Re:
I'm interested in this heather...sound like a good cheap alternative to gas or electric heather...Anybody have experience with that type of pool heather...Thanks guys...
http://www.fafco.com/SolarPoolHeater/FAFCO-above-ground-pool-heaters.html
Zef:
You received a lot of very good input on solar heating. But to start solar is an additional way or option to heat any pool. I extents the swim season is the best way to look at it. If your pool has a spa as part of the system you will still need your gas or electric heater to hold or bring up the temp to say 102. And solar by itself with not keep or raise a spa or pool at night. A heat pump is a option in some case, but it's like solar it's in additional to a gas or electric heater of some type. Your local fuel (type of cost) are big factors, in Arizona the electrical rates are say lower than in California. And propane vs nature gas pricing needs to be address if you on bottle gas. And solar raise the pool temp over days in the summer, and only when the sun is out. But solar does work, just not year around in every area. Better in the summer, less if at all in the winter; and not during the rains or snow. And snow or freezing temps can damage solar panels, you will need to winterize them.
General idea's to review: Remember all this is a math formula
Total gallons in your pool
Check with a local solar company to do an energy review; parts of any country get more or less usable solar sunlight than others.
Gas or Propane>what your charged
Electric rate>what your charged
Type of pump you currently have> A variable speed pump would be a good grade to save energy with or without solar. What you save on electric you put towards gas. A new pump could or may be needed to pump the water to the roof or panels
A pool cover is a must with solar and should be on almost every pool. Saves energy, heat, water lose, and lowers chemcial usage.
Number of hours you are currently running your pool filtering system.
Talk to your poolman and then go of some of the website's.
Hope this input helps>enjoy your pool
Art