Using sunshine to heat your pool water is a very practical way of getting free energy from the sun. A solar water heating system allows you to extend your swimming season and to top up the pool heat over night without worrying about high utility bills. Swimming pool solar heating systems can heat a large amount of water each day, and are quite capable of keeping the pool temperature in the 80 – 85 degree range even in moderate climates.
Installing a swimming pool solar heating system also adds value to your home.
Buying and fitting a shop-bought solar water heater could set you back from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the size of the collectors and the installation charges. However, you can make your own solar heating system for an average-sized pool for under $200, including materials and an extra recirculating pump.
Solar pool heaters are connected directly to your existing pool filter system. Throughout the day, while the filter is operating, the pool water is passed through the solar collectors and back to the pool. You can have a swimming pool solar heater system which has no moving parts, such as a recirculating pump, but this is governed by the daily sunshine activity in your area.
The solar collector panels are typically installed on a roof so as to receive the maximum amount of direct sunlight. Ideally the collectors should face the mid-day sun and be tilted to your latitude minus 10 to 15 degrees. The total area of the solar collectors will depend on various factors, but it will be at least 50% of the pool surface area. This will be nearer 75% for horizontal or west-facing collectors. In some cases, where there are significant shade or strong prevailing winds, the collector area can be as much as 100% of pool size. Because solar collectors tend to take up a lot of space, it is often necessary to fix them to a ground frame or even a suitable fence.
These are some factors which need to be considered in the design of a swimming pool solar heater:
- Weather and sunshine levels.
- Building codes and safety issues.
- Pool size.
- Length of the swimming season.
- Desired pool temperature.
- Solar collector efficiency.
These considerations really need the input of an experienced designer for your swimming pool solar heating system, because only a suitably-qualified person will have the necessary expertise to give you the right plans for making your swimming pool solar heating system work properly for you.
Making and fitting a swimming pool solar heater is very easy, and you need no special skills or fancy tools. You will find all needed materials in your local hardware shop. But, as we have already mentioned, using getting professional input will ensure that you make a good-quality job. We have no hesitation in recommending one group of professionals who have produced a simple set of plans and a comprehensive set of clearly illustrated instructions to guide you throughout the build in making your solar swimming pool heater. For less than $200, which includes all plans, instructions, materials and expert guidance, you can have a fully working and professional solar heating system for your swimming pool – what a great idea!
