Fitting a solar pool heater is also a good way of adding value to your home.

If you decide to buy and install a ready-made solar water heating system you could pay from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on collector size and installation costs. However, you can make your own solar heating system for an average-sized pool for less than $200, including materials, plans and expert guidance.

Solar pool heaters are connected directly to your existing pool filter system. While the filter is working during the day the water is passed through the solar collectors and returned to the pool. You can have a swimming pool solar heater system which has no moving parts, such as a recirculating pump, but this is governed by the daily sunshine activity locally.

The solar collector panels are typically installed on a roof so as to receive the maximum amount of direct sunlight. Ideally the collectors should face the sun at mid-day and be at an angle equivalent to your latitude minus 10 to 15 degrees. The total area of the solar collectors will depend on various factors, but 50% of your pool area is a good starting point. This will be at least 75% if the collector panels are laid flat or facing west. It is not unusual for the collector area to be the same as that of the pool when the site is shaded badly or exposed to strong winds. Because these solar collectors are space-hungry, it is often necessary to mount them on a ground frame or even a suitable fence.

These are some factors which need to be considered in the design of a swimming pool solar heater:

• Weather and sunshine levels.
• Building codes and safety issues.
• Pool size.
• Length of the swimming season.
• Desired pool temperature.
• Solar collector efficiency.

This is why you should consider getting some guidance in designing your swimming pool solar heating system, because only someone with professional experience will be able to put forward the best solar pool heating system for your particular circumstances.

It is very easy to make and fit your own swimming pool solar heating system and you need no special skills or tools. All materials are available from local hardware stores and garden shops. But, as we have already mentioned, using getting professional input will ensure that you make a good-quality job. We thoroughly recommend one group of professionals who have produced a simple set of plans and a comprehensive set of clearly illustrated instructions to guide you every step of the way in making your solar swimming pool heater. For under $200, including all plans, instructions, materials and expert guidance, you can have a superb solar water heater system for your pool – that is an inspiring idea!