The swimming pool is a great place to have fun, relax, and stay in shape. Because of the changing weather conditions, swimming pools cannot be used in the autumn and winter in most of the northern and Midwest states. In some places, swimming pools are too cold to swim in as early as late August. To keep them usable throughout the year, you can have solar heaters for swimming pools installed.

Solar heater pools

Solar pool heaters absorb infrared radiation from the sun. The dark solar panels that come with the heating assembly attracts energy. These panels measure four feet x 10 feet each. A regular solar heater kit for a swimming pool includes two panels. The panels come with stands, and they can easily be erected in gardens and patios. Solar heaters for swimming pools also come with cables that are attached to the swimming pool's filtration system. A solar heater kit costs $250.

When the pool's filtration system is turned on, the solar panels in the solar heater begin absorbing energy from the sun. They become hot to touch, and after reaching a certain temperature, the solar panels begin to cool rapidly. The heat is transferred through the cables and into the water. The solar panels continue to absorb heat as long as the filtration system is on, raising the temperature of the  pool water by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Indoor pool heaters solar

Most indoor pools do not get unbearably cold, but you can still use indoor solar pool heaters on them. The solar panels are mounted on the roof. Long heat transfer cables connect from the panels to the filtration system near the pool. Indoor pool heaters solar work the same way as other solar heaters for swimming pools do. Because the cables are much longer than other models, they are more expensive. They cost$300 to $400.

Home built solar pool heaters

Building home furnishings can be fun and fulfilling, so some homeowners prefer home built solar pool heaters. The materials found in a typical package of solar heaters for swimming pools can be bought individually, and assembled and connected as the homeowners see fit. The package should contain at least two solar panels, stands or props for the panels, and heat transfer cables. These materials cost between $180 and $200.

Safety and other considerations

There are several safety considerations when operating solar heaters for swimming pools. Do not touch the solar panels while they are gathering energy. They become very hot. Combustible and plastic items should be kept away from the solar panels at all times. Also, never leave the solar panels exposed to the cold. They are notoriously sensitive to low temperatures, and they crack easily in the winter. Bring them inside the house when not in use.