Solar Pool heaters can greatly reduce your energy costs. They’re more cost effective than either gas or heat-pump swimming pool heaters. You’ll be able to save on annual operating costs once a solar pool heater system is installed. Best of all, a solar swimming pool heater can be used in most climates.
The typical solar pool heater system consists of a solar collector, a filter, a pump, and a flow-control valve.
- The solar collector is the device which the pool water passes through, to be heated by the sun.
- The filter removes the dirt and debris before the water is pumped into the solar collector.
- The pump is the what circulates the water through the filter and solar collector, and brings it back into the swimming pool.
- And finally, there’s the flow-control valve. It is either an automatic or a manual device, which redirects the water through the solar collector.
A solar pool heater system works in the following manner:
The water from the pool is pumped through the filter and then enters the solar collector, where it is again heated before it returns to the pool. In hot climates, the solar collector can also be utilized to cool the pool. It does this by circulating the water at night.
Some solar pool collectors use sensors and a valve, which redirects water through the solar collector when the collector temperature is greater than the pool water temperature. When both temperatures are the same, the filtered pool water will not return to the collector but will simply return to the pool.
There are different types of solar pool heating systems. They differ in the types of materials they are made out of. You will need to find out which type is best for your region’s climate, and how to use it.
There are glazed and unglazed solar collectors. If the temperature in your area reaches above freezing, then you’ll probably just need an unglazed solar collector. This is made out of heavy-duty rubber or plastic, treated with a UV light inhibitor. Unglazed solar collectors are cheaper than their glazed counterparts, because the parts are inexpensive, and their design is simple.
Glazed solar collectors are typically made from copper tubing and aluminum plates, with iron-tempered glass covers. These are quite expensive, but in colder weather, this type of system is more efficient in heating pool water than unglazed collectors are. Glazed solar collector systems can also be used as domestic hot water heaters. Both types of solar pool heating systems need to have freeze protection when used in harsh cold weathers.
As you can see, solar pool heater systems can be a good investment. You’ll save a lot of money in terms of energy costs, in the long run.
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For more information on solar pool heaters, and how to choose the solar pool heating system which is right for you, visit Solar Pool Heating or DIY Solar Pool Heaters.
Anna Williams is the webmaster of a website on Solar Energy.
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PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System offers this grid-tie solar system that is designed for residential and commercial applications. The kit provides an investment-grade array of solar panels, inverters, racking and technical support to capture the power of the sun for your home or business. High-performance 240 Watt, 72 cell monocrystalline solar panels (64.6in.L x 39.1in.W x 1.8in.H) collect power and heavy-duty, 60Hz based inverter converts solar energy to grid-tie compliant AC power. Call 888-955-3469 for a free online site evaluation and quote. Common Usage: Grid-Tie System, Panel Type: Monocrystalline, Solar Panel Wattage: 240 Per panel, Rated Watts (kW): 2.18, Dimensions L x W (in.): 64 5/8 x 39 1/8, Thickness (in.): 1 13/16, Material Type: 72 Cell monocrystalline, Solar Panels Included (qty.): 9, Battery Qty.: 0, Mounting Hardware Included: Yes Reduce or even eliminate electrical bills; in some cases system can spin meter backwards and sell excess electricity back to the utility
PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System offers this grid-tie solar system that is designed for residential and commercial applications. The kit provides an investment-grade array of solar panels, inverters, racking and technical support to capture the power of the sun for your home or business. High-performance 240 Watt, 72 cell monocrystalline solar panels (64.6in.L x 39.1in.W x 1.8in.H) collect power and heavy-duty, 60Hz based inverter converts solar energy to grid-tie compliant AC power. Call 888-955-3469 for free online evaluation and quote. Common Usage: Grid-Tie System, Panel Type: Monocrystalline, Solar Panel Wattage: 240 Per panel, Rated Watts (kW): 7.92, Dimensions L x W (in.): 64 5/8 x 39 1/8, Thickness (in.): 1 13/16, Material Type: 72 Cell monocrystalline, Solar Panels Included (qty.): 33, Battery Qty.: 0, Mounting Hardware Included: Yes Reduce or even eliminate electrical bills; in some cases system can spin meter backwards and sell excess electricity back to the utility
PowerG Grid-Tie Solar System offers this grid-tie solar system that is designed for residential and commercial applications. The kit provides an investment-grade array of solar panels, inverters, racking and technical support to capture the power of the sun for your home or business. High-performance 240 Watt, 72 cell monocrystalline solar panels (64.6in.L x 39.1in.W x 1.8in.H) collect power and heavy-duty, 60Hz based inverter converts solar energy to grid-tie compliant AC power. Call 888-955-3469 for free online evaluation and quote. Common Usage: Grid-Tie System, Panel Type: Monocrystalline, Solar Panel Wattage: 240 Per panel, Rated Watts (kW): 5.76, Dimensions L x W (in.): 64 5/8 x 39 1/8, Thickness (in.): 1 13/16, Material Type: 72 Cell monocrystalline, Solar Panels Included (qty.): 24, Battery Qty.: 0, Mounting Hardware Included: Yes Reduce or even eliminate electrical bills; in some cases system can spin meter backwards and sell excess electricity back to the utility
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I have a pool that has a solar cover. It works but it is a pain to take on and take off, plus my wife can’t take off the cover by herself.
I had propane heaters but had to get rid of them because of the cost. I’ve looked into solar pool heaters but alas my house (and the pool) is not built to where the solar panels would be effective.
My pool was just built this year. We didn’t think about solar until of course it was finished. But they have something you can purchase solar fish. They have a liquid inside that comes to the top of your pool when no in use and make it like a cover. They last about a month.
We have solar pool heaters in use in our pool. Although it was an expensive initial cost, they are working well and we should save a lot of money in the long run. Probably only worth updating your pool with solar heaters if you are going to stay in that house for a number of years.
(5.0 out of 5)
I have a pool that has a solar cover. It works but it is a pain to take on and take off, plus my wife can’t take off the cover by herself.
I had propane heaters but had to get rid of them because of the cost. I’ve looked into solar pool heaters but alas my house (and the pool) is not built to where the solar panels would be effective.
My pool was just built this year. We didn’t think about solar until of course it was finished. But they have something you can purchase solar fish. They have a liquid inside that comes to the top of your pool when no in use and make it like a cover. They last about a month.
Excellent. I’ve located this product on Amazon and here is a link for anyone interested in “Solar Fish” to conserve pool heating expenses.
http://solarjoules.com/category/green-products/solar-fish/
We have solar pool heaters in use in our pool. Although it was an expensive initial cost, they are working well and we should save a lot of money in the long run. Probably only worth updating your pool with solar heaters if you are going to stay in that house for a number of years.