I made a DIY solar water heater for a friend that needed it for him and his family’s jacuzzi! After doing a ton of research and getting a ton of help from RC Insider (who made a great video on this with a full supplies list), I went for it myself!
I made this water heater with:
1/2″ exterior plywood
1/16″ acrylic sheet
2x4x8 KD doug fir
2x4x8 Treated doug fir (though I wish I did 4×4)
8″ zip ties
500′ roll of 1/2″ irrigation tubing
1/2″ tube to hose connectors
Brass tube to hose connector
5/8″ water hoses
A water pump
Lag bolts and nuts
Black latex exterior paint
Pocket hole screws
Deck screws
Tite Bond III wood glue
… and I think that’s it!
I wasn’t able to see it in person, but my friend shot me pictures (that are also in this video) of how a temperature reading of 120 degrees for the water coming out of the water heater and his current weather was 83 degrees!
Couldn’t be more happy with that result since I thought I would be lucky to get 90/95 degree water.
Lots of lessons learned on this project since I usually do 100% woodworking furniture projects.
Also, shout out to my friend Ryan Geery! Without your help, I would not have been able to complete this project!
Hope you enjoy the build!
Music from www.bensound.com
RC Insider’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHtN1NtMk5yeK5hksiyxydQ
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Well Done Pal,,, Thankx for sharing
Hi Jim!
It really does look like an art piece. Can you give details on where you purchased the cover piece and pump details. Thank you…
Bethnal Turin.
I'm not sure if you direct under sun, your plastic shield can stand for how many years? 2-3 years. Pvc pipe are not ideal, you should use copper pipe.
Really need outside team, inlet water temp, outlet water and flow.
Awesome work there Nick! Subscribed now my friend 😀
Thanks so much for the detailed work and preparation to create this masterpiece. It's truly a work of art in addition to its functionality. I'll be able to use it well into the fall. Proud owner of a late night woodworker product!