<p>This study delves into the intricate thermal dynamics of salt gradient solar ponds, exploring their behaviour across winter and summer seasons. Employing a novel approach, it integrates empirical data with numerical analysis to unveil the subtle intricacies of solar pond operation. During winter, meticulous tracking of the gradual increase in NaCl concentrations within the solar pond provides insights into the distinct zones. The numerical simulations provide detailed insights into the pond's reaction to different heat distributions and atmospheric conditions, uncovering intricate pressure fluctuations. Notably, solar ponds have an impressive thermal energy storage capacity, as evidenced by temperature gradients ranging from 32&#xa0;°C in the Upper Convective Zone (UCZ) to 47&#xa0;°C in the Lower Convective Zone (LCZ). Between 09:00 and 15:00, the heat stored in the LCZ increased as a consequence of direct radiation. During summer, higher solar radiation enhances the pond's performance, leading to significant elevations in NaCl concentrations and density, particularly in the LCZ, reaching 34.7% and 1.07&#xa0;kg m^–3, respectively. It is observed that the salinity in the solar pond fluctuated throughout the 24-h duration of the experiment. The maximum salinity of the LCZ during this period was 34.7%. Numerical simulations precisely capture these variations, elucidating the profound interplay of solar radiation as well as heat exchange in the solar pond. It is understood that after sunset, heat dissipation takes place in saline water after sunset. This leads to the redistribution of the salinity of the salt water within the solar pond. As a result of this phenomenon, the density of the saline water in the NCZ and UCZ experiences a significant increase. In addition, the research delves into the effects of cutting-edge materials such as Phase Change Materials (PCM), Carbon Nanotubes (CNT), and Ag–TiO₂, thereby enriching the understanding of solar pond efficiency through empirical and numerical integration.</p>