SOLAR
POOL
HEATER
DESIGN GUIDE
In this section you will be guided step by step through the design phase of your solar pool heater kit. This process will provide you with the information and design tools as you need them and will help you design a solar pool heater system that meets your pools heating requirements.
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By the time you have completed the design phase you will have:
* Measured the length and width of your pool
* Evaluated the % of shade your pool receives between the 9am - 5 pm solar window
* Learned about optimal panel array orientation
* Determined the optimal location to install the solar pool panels
* Evaluated any panel array shading concerns
* Calculated the number of solar pool panels you will need to effectively heat your pool
* Designed the layout of your solar pool panel array(s)
* Learned how to circumvent roof obstacles & complex roof designs by incorporating split kits, double row kits & different panel sizes into your system design
* Measured and caculated your available roof/ground surface area
* Learned why using a solar controller is optimal
* Learned how a solar pool cover can maximize a solar pool heaters performance
Once you have completed your system design you should be ready to purchase your solar pool heater kit with confidence and be one step closer to heating your pool with the FREE solar radiant energy from the sun!
STEP 1: MEASURE YOUR POOL
Measuring your pool is pretty straightforward. The first thing you need to do is measure the length and width of your pool and keep these measurements handy for later steps in the sizing process. Below are some examples showing how to measure different pool shapes to determine the correct dimensions.
STEP 2: Determine Shading Conditions
Pool shading is an important factor when designing a solar pool heater system that works correctly. Solar pool panels perform best when exposed to direct sunlight during the solar window period of 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Take a walk around your pool area and look for trees, fences, buildings, or other obstructions that may cast shade on your pool or solar panels during the day. You can also use Google Maps to help identify shading concerns on your roof or property.
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If only part of the pool is shaded for part of the day, estimate the overall shade percentage. Example: If 50% of the pool is shaded for 50% of the solar day, this equals 25% shade overall. Indoor pools should use 100% shade.
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Select the option below that best matches your pool conditions and remember this for later:
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No Shade from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. → 1.00
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25% Shade → 1.10
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50% Shade → 1.25
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75% Shade → 1.50
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100% Shade → 1.75
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Indoor Pool → 2.00
STEP 3: PANEL ARRAY ORIENTATION
For maximum solar pool heating performance, solar panels should ideally face south in the northern hemisphere. South-facing panels receive the most direct sunlight throughout the day and provide the highest heat output.
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East and west-facing roof surfaces can also work well, although system performance may be slightly reduced compared to a true southern exposure. North-facing installations are generally not recommended unless the panels are mounted on an elevated rack system designed to improve solar exposure.
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Solar pool panels should also be installed with enough slope to allow proper drainage when the pool pump shuts off. A minimum angle of approximately 15° is recommended whenever possible.
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In warmer tropical and sub-tropical climates, flat-mounted installations may be suitable in some cases. If installing on a flat roof or flat surface, review our FLAT ROOF INSTALLATION guide for important drainage and freeze protection considerations.
STEP 4: PANEL LAYOUT OPTIONS
Single Solar Pool Heater Panel Array
Split into Multiple Solar Pool Heater Panel Arrays
Double Row | Split into Two Solar Pool Panel Arrays
![Solar Pool Heater Panel Layout |Â Double Row [Split into Two Solar Pool Panel Arrays]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/36b07f_33bdf9f30ebf40ebaae536ee9c7c4f4b.jpg/v1/fill/w_317,h_294,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/36b07f_33bdf9f30ebf40ebaae536ee9c7c4f4b.jpg)
![Solar Pool Heater Panel Layout |Â Double Row [Split into Two Solar Pool Panel Arrays]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/36b07f_e439094cd1c64abcbd08cbcee4366f15.jpg/v1/fill/w_244,h_288,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/36b07f_e439094cd1c64abcbd08cbcee4366f15.jpg)
Note: Do not use more than 10 solar pool panels in any row. Larger systems need to be split into several rows.