Solar pool heating systems are extremely cost-effective.  In Oregon we have financial incentives to help pay for the cost of a new system.  Every pool owner should consider heating with solar energy.

Solar pool heaters are open-loop systems that use the existing pool filtration pump to circulate the pool water directly through the collectors.  The pool itself acts as the storage tank.

Pool heating collectors are typically made of unglazed black polymer and should cover an area equal to 50-100% of the surface area of the pool.  They must be installed on a slope so that they can be completely drained in the fall.  Any water trapped in the collector may freeze and burst the collector tubing.

A pool cover is strongly recommended as a low-cost method of reducing heat loss overnight and maintaining warm temperatures for longer periods.