Using the sun to heat your swimming pool is one of the most practical applications of free solar energy. A solar water heater will let you enjoy a longer swimming season and preserve your water temperature during cooler evenings without having to worry about the heating costs. Swimming pool solar heating systems can heat a large amount of water each day, and are quite capable of keeping the water temperature in the 80 – 85 degree range even in moderate climates.
Fitting a solar pool heater is also a good way of adding value to your property.
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, plans and expert guidance.
Solar pool heaters are connected directly to your existing pool filter system. While the filter is working during the day the pool water is passed through the solar collectors and returned to the pool. You can have a swimming pool solar heater system which has no moving parts, such as a recirculating pump, but this will depend on the average sunshine levels locally.
The solar collector panels are typically installed on a roof in a position to receive the maximum amount of direct sunlight. Ideally the collectors should face the sun at mid-day and be at an angle equivalent to your latitude minus 10 to 15 degrees. Several factors will influence the size of the collector panels, but expect the area to be atleast 50% of the pool size. Increase this to 75% if the collectors are laid flat or facing west. It is not unusual for the collector area to be the same as that of the pool when the site is shaded badly or exposed to strong winds. Because these solar collectors are space-hungry, it is often necessary to fix them to a ground frame or even a suitable fence.
Factors affecting the installation of a solar pool heating system can include:
- Weather and sunlight availability.
- Building codes and safety regulations.
- Pool size.
- Length of the swimming season.
- Required pool temperature.
- Solar collector efficiency.
This is why you should consider getting some guidance in designing your swimming pool solar heating system, because only someone with professional experience will be able to suggest the best solar pool heating system for your particular circumstances.
Making and fitting a swimming pool solar heater is very easy, and you need no special skills or fancy tools. Your local hardware store should have all the necessary materials. However, using the appropriate experts will make your job much easier and more fun. We have no hesitation in recommending one group of professionals who will provide you with a simple set of plans and a comprehensive set of step-by-step instructions to guide you every step of the way in making your solar pool heaters. For under $200, including all plans, instructions, materials and expert guidance, you can have a superb solar water heater system for your pool – that is an inspiring idea!
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