Re: Solar heat section??? Third request!
I've recently installed the Fafco Sungrabber panels. 2 - 2x20 foot sections are less than $200 on ebay and come with the warranty. I installed 160 sq. ft. myself for less than $600 (no controller) and the cheapest I could have a professional company install them for was over $2k AFTER the government rebates, etc.
Currently, I have no controller, but where I live it is sunny most of the time. I figure I could tweak out a couple more weeks of swimming with a controller, but that is just a guess. For this season and next, I'm just leaving the solar on and adjusting pump run times based on solar charts. If the family decides they want to extend the swimming season a bit more, I'll probably add a controller. Also, I have a built in spa, so can heat that using solar very quickly, which should be nice in the winter months. I also only have a solar cover for the spa since having one over the pool is just a pain I don't want to deal with as much as my kids go in and out.
Right now, my pool is between 88-90 while my neighbors that are unheated are in the 80-82 range.
All the panels are not the same. You also have to check to be sure you are getting IG vs AB panels; although some people claim it makes no difference. I have never gotten a good straight answer on that one.
If you have a good hardware / tractor supply store near you (not HD), you can get the additional panel connector kits (reinforced hose and clamps) and the barbed fittings, vacuum relief valves, etc. cheaper than ordering online.
The only thing I would do differently is to get the 2x10 panels instread of the 2x20. Simply because it is a real pain to get the 2x20 which must be mounted horizontally to stay flat and not sag causing ripples. I also need to switch from plastic to metal pipe clamps for holding the feed and return 2" PVC pipe in place. The plastic gets hot and bends too easily.
