Can a Solar Heater also cool my pool?
During the hottest part of the summer, running the solar system at night can cool a pool to a more refreshing swimming temperature - down several degrees in one night if the conditions are right. Also, if your pool is too warm, leave the solar blanket off at night to allow more heat to escape.
Can pool solar panels be used to heat the house?
No. Solar pool panels and controls are designed specifically to heat a large volume of water in a swimming pool, and to operate in temperature ranges of 80 to 100 degrees. Household space heating and household hot water are different applications of solar, requiring the heating smaller volumes of household water to higher temperatures.
Do the solar collectors have to face south?
Not necessarily. The solar collectors should just be installed where they can be in the sun a good portion of the day. Depending on the angle of the mounting surface east and west facing systems can function equally as well.
How long will the solar equipment last?
Modern solar collectors made of stabilized polypropylene can be expected to last between 15 to 20 years. Many solar pool heating systems that were installed over 20 years ago are still going strong.
How much does a solar pool heater cost to operate?
The majority of residential solar pool heaters use an automatically controlled valve to divert the existing filtration flow to the solar panels, so there is no additional cost to operate the solar pool heater. Some pools might require an additional solar boost pump that would cost a few dollars per month to operate during the swimming season.
How much would a solar pool heater cost for my pool?
Solar pool heating system prices for a residential pool can range anywhere from $150 to $2000 or more. The location and size of the pool, location of the solar panels, desired temperature and season, and type of pool equipment determine system size and costs. Because of all the variables, it is impossible to give an accurate estimate without careful inspection of the site.
Is it too expensive to heat a pool every day?
It depends on what you are using to heat your pool. Solar heating systems cost nothing to run since they get their heat from the sun which of course is free. Gas heaters, especially these days, can be quite expensive. The annual cost of electricity to run a heat pump may be two thirds of the cost of natural gas or one third the cost of electricity for a conventional resistance electric heater. For best results always cover your pool, especially at night with a solar blanket to retain the heat.
Should I use a pool cover with a solar pool heating system?
A pool cover prevents evaporation loss, particularly at night. The cover traps the solar heat that has been added during the day. This is very complementary to the solar system. The solar system can be viewed as actively adding heat. The cover retains that heat passively.
What special maintenance is required on a solar pool heater?
Once installed your solar pool heater should require no maintenance beyond your usual pool winterizing procedures.
Will a Solar Heater really heat my pool?
Of course! Depending on your weather and climatic conditions, you can expect your solar pool heater to:
raise your pool temperature 2 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit each time the water passes through the system, and
raise your pool's temperature 5 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit over a period of several days of good weather.
A solar blanket will help hold in this heat at night or when it's windy, and can help the system be even more effective.
Will a solar pool heater save me money?
If a pool owner heats their pool with natural gas through the normal swimming season, an investment in a solar heating system can pay for itself in 2 to 3 years. If the pool owner does not have a gas heater or wish to use one, a solar heating system will not really "save" money, but the pool will be much warmer and more inviting. After the initial cost of buying a solar system there would be no more additional cost other than your normal running and maintaining your pool.
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