[masraum]

Originally Posted by 71T Targa

Here's my take on solar pool heaters, and yes, I've had them.

1) When the sun is out they work great!
2) You don't really need/want your pool heated when the sun's out.
3) When it's cloudy they don't work, and can actually lower the temp of the pool.
4) You really need/want your pool heated on cloudy days.
5) If you accidentally leave them 'on' during the night, they can greatly lower your pool temp.

My mother's has a thermostat, so you can turn the heat, up/down, so it won't get too hot. I guess some of your other stuff depends upon where you are (she's in the panhandle of Florida).

There are times when it's 70 or 75 outside and sunny, but you'd like to get into a warm pool (say 80*). Well, without the heater, the pool won't be that warm. Also, I think my mom would turn the pump and heater off at night and then turn it on again in the morning. Her pool isn't used daily. I guess if it was it would be easy enough to get a timer that could do that for you.