Will this heat my pool noticeably?

Only slightly. It warms the water a few degrees at best, and only with hours of direct sun on a hot day. Do not expect a heated pool.

What size pool is it for?

Intex rates it for above-ground pools up to 8,000 gallons. On larger pools its effect is even smaller.

Does it need its own pump?

No. It runs off your pool's existing pump and filter, and connects with Intex hose fittings.

Can I leave it out all season?

It is meant to lie in the sun, but owners report wear and leaks, so many take it up when the pool is not in use.

Is it better than a solar cover?

A solar cover keeps heat in and cuts evaporation across the whole surface. This mat adds a little heat but covers a small area, so a cover usually does more.

Does it work in shade or on cloudy days?

Barely. It relies on direct sunlight, so it does little in shade, on cloudy days or in cool weather.

Where is the Intex Solar Water Heater Mat cheapest?

At Lowe's, for $43.99, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Intex Solar Water Heater Mat?

Rated 2.7 out of 5 from 118 ratings.

Where can I buy the Intex Solar Water Heater Mat?

2 stores we checked sell it, including Target, Lowe's.

Intex Solar Water Heater Mat

Best price now

$43.99at Lowe'sChecked 1 h ago

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Lowe's

Intex Solar Water Heater Mat

Best price now

$43.99at Lowe'sChecked 1 h ago

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Lowe's

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Price facts

Lowest price today: $43.99 at Lowe's (checked Nov 14, 2026).
Checked at 2 stores.

Our take on the Intex Solar Water Heater Mat

The Intex Solar Water Heater Mat is a black mat that lies on the ground and lets pool water circulate through it so the sun warms it before it returns to the pool. It is meant for above-ground pools up to 8,000 gallons and connects with Intex hoses and fittings. It is the cheapest way to take the chill off a small pool without electricity, but it adds little heat and depends entirely on direct sun. Owners rate it poorly, with complaints about small gains, leaks and flimsy fittings.

Best forSmall above-ground pools up to 8,000 gallonsWarm, sunny climates with long days of direct sunShoppers who want a no-power solar warmerRenters who want a removable, unplumbed setup

Pros

No electricity or pump of its own; uses the pool's existing circulation
Simple mat design with no moving parts
Connects to standard Intex hose fittings
Easy to lay out and take up for the season

Cons

Adds only a few degrees at best, and only in strong direct sun
Owners report leaks at seams and fittings
Small surface area limits how much water it can warm
Little effect on cloudy days or in shade
Poor owner ratings overall

Intex Solar Water Heater Mat prices at every store

TargetNew
In stock
$43.99Checked 1 h ago
Visit Target
Lowe'sNew
Availability unknown
$43.99Checked 1 h ago
Visit Lowe's

Intex Solar Water Heater Mat price history

Lowest price we've seen: $43.99 on Nov 14 at Target. Tracked across 2 stores since Nov 14.

What reviewers say

2.7 / 5118 ratings

Ratings are low. Owners say it warms the water only slightly on hot, sunny days and does little otherwise. Several report leaks and weak connections within a season.

What people mention

HeatingCriticisedOwners say the mat raises the pool temperature only a little, and only in strong sun.
LeaksCriticisedSeveral report water leaking from seams and hose connections.
SetupPraisedBuyers find it quick to connect to Intex hoses and lay out.
BuildCriticisedThe plastic and fittings feel thin and don't hold up for long.
Weather dependenceMixedIt helps on hot, clear days but does little in clouds, shade or cool air.

From Target

Solar mat water heater for above-ground pools
Designed for pools up to 8,000 gallons

About the Intex Solar Water Heater Mat

The Intex Solar Water Heater Mat is a solar-powered mat that heats the water in an above-ground pool. It is designed for pools up to 8,000 gallons.

Type: Solar mat water heater
Pool type: Above-ground pools
Pool capacity: Up to 8,000 gallons

Questions and answers

Will this heat my pool noticeably?: Only slightly. It warms the water a few degrees at best, and only with hours of direct sun on a hot day. Do not expect a heated pool.
What size pool is it for?: Intex rates it for above-ground pools up to 8,000 gallons. On larger pools its effect is even smaller.
Does it need its own pump?: No. It runs off your pool's existing pump and filter, and connects with Intex hose fittings.
Can I leave it out all season?: It is meant to lie in the sun, but owners report wear and leaks, so many take it up when the pool is not in use.
Is it better than a solar cover?: A solar cover keeps heat in and cuts evaporation across the whole surface. This mat adds a little heat but covers a small area, so a cover usually does more.
Does it work in shade or on cloudy days?: Barely. It relies on direct sunlight, so it does little in shade, on cloudy days or in cool weather.
Where is the Intex Solar Water Heater Mat cheapest?: At Lowe's, for $43.99, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Intex Solar Water Heater Mat?: Rated 2.7 out of 5 from 118 ratings.
Where can I buy the Intex Solar Water Heater Mat?: 2 stores we checked sell it, including Target, Lowe's.