Operating a solar pool heater is straightforward and integrates seamlessly with your existing pool equipment once installed. The solar pool heater itself contains no mechanical parts but utilizes your pool's water pump to circulate water through the solar panels and PVC plumbing lines.  

 

Here’s how a solar pool heater works:

 

1. Pool water is initially pumped from your pool through the filtration equipment.

2. The water is then directed to the solar pool heater panel array.

3. As the cooler pool water enters the solar panels, it travels through riser tubes from the bottom to the top header pipes. During this process, the solar panels absorb and transfer heat stored from the sun to the pool water. 

4. The now-warmed water returns gently to the swimming pool, gradually increasing the pool water temperature until the desired level is achieved

 

Components of a solar pool heater system include:

 

Solar Pool Panels: Absorb solar heat and transfer it to the pool water.

Feed & Return PVC Plumbing Lines: Transport pool water to and from the solar array. 

Pool Filter: Removes debris before water enters the solar panels.

Pool Pump: Circulates water through the filter, solar panels, and back to the pool.

3-way Flow Control Valve: Controls the directional flow of pool water (on or off).

2-way Flow Control Valves: Manage the directional flow of pool water through the solar pool heater’s feed and return PVC plumbing lines.