1. Intex Solar Heater Mat for Above Ground Swimming Pool

This first solar heater comes from Intex, a familiar name in the sphere of above ground swimming pools. Right off the bat, this heater has a lot going for it. The first thing you might notice is its extremely affordable price. The main reason this heater is so cheap compared to many others on the market is its elegantly simple design.

Using solar power in the purest sense, this mat essentially moves water through thin, flat tubes that are exposed to the sun, warming up the water before pumping it back into the pool. Due to this affordable, simple design, you can buy multiple mats and chain them together to create an increasingly effective heating system.

WHAT WE LIKE

This mat’s price tag and simple design are great perks to consider when shopping for a solar pool heater. While the heat that a single mat provides may not be enough for a large pool, the option to connect multiple mats together without spending an exorbitant amount is a great feature to have.

WHAT WE DONT LIKE

One mark against this mat is that it does not come with a pump. This is fine for those who have their own pump already, but the added cost of buying a new one works to this product’s disadvantage. Something else we would have liked to see is a warranty.

This mat has been generally well-received, but like most products, it is not without its occasional issues. Having the peace of mind a warranty affords would make this product a no-brainer.

This next heater has a similar design to the intex heater, but on a larger scale. It is a much longer rectangle at 20 feet long by two feet wide. This larger design can be a bit more unwieldy and force you to get more creative with space. But the option of mounting it on your roof, especially if it faces south, is a great way to save space and get the most out of this heater.

WHAT WE LIKE

These heaters are quite effective due to their large size. When mounted on the roof, especially if chained together, they can yield significant increases in pool water temperature. They are durable as well, and covered by a 4 year limited warranty to protect you in the event of a faulty or damaged product.

WHAT WE DONT LIKE

Compared to the Intex heaters, these mats are quite expensive. While a single mat will yield a greater temperature increase, the heating is not quite as cost-effective. They are also fairly large, meaning you may have a harder time finding space in which to set them up.

This set of heaters is similar to the previous set. Like the SmartPool system, this set includes two panels measuring 20 feet long by two feet wide. They can also be chained together if necessary to heat larger pools. The company recommends a single system for heating pools up to 12 x 24 feet.

WHAT WE LIKE

These heaters are effective at providing significant increases in your pool’s water temperature. They can be chained together and are protected by a 4 year limited warranty. Like the previous set, they can increase water temperature by 6-10 degrees fahrenheit.

WHAT WE DONT LIKE

Although you do receive two panels, these heaters are quite expensive, and they run into the same issues as the previous set. Finding enough space to set them up, especially if your roof is not suitable, can be a challenge. 

XtremepowerUS brings us a more affordable heating option in a smaller package. Half the length of the previous two sets, this solar heating set is more manageable to install, and its smaller size and lower price make it easier to customize your heating for the exact needs of your pool. Though designed for above ground pools, you can also use this set if your pool is in-ground.

WHAT WE LIKE

These heaters are quite effective due to their large size. When mounted on the roof, especially if chained together, they can yield significant increases in pool water temperature. They are durable as well, and covered by a 4 year limited warranty to protect you in the event of a faulty or damaged product.

WHAT WE DONT LIKE

Compared to the Intex heaters, these mats are quite expensive. While a single mat will yield a greater temperature increase, the heating is not quite as cost-effective. They are also fairly large, meaning you may have a harder time finding space in which to set them up.

Finally, we have a nice little standalone solar heater. This system is incredibly easy to install, with legs that prop up the panel. It also features a curved design that achieves greater exposure to the sun. Like the others on this list, it can be chained to other units to increase heating potential.

WHAT WE LIKE

The ease of this unit’s installation and its ability to stand by itself are great benefits. If you don’t have a lot of space or are worried about setting up other, larger panels to heat your pool, this one is a great option to have.

WHAT WE DONT LIKE

This unit is fairly expensive for what you get. Its heating surface is small compared to some other panels, meaning you may be able to get more bang for your buck elsewhere.