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CA Pool Heater Pros

8 licensed businesses

Solar Pool Heating in California

Solar pool heating uses collectors, usually on the roof, and the pool's own filtration pump to circulate water through them. The businesses below mention solar in their name and hold a CSLB C-53 swimming pool, C-46 solar or C-36 plumbing license. Confirm that the company installs solar pool heating, not only solar electric panels.

Why choose this

  • Uses free energy from the sun, with low annual operating costs.
  • The pool's existing filtration pump circulates water through the collectors.
  • Collectors can be sized to lengthen the swimming season.

Things to consider

  • Output depends on sunshine, so cloudy or foggy spells and short winter days mean less heat.
  • Needs a large, unshaded area, usually a roof, that faces a suitable direction.
  • Roof work needs care: ask how the collectors are mounted and how roof penetrations are sealed.

Questions to ask

  • The contractor's CSLB license number, so you can confirm it on CSLB's Instant License Check.
  • Who pulls the permit (and any separate electrical, plumbing or gas permit) and whether permit fees are included.
  • The heater make, model and output, and how they sized it for your pool. Ask them to show the calculation.
  • Warranty terms: manufacturer warranty on the equipment and the contractor's own warranty on labor.
  • Collector area as a share of your pool's surface area, and why they chose it.
  • Where the collectors go, which way they face, and whether anything shades them.
  • What freeze protection or drain-down the system has, if you live where it freezes.

Solar Pool Heating by county

Solar Pool Heating (8)

Also worth asking: pool equipment service & heater repair (289)

Only a few businesses name pool heating in their name. These California-licensed swimming pool contractors name service, repair or maintenance instead, so they may also be able to help. They don't specifically advertise solar pool heating in their name, so ask whether they install or service the heater type you want.
About pool equipment service & heater repair

Looking for another option? See Pool Heater & Heat Pump Specialists or compare heat pumps, gas and solar.

Frequently asked questions

How big should a solar pool heating system be?

The U.S. Department of Energy says solar pool heating needs a collector area of 50% to 100% of the pool's surface area, and gives northern California, where pools are used 6 to 8 months a year, as an example of systems typically sized at 60% to 70%. See our sizing guide.

Which license does a solar pool heating installer need?

CSLB's C-53 Swimming Pool classification includes installing solar heating equipment, and CSLB also licenses C-46 Solar contractors. Check the license on CSLB's Instant License Check and confirm the company installs solar pool heating, not only solar electric panels.