We Know Pools
Solar Swimming Pool Heaters
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can significantly reduce swimming pool heating costs by installing a solar pool heater. They're cost competitive with both gas and heat pump pool heaters, and they have very low annual operating costs. Actually, solar pool heating is the most cost-effective use of solar energy in many climates.
How They Work
Most solar pool heating systems include the following:
• A solar collector — the device through which pool water is circulated to be heated by the sun
• A filter — removes debris before water is pumped through the collector
• A pump — circulates water through the filter and collector and back to the pool
• A flow control valve — automatic or manual device that diverts pool water through the solar collector.
Pool water is pumped through the filter and then through the solar collector(s), where it is heated before it is returned to the pool. In hot climates, the collector(s) can also be used to cool the pool during peak summer months by circulating the water through the collector(s) at night.
Some systems include sensors and an automatic or manual valve to divert water through the collector(s) when the collector temperature is sufficiently greater than the pool temperature. When the collector temperature is similar to the pool temperature, filtered water simply bypasses the collector(s) and is returned to the pool.
What recommendations do you have for someone looking to purchase a solar swimming pool heater?
Comment
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Comment by Kris - Community Manager on January 9, 2012 at 6:36am
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Thanks for all the terrific information on swimming pool solar heaters, Jim!
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Comment by Jim Chandler on January 8, 2012 at 2:51pm -
Hello Kris,
Solar is a great way to heat your in ground swimming pool. We have installed many pools with solar and my customers love it!
You can definitely extend your swimming season by swimming earlier in the spring and later in the fall provided your system is sized and installed correctly. Pool solar systems are sized by using a percentage of the square footage of the swimming pool depending on the collector compass orientation. In the Sacramento, Ca. area most solar panels are installed on the roof.
The most desirable orientation is due south/west which uses about 65% of the pool
surface area in collector area. Other orientations such as east/north require about 85%. Special racks or trellises may be required if the roof, pitch, exposure or shade factors do not permit a roof top installation.
In Addition, the pool pump, plumbing and hydraulics must be sized correctly so that the solar system has the proper flow rate. We use the Pentair IntelliFlo pump, with Easytouch and IntelliTouch automation. These systems work great with all pool solar systems maintaining the desired pool temperature automatically.
In selecting the panel manufacturer and installer consider a quality brand and use a licensed contractor. Check for references in your area. Look at installations, talk to solar pool customers and check out the warranty.
My panel recommendations are Sunstar and Fafco; I have used both panels with great results.
One of my customers built a special decorative shed to accommodate the pool equipment and the solar system.
Who doesn't need more storage space plus an equipment room? It is working efficiently, the customer was swimming well into late fall and is extremely happy.
It is more cost effective to install the solar system with the pool construction. However, many of my customers due to their budget want the pool to be plumbed and ready for solar so they would be able to install at a later date. Just make sure the pump and controls are solar ready. Also, install the pipe run from the equipment pad to the panel location so you will not have to trench through the landscaping later.
Happy Swimming,
Jim Chandler
Owner
Jim Chandler Pools
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