Solar heating in winter in Socal?

[mkelley]

You don't say *exactly* where in S. Cal, but here are the numbers for San Diego and then lower down a link to numbers for Los Angeles:

http://www.powermat.com/sizing.html

I think you can see that you won't be swimming in the winter with solar alone -- drop off (even with cover) means no swimming past October. Solar will add swimming for you in the 80's from March through October (which I doubt you are getting now -- just about any pool in the country can be in the 80's during July and August <g>) so it is effective, just not a miracle cure.

Or you can go with a heat pump -- it will cost more to operate than Solar (which is "free" once installed) won't last as long (typical life is 5-10 years versus 10-20 years for solar) but can heat your pool as long as the outside temps are above 45.