What is a Solar Pool Heater?
Stop stressing about your energy bill and alleviate concerns over maintaining your ideal water temperature by utilizing a renewable energy source from the sun! Installing a solar pool heater will help cut down your bill, and ensure your pool is always the perfect temperature.
A solar pool heater is an excellent way to use the sun's power to raise your swimming pool's temperature. It is an entirely renewable energy source: it harnesses the heat from the sun and uses it to warm up the water circulating through tubes in the pool.
Ultimately, it turns a regular unheated pool into a pleasantly warm refuge, even in cooler temperatures. Installation typically takes a few days and is relatively easy too.
Benefits of Solar Pool Water Heaters
- Low cost of operation. Solar pool heaters are usually cheaper than electric and gas pool heaters.
- Environmentally friendly. Solar energy is a renewable energy source that does not produce any emissions or waste.
- Long life span. These heaters typically have a longer lifespan; they save you money in the long-term and are reliable.
- Low maintenance. Solar pool panels do not require regular servicing, meaning less time and expense for the owner.
- Reduced electricity bills. Using solar energy to power a solar pool heater means lower electricity bills for the homeowner.
How Does It Work?
Installing a solar pool heating system can provide endless enjoyment and relaxation in your backyard. These systems include a solar collector, filter, pump and flow control valve, which all work together to ensure that your pool is at an optimal temperature for swimming any time of year.
The process is simple: the water is pumped through the filter and then heated in solar collectors before being returned to the pool. If the collector temperature is similar to the pool temperature, it will bypass them entirely. Sensors and valves are commonly used to divert the water towards a cooler option when needed.
With automatic shutoffs, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn off the system and wasting energy. In addition, solar power is more reliable than ever, so you can count on quality performance from your solar pool heating system.
Installing a pool solar collector and filtration system effectively reduces energy costs and extends your swimming season. In hot climates, these systems have the added benefit of cooling the pool during peak months. To determine which type is best for you, consider if you'll need your pool to work in colder temperatures below freezing.
If so, you'll choose a glazed collector system with a glass covering, which will help retain any heat even when temperatures drop outside.
Additionally, glazed collector systems are an excellent choice for those who want to use solar energy year-round. Despite their increased cost due to the use of copper tubing and an aluminum plate protected by an iron-tempered glass covering, glazed collectors capture solar heat more efficiently than their unglazed counterparts in cold weather.
Plus, with heat exchangers and transfer fluids, you can use them throughout the year in more temperate climates, and even for your domestic hot water needs.
On the other hand, if you're only using the pool when temperatures are above freezing, then an unglazed collector system might be just what you need. These inexpensive systems are usually made from heavy-duty rubber or plastic treated with a UV inhibitor and will provide all the warmth required without the extra cost of glazing.
What is The Installation Cost?
Investing in a solar pool heating system may require some initial money upfront, but the savings are often worthwhile. Even with prices ranging between $2,500 and $4,000 to buy and install your equipment, the savings are worth it. It typically takes up to seven years to save the total cost of the initial installation.
Solar pool heaters generally last longer than gas or heat pump heaters. Before you purchase and install a solar pool heating system, you should evaluate your site's solar resources. You'll need to determine the correct system size and orientation for the collector to get the most efficient use out of it.
Additionally, always compare system costs and research regulations and codes. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure that your solar pool heating system meets your needs and budget.
The Bottom Line
Installing a solar pool heater is an easy and cost-effective way to enjoy your pool year-round. With its low cost of operation, long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements, it’s an ideal choice for homeowners looking to save energy without sacrificing comfort.