Solar Heater for Intex Pool

[jodyminn]

We bought our 15 ft. round Easy Set pool last summer and enjoyed it often, except for the fact that it was often a bit too cold for my comfort. We have a solar blanket which was kept on whenever we weren't in the pool. After exploring heating options, it looks like our best bet is solar. A pool guy recommended this Maytronic Heat Miser http://www.sunplay.com/heat-miser-ii-solar-pool-heater
as a compact option for us. We'd like to install it on the roof of our shed, which is close to the pool and where the pump will go.

My question relates to the pump: will a 1/2hp pump lift the water to the top of the shed without compromising its other jobs? If not, what hp would you recommend? Thanks!

 

[domct203]

We bought our 15 ft. round Easy Set pool last summer and enjoyed it often, except for the fact that it was often a bit too cold for my comfort. We have a solar blanket which was kept on whenever we weren't in the pool. After exploring heating options, it looks like our best bet is solar. A pool guy recommended this Maytronic Heat Miser http://www.sunplay.com/heat-miser-ii-solar-pool-heater
as a compact option for us. We'd like to install it on the roof of our shed, which is close to the pool and where the pump will go.

My question relates to the pump: will a 1/2hp pump lift the water to the top of the shed without compromising its other jobs? If not, what hp would you recommend? Thanks!

Welcome to the forum!

I'm sorry to say , but your 1/2HP Intex pump will not have enough power to not only lift the water, but to provide enough flow through a solar array. I found this out with my previous Intex 3/4HP pump.

Also, those 'solar panels' in that link are extremely expensive..... a total of 8 square feet for $274?? That's $34.25 per square foot.

I DIY installed 72 square feet of panels for about that same price, or $3.81 per square foot.

Solar heating is all about area..... the more square feet of surface area exposed to the sun, the more heat available for the pool. You will be extremely disappointed with the performance of that very small, very expensive system.

Thanks for posting, nice to have you with us.

 

[DarrelB]

I agree, it is a very expensive unit for the size of it and how it works. I use a total 8' x 20' in panels (160 sq. ft) and still find it not enough sometimes for our 16' Ultra. These only cost me $500 for all 4 including some hose, etc.
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