Abstract: A solar energy system for the heating of water in a spa or the like. The system comprises a solar collector array for receiving water from the spa, for heating the received water, and for then directing the heated water back to the spa. The solar collector array is formed of a plurality of sets of tubes positionable on a supporting surface adjacent to the spa with webbing coupling the tubes of each set along the majority of their lengths. Inlet and outlet manifolds couple the ends of the tubes. A submersible pump is positioned within the spa for pumping water to the solar collector array for heating. An inlet hose is coupled between the pump and the inlet manifold to conduct water from the pump to the solar collector array while an outlet hose is coupled to the outlet manifold to conduct the heated water from the solar collector array back to the spa. Also discloses is the method of installing, using and storing the solar energy system.