Is 80sqft of solar pool heater panels worth it?

[Poolnewb105]

I have roughly 80sqft of roof space on the back of my pool shed which would allow me to install two 10 x 4 panels.

The total surface area of my pool is 480 sqft. I know they recommend at least 50% of your pool's surface area in panels but would 80sqft of panels be negligible? Just wondering because it would be a small enough system that I could install myself and wouldn't require building a ground mount rack.

Also, what's the average lifespan of a well made panel?

Thanks for the input!

 

[splashpad]

I have roughly 80sqft of roof space on the back of my pool shed which would allow me to install two 10 x 4 panels.

The total surface area of my pool is 480 sqft. I know they recommend at least 50% of your pool's surface area in panels but would 80sqft of panels be negligible? Just wondering because it would be a small enough system that I could install myself and wouldn't require building a ground mount rack.

Also, what's the average lifespan of a well made panel?

Thanks for the input!

• Is that roof side south facing?
• Full sun?
• Is the shed strong enough to support the water weight?
  • If you moved the water slow enough...
  • and could possibly encase the solar panels to increase captured heat to exchange,
  • it might make a slight difference.
• Will the pool be covered at night?
  • You would want to retain as much heat added as you can.

 

[Poolnewb105]

• Is that roof side south facing?
• Full sun?
• Is the shed strong enough to support the water weight?
  • If you moved the water slow enough...
  • and could possibly encase the solar panels to increase captured heat to exchange,
  • it might make a slight difference.
• Will the pool be covered at night?
  • You would want to retain as much heat added as you can.

It is South facing in full sun but I wouldn't bother encasing them. The shed should be plenty strong enough to support it. However, if the increase is only slight, it's not worth it.

 

[splashpad]

It is South facing in full sun but I wouldn't bother encasing them. The shed should be plenty strong enough to support it. However, if the increase is only slight, it's not worth it.

Here is a quick reference chart I found:

Solar Pool Heater Sizing Guide | InTheSwim Pool Blog

Solar Pool Heater Sizing Guide - how many panels do you need for a decent sized solar pool heater? Depends on how warm you want it, and if you will be using a cover, and sometimes on how much space you have available.

blog.poolcenter.com

The quick reference chart suggests 5-6 panels for your pool's surface area...

 

[Poolnewb105]

Here is a quick reference chart I found:

Solar Pool Heater Sizing Guide | InTheSwim Pool Blog

Solar Pool Heater Sizing Guide - how many panels do you need for a decent sized solar pool heater? Depends on how warm you want it, and if you will be using a cover, and sometimes on how much space you have available.

blog.poolcenter.com

The quick reference chart suggests 5-6 panels for your pool's surface area...

Thanks!

 

[wikihowto]

100% or more of the pools total surface area or more. So in this scenario, I would quote it 12 panels. 2 panels you're wasting your money. Bad investment! Panels must also be facing south or southwest. If not then efficiency is 30-40% less.

 

[Poolnewb105]

100% or more of the pools total surface area or more. So in this scenario, I would quote it 12 panels. 2 panels you're wasting your money. Bad investment! Panels must also be facing south or southwest. If not then efficiency is 30-40% less.

Awesome, I appreciate the information.