ericde,
I and in the planning stage of our pool build. While talking to several PB they have told me there are tax credits and goverment rebates available for use of solar and geothermal upgrades for homes and pools. Below I have listed the company that the PB's both recommended. Both PB's have told me the goverment is offering up to 75% rebates on the installation of these systems. If that is indeed true it makes these systems very affordable and wise investiments. From what I have read about the geothermal(house A/C)systems there are considerable savings per month over conventional systems. Maybe there is someone in your area that could help you out.

Here is a link that might be useful: South Coast Solar

6700? INSANE!

My pool is 680 sq ft. My estimates from the two most reputable companies in my area were both over $6,000.00 as well.

I did an owner/build pool and did the entire installation myself. I put up 10 4x10 panels, 2in. headers w/2in. plumbing, and SunTouch automation for $2200.00

I bought my panels from a wholesaler and they come with a 12 year warranty. I will tell you the manufacturer of the panels if you would like to know, but I do not represent them in ANY way, and am not affiliated with them either.

Basically I am an onwer/builder who threw up in my mouth a little bit when I got these ridiculous estimates for solar. I won't pretend that Fafco and/or Heliocol panels may be a little better quality but we are splitting hairs at this point of panel comaparisons.

Here is a picture of my pool and a picture of the panels I put up. I will probably add another bank of 4x12's on another section of my roof in a few weeks for just a little bit more optimal coverage. Hope that helps.

We just had a 7-panel system installed for under $4000

We installed a 7 panel system for under $1500. We mounted ours beside the pool on black plywood, purchased 2 panels used and 5 new. Three of them were on sale. Found them after a lot of research on the web. The pool companies were probably $200/panel more than what we found online. Our pool is 150 ft from the house so roof mount wasn't possible.

I purchased (8) 4' x 8' Heliocol panels for $400.00 off of Ebay, and they were 20 minutes away from my house. Plumbed everything myself. The local rep sold me the new o-rings and clamps that I needed as well as a new vacuum breaker. I'm very happy with my system. Works great! I engineered a way to mount them on my spanish tile roof without drilling into the roof. The whole project turned out really well. And I have the solar valved into the spa system using the intellitouch which allows me to preheat the spa.