While Thermax-Extreme Solar Pool Heaters are the Ferrari of heating system, the Thermax swimming pool solar heating systems are a very close second, and come at a lower cost. These premium German-made rigid solar pool heating panels are designed to be the best overall replacement pool heating systems bar none. Unlike the Thermax-Extreme system that separates the solar pool water from the solar heating system, Thermax uses a more traditional design – and heats the pool water directly in the thermal panels.
The Thermax panels come with an extraordinary industry-first 35 Year Warranty. They are made from ultra-durable (UV stabilized) potable grade HDPE - an outstanding material with proven longevity and a very long industry pedigree in the harsh sun. They are made extremely tough, and are resistant against all that nature can throw at them!
The quality of these panels, along with Thermax’s exclusive fittings and fixtures are made from the most durable of materials, such as silicon and stainless steel. Our attention to the smallest details and the precision engineering of all components make for an unbeatable combination of efficiency, quality and longevity.
Importance of Cooler Weather Efficiency
There are many different types of solar pool heaters for sale. Traditional PVC tubular collectors work okay in hot weather and various manufacturers will play up hot weather performance stats, however due to the spherical and almost fin like nature of the collector they struggle in cooler windy spring and autumn shoulder months - which is exactly when you need heating the most! Thermax panels were originally designed for the cooler German climate and are optimized to perform in these shoulder months. As such they typically require much less area than traditional rubber mat systems to effectively extend your swimming season since it's really the performance in the shoulder months that matters most for extending your season.
Consider the following design comparison during cooler windy spring and autumn conditions:
As can be seen - a flat face, large open bore collector with little to no air gaps (hot spots) and with turbulent water mixing - is simply as close to the maximum possible theoretical efficiency limit you can get with out using a glazed collector.
Thermax panels have the best possible cold weather performance and sizing should be based on collector performance in the shoulder months, hence our recommendation when replacing a PVC tube system is to use 2/3rds the area of your old rubber collector mat system. When sizing a new system use the guide described below.
Collector efficiency considerations are of course only one part of what you should consider when choosing a solar pool heater, consider the following further comparison between Thermax pool panel type systems and PVC rubber tube type systems.
Compare Features | Thermax Panels | Traditional Tubular / Rubber Mat |
|---|---|---|
Collector Durability | 35 Year Warranty | Typically 15 Year Pro Rata |
Roof Space Requirements | Requires Less Space | Requires More Space |
Needs Periodic Winter Flushing | Not Required | Required |
Pump Energy Usage | Lower Usage | Uses More Power |
Back Pressure On Pumps | Less Back Pressure | More Back Pressure |
Potable Polymers | Yes | Some Not All |
Cockatoo Proof | Yes | No |
Animal Proof | Yes | No |
Hail Proof | Yes | Depends On Size Of Hail |
Connection Seals | Soft Silicon Joiners Over HDPE | PVC Over Plastic Barb |
Connection Clamps | Stainless Steel Only | None Or Plastic Or Glued |
Roof Attachment Means | Stainless Steel Only | Silicon Glue Or Plastic |
Calculate the number of solar panels you need for your pool.
With just a few clicks, let us help you find the pre-packaged solar pool heating system that works best for you.
Choose from four pre-designed solar pool heating systems.
Calculate the number of solar panels you need for your pool.
With just a few clicks, let us help you find the pre-packaged solar pool heating system that works best for you.
Choose from four pre-designed solar pool heating systems.
