Solar Trend – Heat Your Pool This Fall with Solar Energy
Now that fall is here, you might be wondering how to heat your pool so you can use it, even on the chilliest of Central Florida nights. Have you thought about a solar pool heater?
By installing a solar pool heater, you can greatly reduce your swimming pool heating costs. Solar pool heaters are cost-competitive with gas and heat pump pool heaters, and they offer exceptionally low operating costs.
Intrigued? Our team at Solar Bear Orlando discusses why solar pool heating is one of the best ways to take advantage of solar energy this fall!
How Solar Pool Heaters Work
Most solar pool heating systems will include the following components:
- Solar collector: The device through which pool water is circulated to be heated by solar rays.
- Filter: This device removes debris before water is pumped through the solar collector.
- Pump: This circulates water through the filter and collector then back to the pool.
- Flow control valve: This is a device that diverts pool water through the solar collector.
In a solar water heater, pool water is pumped through the filter and then through the solar collector, where it is heated before being returned to the pool. In hot climates like Florida, the collector can also be used to cool the pool during peak summer months by circulating water through the collectors at night.
The type of solar heater that you will need depends on the climate and how you intend to use the collector. Since Florida rarely freezes, you will likely need an unglazed collector system. These collectors don’t include a glass covering, also called glazing. These kinds of collectors are usually made from heavy-duty rubber or plastic that has been treated with an ultraviolet light inhibitor to extend the life of the solar panels.
The best part of installing a solar pool heater is that you can set the temperature of your pool on your automatic controller, and the sun will do the rest. The auto control senses when there is enough solar energy to heat the pool. The sun’s rays will heat the water as it flows through each panel. The heated water will flow back into your pool, and the cycle will continue until your desired temperature is reached. Nice!
How to Choose a Solar Pool Heater & Sizing
A solar pool heating system can cost between $2,500 and $4,000 to install. The payback period is between 1 and 7 years, depending on local fuel costs and available solar resources.
Before you install a solar pool heating system at your home, you should:
- Evaluate your area’s solar resources
- Determine the correct system size
- Determine the correct orientation and tilt of the solar collector
- Determine the efficiency of the system
- Compare system costs
- Investigate local codes and regulations
Sizing a solar pool heating system involves many factors, including:
- Pool size
- Length of the swimming season
- Average regional temperature
- Desired water temperature
- Use of a pool cover
- And more
Generally, the surface area of your solar collector should be equal to 50-100% of the surface area of your pool. For example, a Florida pool that is 15-by-30-foot will require a collector that is equal to 100% of the pool’s square footage to accommodate year-round usage. This equals 450 sq-ft of solar collectors. You will also want to get a pool pump that is properly sized for your solar-powered system. It will need to have enough power to move the pool’s water effectively through the collectors and back into the pool once it has been heated.
Related Reading > 7 Common Solar Buying Mistakes to Avoid
Enjoy Your Pool Year-Round
Though the temperature is quite mild here in Central Florida during the fall months, if you want to take a dip in the pool, you might find that the water is too chilly! But with a solar pool heater, you can enjoy your pool year-round, even during those chilly Florida nights.
Ready to install a solar heater for your pool? Call Solar Bear Orlando to get started today; (727) 471-7442!
