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Hi Aaron, A real effiecent solar hot water heater can be made very easy. Use metal framing track (The kind used for metal studs) and make a 4ft x 8ft box then line that with foil backed rigid insulation on the back and frame side rails, paint that black, then install the collector area with auto/truck radiators then seal the top with a piece of clear polycarbinate sheeting (this traps the suns rays). A small pump with a differential controller (about $125 with temp probes) works best but a slowing moving (low gpm) pump could also be used. You can also use a 12v RV pump, 3gpm, about $55, 12v lawn & garden battery $16, 2a charger $17. The 12v pump will need replaced every season as it can't handle the hot water very well. When the the collector reachs a 4� temperature diffrential then it turns on the pump and shuts off the pump at 0� difference. This collector at 60� abmient with 65� water inlet will produce 80gal of 180� in 2hrs with automatic controls. You would need a divertor plate inside the pool where the collector discharges so it can NOT cause severe burns or shut the valves off while there's someone in the pool. 140� water will causes the skin to blister. Remember heat rises so locate your colloctor accordingly. Don't mess with your AC condensors air flow because you won't be happy with the results. T_Bone
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