How much does a solar pool heater cost?
How much does a solar pool heater cost?
$2,500 – $6,500 average cost installed
Solar pool heater cost
A solar pool heater costs $2,500 to $6,500 installed on average. A solar pool heating system costs $2,000 to $5,000, plus $500 to $1,500 for installation labor. Pool solar panel costs depend on the type, size, brand, location, and if the pool is inground or above-ground.
| National average cost | $4,500 |
| Minimum cost | $1,500 |
| Maximum cost | $11,000 |
| Average cost range | $2,500 to $6,500 |
* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Solar panels are the most cost-effective pool heating method in sunny areas:
Cost $10 to $25 per month to run
Heat a pool by 8° to 12°
Take 1 to 3 days to heat a pool
Last 15 to 20 years
Average payback between 1 and 7 years
Average cost to install a solar pool heater
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Solar pool heater | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Installation labor | $500 – $1,500 |
| Total cost | $2,500 – $6,500 |
The following factors affect the cost to install a solar pool heater:
Pool size – A larger pool needs more solar collector panels to heat the pool to the desired temperature.
Weather – Location and climate affect the air temperature and length of the swimming season, dictating the number of solar collectors needed.
Sun exposure – Homes with ideal sun exposure need fewer panels than homes that spend part of the day in the shade.
Collector type & efficiency – Glazed collectors are the most efficient but most expensive to install.
Inground vs. above-ground pool – Solar heating for inground pools typically costs more.
Controller valve – A flow control valve and automatic diverter valve cost $325 to $600. A controller increases efficiency and performance by bypassing the solar collectors during cloudy or rainy days.
Incentives – Rebates and tax credits may reduce the total installation cost, depending on location.
Plumbing – Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour. Install the solar collector panels as close to the pool pump as possible to reduce plumbing costs.
Pool solar panels cost
Pool solar panels cost $1,000 to $10,000+ with installation, depending on the type and size.
Propylene mats and unglazed solar panels are the most common and are adequate in most regions.
Glazed panels are the most expensive and are more effective in cold regions with less direct sunlight.
| Type | Average cost installed | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Polypropylene mats | $1,000 – $3,000 | Soft, flexible, thermoplastic mat with thin vein-like tubes for water |
| Unglazed solar panels | $1,500 – $4,500 | Plastic or heavy-duty rubber box containing vertical tubes where water gathers heat from the sun |
| Glazed solar panels | $3,000 – $10,000 | Iron-tempered box with glass covering containing copper tubing on an aluminum plate for maximum efficiency |
Installing solar panels costs $10,600 to $26,500 on average to power an entire house after. The solar collectors for a pool heater are not the same as solar panels that generate electricity for a home.Â
Pool solar heater price list by brand
| Brand | Price range* | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Heliocol / SunStar | $2,000 – $6,000 | Complete kit with automatic controller |
| SwimLux | $3,200 – $7,900 | Complete kit with automatic controller |
| Northern Lights / Sunrain | $2,600 – $6,800 | Complete kit with automatic controller |
| SwimEasy | $1,500 – $4,200 | Complete kit with manual valve |
| Enersol | $1,500 – $4,200 | DIY solar pool heater kit |
| SmartPool | $800 – $1,600 | DIY solar pool heater kit |
| SunHeater | $800 – $1,500 | DIY solar pool heater kit |
| Fafco | $250 – $850 | DIY solar pool heater kit |
*Not including installation.
Solar pool heater prices by thermal collector size
Solar pool heaters are sized based on the swimming pool's surface area. The ideal collector size depends on the location, climate, sun exposure, and the length of the swimming season.
| Number of 4’ x 10’ solar collectors | Pool surface area | System cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 288 sq.ft. | $1,600 – $4,500 |
| 6 | 512 sq.ft. | $2,300 – $5,800 |
| 8 | 648 sq.ft. | $3,000 – $7,200 |
| 10 | 800 sq.ft. | $3,500 – $8,000 |
*Not including installation.
Sizing solar pool heaters
The total thermal collector area should be:
50% of the pool surface area for homes in the southern U.S. or homeowners looking to add heating during a 3- to 4-month swimming season.
75% of the pool surface area for homeowners looking to extend the summer swimming season to 4 to 6 months.
100% of the pool surface area for homes in the northern U.S. or homeowners looking for a year-round swimming season.
Add more collectors if the panels do not receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, the pool has any shaded areas, or for homes in regions with fewer sunny days.
Solar pool cover cost
A solar pool cover costs $35 to $400, depending on the shape and size. Most heat loss occurs overnight from the pool's exposed surface. A solar blanket reduces evaporative heat loss, retaining heat generated by the solar pool heater during the day.
A solar pool cover reel costs $180 to $350 and makes it easier to deploy and retract the pool cover quickly.
| Pool cover shape | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Round (10' – 21') | $35 – $180 |
| Round (22' – 30') | $125 – $350 |
| Oval | $70 – $400 |
| Rectangle | $100 – $400 |
Alternative solar pool heating costs
A gas pool heater costs $1,500 to $4,500 with installation. Operating costs for a gas pool heater are $200 to $500 per month, up to twenty times more than running a solar pool heater.
Installing a heat pump pool heater costs $2,000 to $6,000. Running a heat pump costs $50 to $150 per month.
Solar pool heating pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Solar pool heater FAQs
Are solar heating panels expensive to run?
Running a solar pool heater costs $10 to $25 per month—a lower operating cost than all other pool heater types. The solar panels themselves use no electricity, but the system uses the pool's existing pump to circulate water through the collectors, increasing the pump's electricity usage.
Is solar pool heating worth it?
Solar pool heating reduces energy bills and extends the swimming season. Solar pool heaters provide a payback of between 1 and 7 years and are the most cost-effective heating method in sunny climates.
Solar pool heaters provide less value in colder climates with less sun or for homeowners who want the pool to heat up quickly.
How long for a solar heater to heat pool?
A solar heater takes 1 to 3 days on average to heat a pool, depending on the location, climate, and current air temperature. Pools in the cooler northern regions can take up to a week to warm up at the beginning of the swimming season.
Using a pool cover or solar blanket reduces overnight heat loss, allowing the solar heater to warm the pool more quickly and efficiently.
How warm does a solar heated pool get?
A solar-heated pool is typically 8° to 12° warmer than an unheated pool in the same area. A solar-heated pool paired with a solar blanket cover can reach 15° warmer than an unheated pool. The maximum water temperature depends on the local climate.
How long do solar pool heaters last?
Solar pool heaters last 15 to 20 years when properly installed and maintained. Most systems come with a 12-year warranty. Solar heaters have a longer lifespan than gas and heat pump pool heaters.
Finding and hiring a pool heater installer
Before hiring a solar installer near you, remember to:
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Select companies with experience installing and maintaining solar pool heaters.
Select installers who are members of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
Look for installers certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose a company that is licensed, insured, and bonded.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Avoid companies with the lowest quotes as quality may suffer.
Never pay in full before the installation starts. Follow a payment plan instead.
Questions to ask
How many solar pool heaters have you installed?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Are you a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) or other solar industry associations?
How many solar collectors will I need to heat my pool?
Can a solar heater keep my pool warm all year long?
Will the solar pool heater affect the pool's chemistry?
Will I need a separate pool pump for the solar heater?
Is the system eligible for tax credits and rebates?
How long will the installation take?
Are permits required? Will you pull them?
What additional costs can I expect that aren't in the estimate?
How long is the warranty, and what does it cover?
What kind of regular maintenance will the system require?
Should I install a pool cover with my heater? Why or why not?