When it comes to having a pool, it’s always a good idea to have it nice and warm for a relaxing swim. But the question is: is it worth having a pool that is heated by solar power? That’s what we’ll be talking about today. And we’ll also discuss a few reasons why it might be the best thing you’ve ever invested in for your home.

The short answer is yes. To give you a bit of an extended answer, having a pool that is heated with solar makes for a great addition to your home. Not to mention, it will exponentially increase the value of it. So when it comes time to sell the house, having a swimming pool heated with solar will definitely make it more enticing to potential buyers. Plus, you’ll walk away with a much higher closing cost compared to other homes on the market that don’t have these cool additional features.

If you are looking for additional reasons why you need a solar heated pool, you can take a look at the list below. It might just give you enough inspiration and drive to have one installed for your home (assuming you have room). Let’s take a look at these all-important reasons:

1. Can Be Installed Professionally Without Issue
   Remember the times when installation would take a week or more? Not so much when it comes to solar-heated pools. Most solar-heated pools can even be installed within a few hours’ time. Assuming the pool will be professionally installed, you also won’t have to play the waiting game as far as parts and assembly are concerned. Even better, the pool uses solar power reducing the operating costs when compared to a traditional gas-based heater.
2. It’s Cost-Effective
   Heating your pool using gas quickly adds up to a significant cost. But with solar power, those costs almost completely evaporate. Think about it: using the sun is free of charge. Not to mention, it’s a renewable energy resource that is abundant in supply. Plus, you’ll be saving plenty of money over the long-term. You might even get the same money that you spent installing the solar system back in savings within a year or two. It’s no joke when we say that solar power is the way to go when it comes to saving money. Let’s not forget the annual tax incentives you’re eligible for!
3. Little To No Maintenance
   Life is a lot easier when something requires little to no maintenance. Not only that, but it will also save you a bit more cash in the process. That’s how reliable solar power is. Compared to gas-powered systems that will last you a few years before things go horribly wrong, solar provides a long-lasting solution. Even better, solar panels will never rust or corrode. And they will never collect dust or face any short-circuiting issues. If you want the best reliable resource of energy for heating a pool, solar will beat the pants off of anything else. Got a leaky pipe? You can easily repair it with just a few simple steps. Plus, no gas leaks ever.
4. You Can Enjoy Your Pool All Year Long
   Believe it or not, you can enjoy swimming in your pool every day all year long because it won’t freeze over. With a solar heater, the water will almost always be about 15 degrees warmer than it would be without a solar heater. If you live in a mild climate during the winter, you can still swim in a pool with water temperatures reaching a comfortable 70 degrees. If you live in a state where sunshine is plentiful, you can also add a pool cover in order to preserve more heat in the water. The warmer the water, the better off you’ll be.
   
5. They Are Reliable
   If we’ve said it once, then we’ll say it again. Solar panels are reliable, low maintenance, and will last you a long time. Solar panels will last anywhere between 20 to 25 years. So you’ll get to enjoy a heated pool all year long every single year. How can you say no to that? Reliability means less maintenance, fewer issues due to environmental factors, and more enjoyment for you and your family. You won’t expect anything less than the best.

Now that we have covered some of the “pros” or good reasons why a solar heated pool is worth it, let’s address some of the common downsides. It’s important to know what to expect so you are unable to confuse it with the possibility of the pool’s heating system malfunctioning. Let’s take a look at what they are:

1. You’ll Lose Heat at Night
   Of course, with no sun out you’ll lose heat causing the water temperature to be much cooler. Essentially, your heating system will start up each and every morning. Not only that, but it will also take some time for the pool to warm up before it reaches a comfortable temperature. This is something to keep in mind if you are someone looking to take a morning dip. So you’ll have a few hours of comfortable water temperatures before the cycle continues once more.
2. Typically Less Effective in the Winter Months
   Even if you live in a part of the country where snow is non-existent, the winter months will still not do you any favors when it comes to heating your pool with solar. That’s because the days are shorter which means you’ll get less sunshine. This prevents your pool from having enough time to warm up for the day. If you are waiting almost half the day in the summer for the pool to warm up, it will take even longer in the winter. Simple as that.
3. Adding A Supplementary System Will Defeat The Entire Purpose
   Some will say that the solar panels may not be enough to heat their pools. So, they’ll opt to install a completely different system to supplement it. That defeats the entire purpose of using solar to heat your pool. However, in some circumstances depending on where you live, a supplementary system is almost required to comfortably use your pool. It also allows you to heat your pool for night-time swimming when your solar heating is non-operational.

Let’s take a look at some comparisons. If you have a swimming pool that is unheated, the temperature can vary depending on the air temperature of that day. For example, if it’s a 90-degree day then you can expect the water temperature in an unheated pool to range anywhere between 70 to 73 degrees. But with solar heat, you can expect the temperatures to be right around 80 to 83 degrees. So you basically get a ten-degree difference between the two. 

In the spring and fall months, the water temperatures will hover in the 60s if it’s unheated. That can also be a little uncomfortable for some swimmers. However, solar heated pools will likely keep temperatures within the 70s. This does depend on the climate of the area where you live, so make sure your solar heated system matches your preferences and location. Milder climates will fare better than parts of the US that will have much cooler climates in the winter, early spring, or late fall.

It’s never been easier to make a decision on how you can heat your pool. Solar power provides a great solution for the way most people use their swimming pool. Not only will it make the water more comfortable, but it will also be the most cost-effective option. You save money on energy costs and spend little to nothing on maintenance. Be sure to speak with a solar power company near you if you want to learn more about solar heating systems for your swimming pool.