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The 7 best solar mats for the pool 2024?

by Tim

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To find the perfect solar mat for your pool, you need to choose the right size, for example. Our guide provides all the information you need to make a purchase decision that pays off.

Avoid buying mistakes:

We also present the most popular solar pool mats 2024 in our recommendation. So everyone is guaranteed to find the right offer.

Contents:

  1. Top picks: The best solar mats for the pool 2024 reviewed.
  2. Checklist: These features are important.
  3. Bestsellers: The most popular solar mats for the pool.
  4. Guide: How to make the right decision.
  5. FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about pool solar mats.

The best solar mats for the pool 2024 reviewed

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

1. best pool solar mat for strong heating

Environmentally friendly
Intex solar heating mat*

    This solar mat from Intex is made from durable, UV-resistant materials. It can be supplemented with 6 additional mats to heat larger pools.

    What we like:

    • Heat output
    • Simple assembly
    • Expandable with a maximum of 6 heating mats
    What we don’t like:

    • Kinks at the hose connections

    Why we like it: There is a reason why Intex solar mats are so popular! Numerous customers report that the pool water can be heated significantly with this solar mat. The product therefore offers good performance at a relatively low price.

    Recommended for: This solar heating mat is intended for use with portable pools only and is not suitable for use in installed pools.

    2. best pool solar mat with extensive size selection

    Effective
    Steinbach Compact solar collector*

      The Steinbach Compact solar collector uses high-quality and durable collectors to heat the water in the pool to a pleasant temperature in the shortest possible time. The collectors are easy to store and well made.

      What we like:

      • Many sizes
      • Simple installation
      • Expandable
      What we don’t like:

      • Leaking joints

      Why we like it: This solar mat from Steinbach is available in numerous sizes, so there is a suitable model for every garden and pool. The collectors are supplied ready for installation and only need to be installed on the pool.

      Recommended for: The solar collector is suitable for pools with a capacity of up to 20,000 liters and can be expanded as required. When cold, the material is rigid and brittle, so it is recommended to leave it in the sun before unrolling the mat.

      3. best pool solar mat for a roof

      Energy efficient
      Zelsius solar heating pool heater solar collector*

        In this pool heater with dimensions of 600 × 80 cm, the water flows through several pipes and heats up gradually. With this solar mat, the pool water is quickly brought up to bathing temperature, while energy costs are saved at the same time.

        What we like:

        • Expandable
        • High heat output
        • Sustainable
        • Good quality
        What we don’t like:

        • Price
        • Not durable

        Why we like it: To save space in the garden, this solar mat can be easily attached to a roof. Depending on how strongly the water is to be heated, the solar mat can be extended for a higher output.

        Recommended for: The Zelsius solar heater is ideal for pool owners looking for an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method of pool heating.

        4. best pool solar mat for heating up to 5 degrees

        Robust
        Bestway Flowclear solar pool heater*

          This solar mat can heat the water in the pool by up to 5 degrees. Customers particularly praise the quality of the Bestway solar mat.

          What we like:

          • Expandable
          • Good workmanship
          • Simple installation
          • Weather resistant
          What we don’t like:

          • No 38 mm adapter included in the scope of delivery

          Why we like it: This solar pool heater is easy to install using the supplied adapters, which are compatible with 3.2 cm diameter hoses. Several mats can be connected together to adapt them to the size of the pool.

          Recommended for: This Bestway solar pool heater is suitable for all above-ground pools and can be connected to cartridge filter pumps with a capacity of up to 9,462 liters per hour and to sand filter systems with a capacity of up to 8,327 liters per hour.

          5. best pool solar mat for heating up to 10 degrees

          Quick assembly
          tillvex pool solar collector set 76 x 300 cm | solar heating up to 12,000 l water capacity | environmentally friendly heating | pool heating complete set | solar mat*
          • UMWELTFREUNDLICHES ERHITZEN: Unsere tillvex Pool Solarheizung ist besonders...
          • EINFACHE FUNKTION: Die schwarzen Solarmatten vom Solarkollektor absorbieren die...
          • SCHNELLER AUFBAU / MONTAGE: Schlauchanschluss Ø 32/38 mm. Die sehr einfache Montage,...
          • AUSREICHEND FASSUNGSVERMÖGEN: Unsere Pool Solarheizung bietet ein Fassungsvermögen...
          • HOCHWERTIG: Der sehr robuste LDPE-Kunststoff, bietet eine UV-Beständigkeit, den...
          What we like:

          • High heat output
          • Stable
          • Saves energy costs
          What we don’t like:

          • Price
          • Inferior hose clamps

          Why we like it: If you particularly like warm water, you can heat the pool by up to 10 degrees with this product. It is practical that the mats are also available in different sizes.

          Recommended for: This tillvex solar heater is suitable for pools with a capacity of up to 24000 liters.

          6. best customizable pool solar mat

          KESSER solar collector pool heater*

            This solar mat from KESSER uses environmentally friendly solar energy to heat the pool water by several degrees without incurring additional costs. This pool heater is available in 2 different sizes.

            What we like:

            • Energy-saving
            • Expandable
            • No energy costs
            What we don’t like:

            • Poor body description

            Why we like it: With this product, several solar mats can be easily connected together. The heat function can be increased as required.

            Recommended for: This KESSER solar pool heater is suitable for pools with a capacity of up to 48,000 liters.

            7. best pool solar mat set

            Efficient
            Arebos 2X solar heating solar collector*

              This pool heater from Arebos is made of robust, UV and weather-resistant materials. The set contains everything you need for quick and easy installation.

              What we like:

              • Durable
              • Maximum energy generation
              • Space-saving storage
              • No energy costs
              What we don’t like:

              • No spare parts available

              Why we like it: Customers immediately receive a set of 2 for particularly good pool heating. Customers are convinced of the product’s functionality.

              Recommended for: This pool heater can be used in both fresh and salt water.

              Solar mats for the pool Checklist: These features are important when buying

              • Quality: When it comes to solar mats for the pool, it is worth choosing high-quality products that are robust and have a long service life. It can help to look to popular brands and manufacturers such as Steinbach, Bestway and Intex.
              • Location: Before purchasing, you should check where the mat can be placed. Many models are designed to be laid on the ground or suspended from a roof.
              • Material: Solar mats for pools are usually made of plastic. It is important to ensure that the quality is sufficiently good. To get a feel for the longevity of the respective mat, it is best to take a look at the corresponding customer reviews.

              Also interesting: The best solar pool showers 2024?

              Bestsellers: The most popular solar mats for the pool

              What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

              (**Last update 2024-12-09)

              Buy solar mats for the pool:
              How to make the right decision

              solar mat pool guide

              If you also want to use your pool on cooler days, a solar mat is the perfect choice. It heats the water and is operated in a resource-saving manner.

              When buying a solar mat for the pool, the following features should be taken into account:

              Size: Which solar mat size is suitable for which pool?

              Solar mats are available in various sizes. The ideal size of the solar mat should depend on the size of the pool.

              The larger the pool, the more water needs to be heated to make a real difference. For larger pools, correspondingly large or multiple solar mats must therefore be selected.

              Tip: As a rough guide, the solar mat can be purchased in approximately the same size as the pool.

              Heat output: How much does the solar mat heat?

              To ensure that the selected solar mat heats the pool sufficiently, various factors should be taken into account:

              1. Surface area

                The larger the surface area of the mat, the more the water can be heated by the solar energy. Larger models are therefore suitable for better heating of the pool.

              2. Flow capacity

                The maximum flow rate is specified in liters per hour. The higher this is, the faster the water in the pool heats up. For smaller pools, models with a flow rate of approx. 500 l/h may be sufficient, while the capacity for larger pools should be correspondingly higher.

              3. Expected degree of heating

                Some manufacturers state how many degrees the product can heat the pool water. Customer reviews that report on practical experience and the temperature differences achieved are also helpful here.

              Installation: How and where can the solar mat be installed?

              In contrast to other heating methods, connecting the solar mat to the pool is usually easy. The mat is simply connected to the pool and the pool pump via its valves and hoses. It is important that the mat is compatible with the pump. More detailed information can be found in the respective instructions.

              months possible on roofs?

              Attention should also be paid to where the mat can be mounted. Some models are suitable for mounting on roofs, while others must be placed on the ground. The manufacturer’s instructions for the installation location should always be observed.

              Floor or roof installation – which is better?

              The decisive factor when choosing between mounting on the ground or on the roof is the available space. If you have a garden that offers enough space for the solar mat, you can easily connect it to the ground. If you don’t have the space or don’t want the mat to take up part of the garden, you can choose a roof-mounted mat.

              Good to know: The necessary connection accessories are often included in the scope of delivery. However, it is worth checking this before you buy.

              FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers

              Which solar mat for the pool is the best?

              The clear winner in our recommendations is the solar collector from Steinbach. It was purchased most frequently by customers and received the best ratings.

              What are the benefits of a solar mat for the pool?

              A solar mat for the pool heats the water using solar radiation so that no electricity is used from the socket.

              How many degrees does a solar pool heater provide?

              Heating of approx. 5 or 10 degrees is possible. More detailed information on the respective solar heating systems can be found in the manufacturer’s specifications. The prerequisite for achieving this number of degrees is sufficient sunshine.

              Which solar pool heater is best?

              A solar mat can heat the pool at low cost and without energy consumption.

              How do you connect a pool heater?

              Solar mats can usually be easily connected to the pool or pump according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

              How much does a good solar mat for the pool cost?

              Many models can be purchased at prices of around 100 $.

              Does the solar mat for the pool need to be stored over the winter?

              Most solar mats should be protected from winter conditions. It is recommended that the solar collectors are drained before storage and stored in a place that is protected from frost and moisture.

              What alternatives are there to solar mats for the pool?

              A heat pump can be used to bring the pool water to the desired temperature. A heat pump extracts heat from the ambient air and converts it into thermal energy to heat the pool water. It is advisable to use a pool cover to maintain the water temperature.

              Which products do Consumer Reports and Öko Test recommend?

              Neither Consumer Reports nor Öko Test have yet tested solar mats for pools, but we do show the most popular products from buyers in our bestseller list.

              Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

              *Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

              Tim

              Tim has been surfing and paddling for over 20 years and is known from FitForFun, FreshSurf, and Zeitjung. Whether surfing in Portugal, snorkeling in Greece or wakeboarding in Germany ... one thing is certain: you'll definitely find him in the water!

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