About the solar...all it takes is a south, or somewhat south, facing area and as much space as you have. I have a back field about 70' from the pool that is unmowed. Laid out 1200' of black poly 1/2" pipe on rolled shingles to give the pipe a black surface to sit on. Total area is about 8' x 50' and it could be shrunk if more effort was put into laying the pipe. When the grass grows you can't even see it. Pros about homebrew, cheap. Cons, not as efficient as a mat heater.
Unless you use something like photobucket you can't post pics on the forum. Even we mods can't. Bah!
Al