Hey again to everyone: looking for recommendations on heater

[lastevns]

Hi all,
While we had the hottest September in written history, it recently cooled and my pool water is cold. So, for example, the water remained in the 80s all summer. But with a little rain ( too little) and temps dropping over 20 degrees my pool water is now in the 70s and *burr* cold. So, it's time to think of a heater. BUT, I need suggestions for something affordable.

I have a 5,000 gallon rectangular pool. There's about 5 feet between the pool wall and the wall bordering my yard. The pump sits in that space so I assume that is where any heater will sit as well. The area gets sun from about 9 am to about 2:30 pm daily. So, solar is an option (either outside the pool or as a cover on the water). Other options are okay too... provided they're affordable. This pool isn't expensive (~$1200) so I'm not looking to spend the same on a heater.

Is there anything that will work for the pool that is in a reasonable price range? TIA!

 

[Newdude]

Is there anything that will work for the pool that is in a reasonable price range? TIA!

Hey Lastevns and Welcome Back !!!

Sadly, there is no free lunch. If heat was easily and cheaply produced, we'd all be hacking our homes to use pool equipment indoors somehow.

Solar covers (the bubble kind) make the biggest dent by retaining today's warmth when tomorrow is cool. But it needs the weather to cooperate a bit as well.

Above ground solar heaters (black hose coil types) are reasonably priced but have little gains, requiring perfect weather conditions to help.

Or you spend more than the pool cost on a electric or gas heater. The good news is a small heater would work with a small pool, but even the smallest heater has a high entry price.

 

[lastevns]

Solar covers (the bubble kind) make the biggest dent by retaining today's warmth when tomorrow is cool. But it needs the weather to cooperate a bit as well.

Well, this is about what I had come to. Even in cooler days there is plenty of sun here. So, at around $200, a solar blanket for the water is likely my best bet.

Thank you for your advice!