The gas pool heater failed in 2009, and estimates for replacing were around $2,200. The decision to opt for a solar pool heater at the time was based on financial savings. Looking back over the past nine years at the savings realized and pool heating performance it turned out to be a fantastic decision.

In addition to the costs for the initial gas heater replacement, the pool cover (blue blanket) needed replacing which is typically around $300; the blanket usually requires replacing every three to four years. Expected life on the gas heater is between seven and ten years, a second replacement gas heater would have been due, at a cost of around $2,500.

Combining the costs for two gas heaters ($4,700), added to the costs for approximately three pool blankets ($900), a total estimated cost of $5,600 spread over the past nine years would have been incurred for hardware alone.

Factor in the costs for the natural gas consumed which is estimated at least $1,000 per year and associated greenhouse gas release; overall, the costs to date had I remained with gas heating are in the magnitude of $14,600.

The solar pool heater installation cost $3,800 (in 2010), and the estimated savings made in the past nine years is $10,800. With the solar heater still in excellent condition and with a projected service life of another eight to ten years the savings will keep on building.

Back in the day when I heated the pool with gas I would crank up the heat to get the pool warm enough to comfortably swim in, and then cover the pool when not in use to try and retain the heat. Unroll the pool blanket to use the pool, which takes time and effort, making quick dips in the pool inconvenient.

With the solar heater I no longer worry about the cost to heat the pool, the sun automatically takes care of that, topping up the temperature on a regular basis throughout the summer.

Heat losses are not an issue anymore as I regularly observe pool temperatures between eighty-five to ninety degrees Fahrenheit. I no longer have a need for a pool blanket, which use to clutter up the pool area.

Landfill waste is reduced; plastic pool blankets are no longer required, issues around plastic disposal/recycling are gone.

Natural gas heaters are no longer required which eliminates significant energy attributed to manufacturing, transportation and operation. Factor in the carbon dioxide gases eliminated from not burning natural gas over the last nine years; having a solar pool heater makes total environmental sense too.