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A pool water heating system used in conjunction with a pool pump and filter wherein the pool water is directed along one of two paths down stream of the filter. One path directs the filtered water directly back to the pool and the other path directs the filtered water through an array of heater panels for transferring heat generated by solar energy to the water prior to returning it to the pool. A solar heat sensor is positioned to sense the temperature induced by solar energy in the location of the heater panels and to provide an electrical signal which is connected to a control valve. A flow direction valve is positioned in the direct flow path to the pool which is urged to pinch off the flow therethrough by pressure directed to a valve chamber therein. Pressure at the filter inlet is directed to one port on the control valve and an exhaust port on the control valve is connected to the inlet side of the pump. When solar heat is available to heat the pool water the solar heat sensor directs the control valve to communicate the filter inlet pressure with the flow direction valve, causing blockage of direct flow to the pool and flow through the heater panels for heating prior to returning to the pool. When solar heat is not available as determined by the solar heat sensor the exhaust port on the control valve is communicated with the pinch valve to bleed the valve chamber therein and allow filtered water to flow directly therethrough to the pool.