Do You Need A Solar Powered Pool Warmer?
From the operators of www.GreenLivingRocks.com — providing education regarding how to build a solar panel, residential solar power, and solar power kits.
Solar pool heaters are one of the simplest solar heating applications to set up. And they are additionally one of the least expensive. So if you are considering installing a solar heater for your pool, here are some facts about how they work to help you decide if they make sense for your pool.
Solar pool heaters are typically less complicated than solar water heating systems for your home. They typically use the pool’s pump and filter, so you will only have the cost of buying and installing the solar collector, piping, a diverter valve and an automatic control.
The control lets you adjust the temperature at the high end of the range to your liking so the pool doesn’t get too warm. The diverter valve works with the control, either sending water into the solar collector to be warmed, or back into the pool if not heating is needed.
Solar pool heaters use a straightforward open loop design. That means that the water flows back and forth between the solar collectors and the pool. When the pool’s pump is on, cold water from the pool flows into the solar collectors, is warmed up by the sun and the heated water flows back into the pool. There are no other moving parts involved.
The least pricey solar collectors can be used year round in warm climates, and are also good for moderate regions where pools are used during the spring, summer and early fall, when air temperatures are above about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. These solar collectors are not insulated and are made from UV-resistant black plastic. They heat the water to comfortable temperature, but are not useful for heating pools in colder climates.
For heating pools in cold winter climates, a more high-priced solar collector with a glass cover and insulated box is used. Copper absorbers are used instead of plastic, since it does a better job of conducting heat. These solar collectors are capable of heating water to the much higher temperatures needed in cold climates. They are more expensive and more difficult to build and install than the lower temperature designs.
But no matter whether your pool is located in a warm, moderate or cold climate, a solar pool heater will save you cash. Since there are so few components to buy and install, they usually pay for themselves in energy savings in about 2 years. And they are very low maintenance, since there are no moving parts. They are one of the most cost-effective solar applications that can be installed in a home.
