Sizing & Design
How Your Solar Pool Heating System Is Designed
Every pool and every family is different. That’s why your solar pool heating system should be designed for your goals, your property, and your lifestyle. The process is simple, clear, and always focused on helping you get the most out of your pool.
Step 1: Define Your Goals
First, think about what matters most to you:
- A longer swim season?
- Warm swimming during summer?
- Energy savings?
- A solution that fits your budget?
Your priorities set the direction for your system’s design.
Step 2: Look at Your Pool & Property
Your home and pool have unique characteristics that influence the design. Key factors include:
- Pool size and surface area – the larger the pool, the more solar coverage you’ll want.
- Roof orientation & layout – south, west/east, or flat roofs are ideal, but north facing roofs can be used as well
- Pool equipment location – plumbing runs and system flow rate are important considerations for system placement
- Pool Features – Pool covers, vanishing edges, water features can impact heating performance
- Shading & obstructions – things like chimneys, skylights, or nearby trees can affect efficiency.
Step 3: Right-Size the System
The best-performing systems are typically 80–120% of your pool’s surface area. When your system is properly sized, you can expect:
- Pool water that’s 10–15°F warmer than baseline.
- A swim season that lasts 2-3x as long as without solar.
- Daily gains of 2–8°F on sunny days.
Step 4: Choose the Right Technology
You have options when it comes to solar pool heating products. Suntrek’s CUSTOM and ST product lines are designed to:
- Deliver maximum heating for the space you have available.
- Minimize roof penetrations for long-term protection.
- Hold up to wind, weather, and years of use.
You get a system that’s built to match your roof, your needs, and your goals.
Step 5: Blend With Your Home
Your solar pool heating system doesn’t just perform — it complements your home. Panels are laid out cleanly and plumbing is kept low-profile so the system looks as natural as possible on your roof.
Step 6: Plan Ahead
If you’re considering solar electricity or battery storage in the future, your pool heating system can be designed with that in mind. This way, your investment today won’t limit your options tomorrow.
The Bottom Line
With the right system design, you’ll enjoy comfortable water temperatures, a longer swim season, and ongoing energy savings — all powered by the sun.