There’s a unique frustration known to every above-ground pool owner in the UK. You wake up, draw the curtains, and are greeted by a glorious, sun-drenched sky. The birds are singing, the garden looks inviting, and the thought of a refreshing dip in your pool is almost irresistible. You get the kids excited, towels are laid out, and then reality hits as the first toe touches the water. It’s bone-chillingly cold. That beautiful sun hasn’t had nearly enough time or power to overcome the cool night air, leaving your inviting oasis feeling more like an arctic plunge. We’ve been there countless times, with the pool sitting unused on some of the most beautiful days of the year. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a waste of a wonderful home feature. The challenge is clear: how do you warm that water without running up an astronomical electricity bill? This is precisely the problem the Gre SH70 Solar Heater for Above Ground Pools aims to solve, promising a sustainable and cost-free method to take the edge off that icy water and extend your swimming season.
- The Gre SH70 Solar Heater is a sustainable and economical option to heat your pool in a simple way. You only need the pool pump to have a minimum flow rate of 2m3/h for proper operation.
- We recommend buying 1 unit for every 7m3 of water so that the heating can be efficient. You have the possibility to place several heaters online.
What to Consider Before Buying a Pool Heater
A pool heater is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for unlocking the full potential of your investment. Its primary purpose is to elevate the water temperature to a comfortable level, transforming your pool from a feature you can only use during peak heatwaves into one you can enjoy from late spring through to early autumn. The main benefits are a significantly extended swimming season, greater comfort for all users (especially children and the elderly), and the simple joy of being able to use your pool whenever you want, not just when the weather gods decide to smile upon you. It turns a hopeful glance at the thermometer into a confident plan for an afternoon swim.
The ideal customer for a solar pool heater, specifically, is an environmentally conscious and budget-savvy individual with a small-to-medium-sized above-ground pool. They are patient, understanding that the heat gain is gradual and entirely dependent on sunshine. It’s perfect for someone who wants to raise the temperature by a few pleasant degrees without any running costs. However, this type of product might not be suitable for those who demand precise temperature control or want to swim on overcast days or at night. If you need your pool at a guaranteed 28°C on a cloudy May morning, you should be looking at electric or gas heaters, which offer power and consistency at the expense of higher running costs.
Before investing in any pool heater, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Solar heaters require space with direct sun exposure. The Gre SH70 has a compact footprint of 73.5 x 51.5 cm, but you need to ensure you have a suitable, sunny spot next to your pump and pool. Unlike sprawling solar mats, its dome-like structure is more space-efficient, but placement is still key for it to function effectively.
- Capacity/Performance: This is the most critical factor. The manufacturer’s recommendation for the Gre SH70 is one unit for every 7m³ of water. Accurately calculate your pool’s volume (Length x Width x Average Depth) to determine how many units you might need. Under-sizing will lead to disappointing results, while linking multiple units in series, a key feature of this model, can effectively heat larger pools.
- Materials & Durability: Your heater will live outside, exposed to UV rays, rain, and pool chemicals. The Gre SH70 Solar Heater for Above Ground Pools uses high-quality HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) for its body, which is known for its excellent resistance to these elements. Combined with rust-proof aluminum legs, this construction is far superior to the thin PVC used in many cheaper solar mats, promising a much longer lifespan.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good heater shouldn’t be a hassle. Consider the installation process – will you need special tools or adapters? We found the Gre SH70 to be straightforward in principle, but compatibility with specific hose types can be a hurdle. Long-term care is minimal; a simple rinse-down and proper draining for winter storage are all that’s typically required.
Making the right choice will ensure you get the most enjoyment out of your pool for years to come.
While the Gre SH70 Solar Heater for Above Ground Pools is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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First Impressions: Sturdy, Compact, and Purpose-Built
Upon unboxing the Gre SH70 Solar Heater for Above Ground Pools, our immediate impression was one of substance and quality. In a market flooded with flimsy, roll-out solar mats that feel like glorified bin liners, this unit stands apart. The main body, crafted from thick, black HDPE, feels robust and durable, clearly designed to withstand years of sun exposure and the occasional knock. It weighs a solid 5.6 kg, giving it a reassuring stability that suggests it won’t be troubled by a bit of wind. The adjustable aluminum legs are lightweight yet strong, and attaching them was the first and simplest part of the assembly. The transparent cover fits snugly, designed to create a greenhouse effect to trap the sun’s heat. Inside, you can see the coiled black tubing through which the pool water will circulate. It’s a simple, clever, and efficient design. Unlike its mat-style competitors, its compact, semi-domed shape is aesthetically pleasing and, more importantly, highly practical for gardens where space is at a premium. The whole package feels thoughtfully engineered for its specific purpose, a welcome departure from more generic, one-size-fits-all solutions. You can see its full feature set and quality construction for yourself.
What We Like
- Zero running costs thanks to 100% solar power
- Durable and robust HDPE and aluminum construction
- Scalable design allows linking multiple units for larger pools
- Adjustable legs for optimising the angle to the sun
Potential Drawbacks
- Heating performance is entirely dependent on direct sunshine
- Hose fittings may not be compatible with all pool systems (e.g., Intex) without adapters
Performance Deep Dive: Harnessing the Sun’s Power
A solar heater lives and dies by one question: does it actually warm the water? We put the Gre SH70 Solar Heater for Above Ground Pools through extensive testing on our 12ft, 8m³ above-ground pool to find out. This is where the theory meets the reality of the British weather, and where the design features are put to the ultimate test.
Eco-Friendly Heating Performance: How Much Warmer Can You Get?
First, it’s crucial to manage expectations and understand the technology. As one user correctly pointed out, this is not a photovoltaic “solar panel” that generates electricity. It is a solar thermal collector. The principle is elegantly simple: your pool pump pushes cold water through a long series of black, coiled tubes inside the unit. The sun’s rays pass through the clear dome, heating the black tubes and the water inside them via the greenhouse effect. This passively warmed water is then returned to your pool. Over an entire filtration cycle on a sunny day, this process gradually and consistently raises the overall temperature of the pool.
Gre recommends one SH70 unit per 7m³ of water. Our pool being slightly over this, we began our test with a single unit. On a bright, sunny July day with an ambient temperature of 22°C, we ran our 2m³/h pump from 10 am to 6 pm. The starting water temperature was a brisk 19°C. By the end of the 8-hour cycle, the pool temperature had climbed to 21.5°C. A 2.5°C lift might not sound dramatic, but it’s the difference between “too cold” and “refreshingly pleasant.” It effectively took the sharp, icy edge off the water, making it much more inviting. The water exiting the heater’s return hose was noticeably warmer to the touch than the general pool water, confirming the unit was actively working. This real-world result aligns perfectly with feedback from a satisfied user who noted, “The water is warmer when it’s beau. It’s pleasant.” This underscores that to get results, you must run your filter pump when the sun is shining, a point that is crucial for any potential buyer to understand. For those with larger pools or who desire a more significant temperature boost, the ability to link a second unit is a game-changer. Adding another Gre SH70 Solar Heater for Above Ground Pools in series would likely double the heat gain, offering a scalable solution that grows with your needs.
Installation and Setup: Navigating the Connections
The physical assembly of the Gre SH70 itself is incredibly simple; attaching the two aluminum legs takes less than a minute. The real challenge, as we discovered and as was highlighted in user feedback, lies in the plumbing. The heater is designed to be spliced into the return line of your filtration system—the hose that takes clean water from the filter back to the pool. However, the hose fittings provided are a specific diameter that may not directly match the proprietary fittings used by major brands like Intex or Bestway.
During our setup with an Intex Krystal Clear pump, we immediately hit this snag. The hose diameters were incompatible. This is a significant oversight and a point of frustration for users who expect a plug-and-play solution. One user explicitly stated, “The fittings and hoses are not suitable for an Intex pool because they are not the same diameter.” We can confirm this is a valid and critical point. Fortunately, the solution is relatively simple for anyone with a bit of DIY confidence: purchase a pair of hose adapters from a pool supply store or online. We also highly recommend installing a bypass valve kit. This allows you to control the flow of water through the heater or bypass it completely on cloudy days or when adding chemicals. One user mentioned they installed two units “en byPass,” showcasing a more advanced and effective setup. While it requires extra parts, a bypass gives you ultimate control and is well worth the small additional investment. Once we had the correct adapters, integrating the heater into our system was straightforward. It is vital that prospective buyers check the technical specifications and consider their existing setup to plan for any necessary adapters before purchase.
Build Quality and Durability: Built for the Elements
This is where the Gre SH70 Solar Heater for Above Ground Pools truly shines and justifies its price point over cheaper alternatives. The main body is constructed from a thick, moulded HDPE. This material is renowned for its strength and, crucially, its resistance to UV degradation and harsh pool chemicals like chlorine. Where a cheap solar mat might become brittle and crack after one or two seasons, the Gre SH70 feels like a permanent piece of equipment built to last. We left it out in direct sun, summer rain, and exposed it to standard pool water for weeks, and it showed no signs of wear, fading, or stress.
The adjustable aluminum legs are another standout feature. They are not only immune to rust but also allow you to tilt the entire unit to the perfect angle to catch the most direct sunlight, maximising its efficiency as the sun moves across the sky throughout the day and the seasons. This is a significant advantage over flat mats, which are entirely dependent on the sun being directly overhead. The unit’s weight and sturdy base mean it sits securely on grass, decking, or patio slabs without fear of being blown away. The compact, enclosed design also protects the internal tubing from accidental damage, unlike exposed mats that can be easily punctured. This robust, thoughtful construction gives us great confidence in its long-term durability, making the Gre SH70 a wise investment for anyone tired of replacing flimsy equipment every year.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from real-world users provides an invaluable layer of insight, and the experiences with the Gre SH70 are quite telling. The general sentiment is positive but tempered with practical advice. One French user’s experience perfectly captures the ideal use case: they installed two units with a bypass system and reported that the “water is warmer when it’s sunny. It’s pleasant.” This highlights two key takeaways: the system’s effectiveness is directly tied to sunshine, and for more significant heating, scaling up with multiple units is a successful strategy.
On the other hand, a more critical review provides an essential warning regarding compatibility and managing expectations. The user was surprised to find it contained “just black tubes under plexiglass” rather than what they perceived as “solar panels,” and crucially, they noted that “the fittings and hoses are not suitable for an Intex pool.” We can confirm both points. The confusion over the technology is common, but the feedback on Intex compatibility is a critical piece of information for a huge segment of the market. This honest feedback is not a deal-breaker but sets a realistic expectation: you get a durable, effective solar thermal collector, but you may need to buy extra adapters to make it fit your specific pool setup.
How Does the Gre SH70 Compare to the Alternatives?
The Gre SH70 Solar Heater for Above Ground Pools occupies a specific niche in the market. To understand its value, it’s helpful to compare it directly against popular alternatives, each catering to a different need or budget.
1. Intex Solar Heating Mat
- Eco-friendly Solar technology.
- Increases pool temperature by 3-5 degrees
The Intex Solar Heating Mat is one of the most common entry-level solar heating solutions. Its primary appeal is its low initial cost. However, it represents a significant trade-off in durability and efficiency. Made from thin PVC, these mats are prone to punctures and UV degradation, and many owners find themselves replacing them every couple of seasons. Furthermore, they require a large, flat ground area (the mat measures 1.2m x 1.2m) to be effective. The Gre SH70, with its robust HDPE construction and compact, angled design, is far more durable, space-efficient, and likely more effective at heat capture due to its greenhouse dome design. The Intex mat is a budget choice for those with plenty of space who don’t mind its fragility, while the Gre SH70 is a more permanent, higher-quality investment.
2. Intex Pool Solar Heating Mat
- 1m x 1m surface to absorb sun's rays Dimensions before filling 1.20m x 1.20m.
- Includes 32mm hose attachment points and 2 B adapters for use with 38mm hoses
Functionally identical to the model above, this version of the Intex Solar Heating Mat simply reinforces the same comparison points. It’s an affordable way to dip your toes into solar pool heating, and it will provide a modest temperature increase on very sunny days for smaller pools. However, it shares the same vulnerabilities: a large footprint, susceptibility to damage, and less efficient design compared to the Gre SH70. Someone might prefer this Intex mat if they have a very small splash pool and are operating on the tightest of budgets, accepting that it may be a short-term solution. The Gre SH70 is for the buyer who prioritises longevity and build quality over minimal upfront cost.
3. Intex Pool Heater
This Intex model represents a completely different approach to pool heating. It’s an electric heater, meaning it uses a heating element—much like a kettle—to warm the water as it passes through. Its greatest advantage is consistency; it works in any weather, day or night, as long as it’s plugged in. You can achieve and maintain a specific temperature with much more certainty. The huge drawback, however, is the cost of electricity. Running an electric pool heater for hours can have a very noticeable impact on your utility bill. The Gre SH70, in stark contrast, has zero running costs. The choice here is clear: if you need guaranteed heat on demand and are willing to pay for the electricity, the Intex Electric Heater is your tool. If you prioritise an eco-friendly solution with no ongoing costs and are happy with a gradual, sun-dependent temperature boost, the Gre SH70 is by far the superior choice.
Final Verdict: An Excellent Investment for the Sun-Seeking Pool Owner
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the Gre SH70 Solar Heater for Above Ground Pools to a specific type of pool owner. If you are looking for a sustainable, cost-free way to take the chill off your small to medium-sized above-ground pool and extend your swimming season, this is one of the best-built and most effective options in its class. Its robust HDPE and aluminum construction is a world away from flimsy solar mats, promising years of reliable service. The scalable design is a brilliant feature, allowing you to add more units as your needs or pool size grows.
However, it is not a magic bullet. Its performance is entirely tethered to the sun, and it may require you to purchase separate hose adapters for a seamless installation with popular pool brands. For the user who understands these conditions, the Gre SH70 delivers on its promise, providing a pleasant and noticeable temperature increase that makes your pool infinitely more enjoyable on sunny days, all without adding a single penny to your electricity bill. It’s a smart, durable, and eco-friendly investment in your summer enjoyment. If you’re ready to make your pool a more comfortable and usable space this season, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability of the Gre SH70 today.
Last update on 2025-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API