Four years ago we made the decision to put in an above-ground swimming pool. Initially we had wanted an in-ground pool, but due to the way our well (for water) and our septic system is in our backyard…that wasn’t possible. So, we went with the next best thing, an above-ground pool.
* The item featured today was personally purchased by the writer who paid full price. This post is NOT sponsored by any company. Affiliate links are within the post.
In the northeast our pool season is relatively short. Typically it will run from early June through early September. We need several hot weather days in a row to get warm water in our pools, so if you want to extend your pool season and enjoy your pool even on chillier days you’ll need a pool heater.
I researched the different options available: electric, propane, gas and solar. After my research I opted to go with a solar heater that works with above-ground pools. I didn’t want something too cheap or too expensive. I went the “middle road” regarding price and options.
From Amazon I purchased the Doheny’s Above Ground Solar Heating System that’s perfect for above-ground swimming pools. We have an 18-foot round pool, so we only needed 1 collector which has been working perfectly for our needs. You could buy 2 collectors if you have a larger sized pool. It came with most of the hardware that I needed for installation.
For photo taking purposes I’m showing it hooked up and running with the panel laying on the ground beside the pool. I did install it on the angled roof of our little pool house. I didn’t take photos of it up there as it would of been too difficult for me to do so.
Regarding installation, I had it installed, hooked up, and running in a few hours. I did go out and buy a compression coupler as I couldn’t get a tight-fit and had a drip-drop leak. Using the compression coupler (picked up from Lowe’s) completely solved that problem.
We can now enjoy our above-ground swimming pool on cooler days, during the early morning or late evening hours and this year we got to enjoy our pool almost 3 weeks earlier than last year. I’m hoping we can now keep the pool open until late September or early October. It has really made a nice difference in the temperature of our water.
You can purchase the Doheny’s Above Ground Solar Heating System for Swimming Pools directly from Amazon for a really great price. After doing my research, I found it to be one of the most affordable options out there. You can purchase 1, 2 or 3 solar panels, depending upon your needs.
* This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may or may not receive a small commission which helps to support this site. Thank you!
Disclosure: The item featured today was personally purchased by the writer who paid full price. This post is NOT sponsored by any company. Affiliate links are within the post. Sam’s opinion, words, and thoughts are 100% his own. Your opinion or experience may be different.
This solar heater looks like a great idea. I am glad that it has worked well for you.
Solar works well here in Colorado with all the sunshine we get. I live in a townhouse and have no place to put a pool.
I would go solar too for a pool because it makes perfect sense. We live in an area too where the season is pretty short. I think an above ground is a great way to find out too if you want pool maintenance. We donot have a pool but know some that do and it gets really pricy to deal with. Shopping off season is always a good idea!
This was so informative and interesting to read. I have always wanted a pool but I know some people who have like $1500.00 monthly power bills because of their pools and that is Crazy! This is a wonderful alternative and really affordable thank you so much for sharing your experience with a solar heater.
We recommend starting off with an above-ground pool first and use that for a few years to make sure you really want an in-ground pool. You can buy a nice above ground pool during the off season (November through February) at a rock bottom off-season price! We got our’s for 65% off retail price by buying it during that time of the year and we purchased it through Amazon. Yes, via Amazon! They have several sizes and shapes available. If you watch for the sales and play your cards right you can get a pool pretty cheap. Too keep your energy costs down definitely go with a solar panel water heater like we did. Our electric bill ONLY goes up by $55 to $75 a month due to running our pool & water pump 24 hours a day during the months of June, July and August. We’ve been saving big time by going with solar heater instead of an electric or gas powered heater.
Hi Shelly, thank you for your reply. I am amazed that you can buy a pool on Amazon I had no idea! Also that is so awesome that your power bill only goes up $55 to $75 per month during the summer. After reading all of this I am excited that a pool could be in our future. I would also like to learn more about getting solar panels for our home I see them all around and always wondered how it all works. The power company out here just keeps jacking up the prices and it just terrible. I love reading posts like this where I learn things that I never knew before. Hope you all have a nice night.