Without a heater, most NorCal pools are swimmable for only 2 months a year. A Suntrek solar pool heating system can change that , tripling your swim season with 78–86°F pool temps, for virtually zero operating cost.
Even in sun-drenched NorCal, an unheated pool typically sits at uncomfortable temperatures for most of the year. Spring arrives with water that hovers in the low-to-mid 60s, and by October the pool has cooled again. The result: most pool owners use their backyard investment for only a few summer months.
Heating with natural gas, propane, or electricity is one option — but those monthly bills can easily run $500 to $1,000 per month, pushing most families to heat only for special occasions. Solar pool heating solves both problems at once: it extends the season dramatically and eliminates recurring fuel costs.
The Suntrek system operates just like a thermostat — you set your desired temperature and the sun does the rest. Here’s what happens behind the scenes:
| 1 | Solar sensor monitors conditions
While your pool filtration pump runs, a roof-mounted sensor checks whether conditions are right to heat your pool or spa. |
| 2 | Solar valve opens automatically
The control system opens a solar valve and diverts pool water up to Suntrek collectors — no extra pump required. |
| 3 | Sun heats the water — free
Collectors absorb solar energy and transfer it directly to the water passing through. Warmed water returns to your pool or spa. |
| 4 | System drains at night automatically
The Suntrek Solar valve closes after sunset. This allows the system to drain back to the pool to protect the system and maintain optimal performance year-round. |
| No extra equipment needed. The Suntrek system uses your existing pool filtration pump to circulate water through the solar collectors. Little to no operating cost — just free solar energy doing the work. |
Suntrek manufactures two collector lines, giving installers a solution for virtually any roof configuration in Northern California:
Suntrek STSuntrek ST Polypropylene Collectors Available in 4×8, 4×10, and 4×12 sizes. Modular single-tube design for straightforward installations. Ideal for most NorCal homes. 10-year Suntrek warranty |
Suntrek CUSTOMSuntrek Custom Elastomer Collectors Built from EPDM elastomer for challenging, limited roof space. Navigates any roof obstacle. Designed to last 20+ years. 15-year Suntrek warranty |
Both systems feature Suntrek’s unique continuous turbulent flow water channels, which improve the consistency of heat transfer while minimizing energy waste — a design advantage over simpler flat-panel competitors.
Every Suntrek system is designed around your specific goals, property, and lifestyle. The first step is defining what matters most to you: a longer swim season, warmer summer water, energy savings, or a combination. From there, Suntrek evaluates your roof and determines the right collector size and placement.
South, west, and east-facing roof surfaces work well — the unique large-ribbed design of Suntrek’s collectors allows effective heat generation even on non-south-facing roofs. Collectors can also be split across multiple roof areas to achieve the desired total size, or a new ground structure can be built if roof space is limited.
| PRO TIP
Solar collectors must be positioned higher than your pool equipment so the system can gravity-drain when not in use. Suntrek’s team handles this assessment as part of every site evaluation — it’s one reason why proper sizing and professional installation matter. |
Homeowners who’ve tried gas or electric heating know the sticker shock. Monthly bills of $500–$1,000 during swim season mean most families keep the heater off and accept a cold pool. With a Suntrek solar system, the sun covers your heating bill — year after year, with no fuel cost and minimal maintenance.
Suntrek also offers flexible financing through partners including GoodLeap, and Energy Loan Network, making it easier to go solar without a large upfront investment. For the hands-on homeowner, Suntrek’s DIY kits are also available — the same collectors and hardware used by professional installs, with step-by-step manuals that have guided thousands of successful self-installs since 1991.
WHAT YOU GAIN WITH SUNTREK |
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND |
| ✓ Swim season tripled — spring through fall | × Performance is impacted by evening heat loss. A pool cover can help with evening heat loss. |
| ✓ 78–86°F pool | × Collectors can be installed on the roof or on the ground |
| ✓ $0/month operating cost (uses existing pump) | × Climate zones differ throughout NorCal. |
| ✓ 14+ year product lifespan | × Year-round heating may still need gas backup |
| ✓ Adds resale value to your home | × Roof space and orientation affect sizing |
| ✓ DIY option available for all skill levels |
Suntrek has been manufacturing and installing solar pool heating systems since 1991 — over 30 years of experience as a vertically integrated manufacturer, equipment integrator, and licensed solar contractor. They serve both residential and commercial pools across NorCal, from the Bay Area to the Sacramento region, and hold license #859460 as a California-licensed contractor.
As a family-owned business, Suntrek’s approach is to design each system around your home and goals, not a cookie-cutter spec. Their team evaluates your roof, calculates the right collector area for your pool size and target season, handles all permitting, and backs the work with industry-leading warranties.
We offer free estimates with no obligation, get a site evaluation and custom sizing recommendation for your Northern California home.
