A method to calculate the short-term dynamic behavior of solar collectors, working with varying fluid-flow rate, has been developed. It is based on a system of first-order partial differential equations. The method was applied to model a large unglazed collector used for heating a public outdoor swimming-pool in Marburg (Germany). A validation with data measured at this collector showed good short- and long-term accuracy of the model at constant and varying how rates. Furthermore, the dynamic behavior of the detailed model was compared to that of several model approximations especially at varying flow rate. In the case of unglazed collectors a simple dynamic model, based on an ordinary differential equation, gives accurate results in most practical applications even at varying how rate. The extension of the method to flat-plate collectors is demonstrated as well.