A solar pool heater can be a very cost-effective way to heat a swimming pool, depending on the climate and the amount of sun exposure. Solar is the only pool heating technology more eco-friendly than a heat pump and has very low operating costs. The costs of solar pool-heating materials and installation are comparable to those of gas heaters and heat pumps, and solar is the most cost-effective pool-heating method in some climates.
Where Solar Pool Heaters are Ideal
Solar swimming pool heaters are ideal in sunny climates, rather than in the Midwest or Northeast Coast, where it is not uncommon to have overcast and rainy days in the summer. They can require several days of clear, sunny weather to raise the temperature a few degrees, and do not allow programming a temperature on demand. Heating with solar energy requires ample space to install all the equipment and tubing, usually on a rooftop to receive sufficient sunlight.
In hot, sunny climates, solar pool heaters can cool pool water during peak summer months by running water through the collectors at night. Pool owners committed to environmentally friendly energy usage may benefit from a solar pool heater in the right conditions, particularly when combined with a solar pool cover.
The Swimming Pool Store offers pool heater consultations to help pool owners determine the best type of pool heating technology to suit their needs, with the most cost-efficient option.
How Solar Pool Heaters Work
Solar swimming pool heaters require installing solar panels, extensive piping, and control valves to divert the heated water back into the pool. A solar swimming pool heating system consists of:
- Solar collector – the device that concentrates the solar radiation and heats water as it flows through the collector.
- Filter – collects any debris before water is pumped through the collector.
- Pump – circulates pool water through the filter, collector, and back into the pool.
- Flow control valve – diverts water through the solar connector, can be manual or automatic.
Some solar pool heating systems may include automatic sensors with valves that divert water through the collectors when the temperature is higher than the pool temperature, or bypass the collectors and return water to the pool when the temperatures are similar.
Unglazed and Glazed Solar Collector Systems
There are different types of materials for solar pool collectors, depending on your climate and intended usage. Unglazed collector systems do not include a glazing (glass covering) and should suffice for use with the heater only when temperatures are above freezing. Unglazed systems are made of heavy-duty plastic or rubber with an ultraviolet (UV) inhibitor that extends the panel life. Unglazed collectors are typically less expensive than glazed collectors, have a simple design, and can also work well for indoor pools, even in cooler climates, making them a less costly investment than glazed collectors.
Glazed collector systems are more expensive because they use copper tubing and an aluminum plate with iron-tempered glass. Glazed collector systems capture solar heat more efficiently than unglazed collectors in colder weather. They can be used year-round in various climates and also produce domestic hot water. Both unglazed and glazed collectors must be protected against freezing if used in colder weather.
Selecting a Solar Pool Heater
Selecting a solar pool heater requires careful evaluation of various factors, and seeking the advice of a qualified swimming pool professional is the only way to ensure you choose the right pool heating system.
Actual costs and return on investment depend on evaluating a list of considerations, including:
- Evaluating the solar resources with a site analysis
- Determining the correct solar heater system size
- Determining the proper orientation and tilt of solar collectors
- Determining the efficiency of the system
- Investigating local codes and regulations
- Comparing various system costs
Your swimming pool professional can help you with these considerations, and you can learn more about how to perform these tasks at Solar Swimming Pool Heaters.
The Swimming Pool Store can help you determine the best type of swimming pool heating technology for your pool, with expertise in heating pools in Connecticut. We offer consultations for pool heater installation and have more than 50 years of experience providing professional swimming pool services. Contact us with any questions and to learn more about heating your pool and solar pool heaters.