If an 11 year old boy can build one then anyone can.
Panel construction does not require machining, welding or precision work of any kind. No special tools or skills are required to complete this project. We supply plans and a 14 page comprehensive set of clearly illustrated instructions to guide you every step of the way. All materials are available from hardware stores and garden shops. Solar pool heater panels can be mounted vertically on a fence or horizontally on a roof It's as easy as ABC so give it a go. See below for more information.
Overview
Our solar pool heater will raise pool or spa water temperatures during the shoulder periods of spring and autumn adding months of use to your investment. Proportions can easily be varied to suite particular locations or applications. For example a spa would obviously require a much smaller panel than would a swimming pool. As a rough rule of thumb a single standard sized solar pool heater panel is effective on pools up to 30,000 litres (approx 6,500 gallons) capacity. There is no reason why a standard sized panel can't be used to heat a 2000 litre (450 gallon) spa, in fact this would warm the water nicely, probably too much if left on during summer. Each standard solar pool heater panel has 12 heating elements but extra elements or multiple solar pool heater panels can be used for increased efficiency or to service larger pools. The solar pool heater panels can be mounted vertically on fences or horizontally on a roof (this is especially useful if the pool area is well shaded). Should space around your pool or spa be at a premium then each panel can be made in segments to fit. A standard sized panel is 3.4m (11' 4") long by 1.4m (4' 8") wide and weighs approximately 35 Kg (77 lbs) once full of water. These have been found to be the optimum dimensions for ease of handling, structural integrity and heating efficiency. Proportions can easily be varied to suite particular locations or applications. A standard sized panel can be built for under $US 100.