csolar cover at night. it really makes a major difference. I anticipate an extension of the swim season. Easy to bypass 100% if the weather really heats up to 95-100 in order to prevent water that is too hot."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 11 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
No heat,
Date:July 18, 2009
By Taz32
from Anderson CA
from Anderson CA
Cons: They do not heat a pool very well
"I picked these up to try and heat my pool. I went with this style as I do not want to do a roof mount. When I connected these panels to my pool pump the water was going through so fast it could not heat up very well. So I went and purchased a waterfall pump that is much smaller and would not pump the water as fast, then I was to get a little bit of a temperature difference. I get sun on my panels from 8:30 in the morning until about 6 pm. Yet my water temperature is not very significant to waht is going in and coming out of the panels. I get better heating from the bubbled solar covers. Yes my temperature here in the day usually reaches about 110 in the summer."
Review 12 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
nothing like the photo,
Date:July 12, 2009
By coldswimmer
from nothern ohio
from nothern ohio
Pros: does heat some
Cons: looks like really bad & needs allot more than supplied
"it does not look any thing like the picture and they dont sell any thing to mount like pictured it looks really sloppy and hilbilly ish and slows down the flow on the pump you need the plumbing bypass too"
Review 13 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
well worth the money,
Date:July 7, 2009
By tamandjake
from Springfield, MO
from Springfield, MO
Pros: Works very well
Cons: does require additional parts
"We hooked up in the evening and within 24 hours our temp incresed 12 degrees. I dont get a full day of sun on it but average about 6 - 7 hours of full sun on the heater. I have one solar heater for a 15' x 48" above ground. I live in the midwest so we have warm summers. It has actually gotten the pool temp 6 degrees above outside air temp. I had to shut the heater off and run the pump without heater for over two weeks to get temp back down. You need 2 extra hose clamps and additonal hose to hook unit up. But still well worth the money. I also use a Silver insulated cover int the cooler evenings."
Review 14 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
Excellent heating,
Date:June 27, 2009
By DACM
from Jacksonville, NC
from Jacksonville, NC
Pros: Easy to use
Cons: storage
"I live in N.C. so we do have alot of sun in the afternoon most days. We've used this product for 3 years. We have an 18' round, use 2 panels and a solal cover. Our pool stays between 84-94 degrees. Don't run your filter overnight. You cool the water. I didn't purchase the bypass valve. I don't know what it is. I made my own pvc/ball valve set up and I can adjust my water pressure so I can also run my Zippy(works with exhaust) vaccuum. Our panels sit up on 2x4 framing that we built ourselves and face to the south. My only complaint is we can't repair a hole or seam crack. It cracked being stored last winter. I guess we'll bring them in this year. We are able to use the pool from May 1 til Oct."
Review 15 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
Great heater,
Date:March 6, 2009
By molli1961
from Montrose,Pa
from Montrose,Pa
Pros: Works well when sun is out
Cons: needed 6
"I used 1 on the ground on a rack for 10 years and it worked ok. I live in Northeast Pa, and it is cold here, at night the temp drops and during the day we don't get many days above 84 degrees. We also have alot of trees.
Last summer I bought 2 more 4 foot by 20 sets and mounted them on my tin roof, we also made it so I could turn it off and on, and had it on a timer.
I have never been in a warmer pool in the Northeast.
At night when we took the solar cover off, I would have steam/mist coming up out of the water. THe average water temp was around 84, It did get up to 90 a few times
It works great. The pool size is 15 by 24."
Last summer I bought 2 more 4 foot by 20 sets and mounted them on my tin roof, we also made it so I could turn it off and on, and had it on a timer.
I have never been in a warmer pool in the Northeast.
At night when we took the solar cover off, I would have steam/mist coming up out of the water. THe average water temp was around 84, It did get up to 90 a few times
It works great. The pool size is 15 by 24."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 16 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
worth the money,
Date:December 3, 2008
By kyreb
from Waynesburg, KY
from Waynesburg, KY
Pros: extends swimming season by months
Cons: need platform
"I bought 3 panels for my 28ft 3 years ago. I am able to swim by the first week of may every year. You can feel the difference when in operation. I did develop a hole in one of the panels this year and will need to replace or find a repair kit. I would say this was a wise investment for us."
Review 17 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
worked well,
Date:December 2, 2008
By cjbiss
from michigan
from michigan
Pros: it worked.
Cons: it needs to have a rack to be on.
"it work somewhat, it should be off the ground."
Review 18 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
really does help,
Date:November 28, 2008
By Anonymous
from Napoleon, OH
from Napoleon, OH
Pros: We really like these they work really well
Cons: could use one more for the size of our pool
"Had a little problem hooking this up but contacted customer service and we had to order another part and now it works great."
Review 19 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
Solar heaters,
Date:November 27, 2008
By mudpuppy
from Pine Grove, CA
from Pine Grove, CA
Pros: effective, small and easily handled
Cons: none
"Unlike other solar heaters these are only a couple of feet wide so they are easy to drain and pack up for winter but they seem just as effective at heating the water."
Review 20 for Solar Pool Heaters for Above Ground Pools
Overall Rating:
worth the price,
Date:November 27, 2008
By justpoolme
from S.Paul ,MN
from S.Paul ,MN
Pros: heats my pool a good extra 10 degree's
Cons: winter storage can be a bit of a pain
"this is my second set of solar heaters, my dog put holes in the first set ( live and learn) and i am very satisfied with there perfomance on my 24 foot above ground pool ( 2 Panels)"