Depends on where you are I would say. We live in CA and have solar plus a heater for the pool and spa. The solar is great to keep costs down, but if you don't get enough sun, or it gets chilly at night and you don't cover the pool, the water cools down quickly. We try not to use our heater for the pool often - many times we just use it to "jump start" the warmth.

I have a propane heater...separate ones for pool and spa. Remote controlled to turn up the spa heat during winter :)

Solar pool heating can be the most economical. The heat is free once system is installed and energy savings provide a rapid payback. When properly installed solar pool heating can be maintenance free for 15-20 years.Solar Pool

do you do RI?

Unfortunately Rhode Island is a bit out of our serviceability range. It would be hard to provide the level of service we need to maintain our standards. We cover all of NJ and immediately adjacent parts of NY and PA.

thanks. will look closer to home. this perfectly answers our situation.

Feel free to contact us with any questions. Our company has been doing this for over 37 years.

Try www.warmwater.com for a NJ manufacturer of solar pool heating collectors. They may have installers in the area.