[The20Percent]

I researched solar pool heating systems extensively online and by calling the actual manufacturers. In the end I narrowed it down to two distributors/installers, Jacks Solar and Solar Trek. They both carry similar products (strapless design, with 'floating' attachments made from the same material as the frame and raised from the roof's surface) but I came to find out that Jack uses the Sunstar solar panel system while Solar Trek uses the Heliocol system. Without going into the technical differences, Heliocol is used in many commercial applications through out the world and was used in the Olympics for their professional swimming facilities.

I chose Solar Trek out of Ocala, three weeks ago, for the product and it's warranty, the fact that Solar Trek actually has a building they rent and operate out of and because this business was willing to negotiate on pricing. They had the common sense attitude that since I'm purchasing a solar system in the middle of summer, it is like buying a heavy winter jacket outside of winter so therefore I should receive a discount.

Jack, of Jack's Solar, is a very personable and seasoned salesperson, but he also had that take it or leave it attitude and therefore wouldn't drop his price one cent! Jack also made the mistake of giving me one price on the phone and then increasing his price nearly a grand once he came out to our new home on the golf course. I might have understood this fluctuation had I not given him the actual pool size before he came out. He also said he would not charge extra for the tubing if I needed the unit to be installed on the opposite side of the house from the pool, which was needed once he came out but he still insisted I wasn't being charged for this, so I never could fully compute the reason for this dramatic price increase?

In the end we received what we feel to be a better product for less money and it looks great installed and is easy to operate. Ask for the owner, Patrick, he and his wife own the business and are very hard working, professional and great to deal with. This company was started in the 1980's by Patrick's father in law and Patrick has continued the tradition of running it successfully for many years now. I highly recommend this product and this business.

[caleygirl]

We Have Solar Trek's Heliocol too - It works great - very happy!!

[keithwand]

We have both.
First 12 panels installed by Jacks. Next 4 by Solar Trek who then fixed any problems on the first install including moving the sensor to the south side etc.
My neighbor went through the same scenario and now has 34 panels!
Call Solar Trek first.
We now can get the pool as warm as we want.

[CraigAC]

Keith,
Are you still happy with Solar Trek? I need to get a couple of quotes.

[RedChariot]

Originally Posted by keithwand

We have both.
First 12 panels installed by Jacks. Next 4 by Solar Trek who then fixed any problems on the first install including moving the sensor to the south side etc.
My neighbor went through the same scenario and now has 34 panels!
Call Solar Trek first.
We now can get the pool as warm as we want.

Are you saying you have 16 panels? Just for your pool? I have a small pool with 5 panels installed by Jack. Can you get the pool as warm as you want even at this time of year by having so many panels? In the summer we can get the pool to 90 degrees. Yesterday it was 80. Too cold for us. Any suggestions are welcomed.

[keithwand]

Yes; still happy with Solar Trek. We had failure at the check valve that was not installed by them.
They came out within 2 days of my call and changed the valve to what they use which stopped the leak.
Rather pay them and get it done right.
We keep the pool at 89 in the summer but have now turned it off for the season.

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by RedChariot

Are you saying you have 16 panels? Just for your pool? I have a small pool with 5 panels installed by Jack. Can you get the pool as warm as you want even at this time of year by having so many panels? In the summer we can get the pool to 90 degrees. Yesterday it was 80. Too cold for us. Any suggestions are welcomed.

If you are not using a solar cover, you are losing all your heat at night that you generated during the day.