Solar Pool Heaters: Why Temp Drops Don’t Mean You Can’t Enjoy Your Pool
Fall is just around the corner and while it might take a few more months for the temperature to drop here in Central Florida, those chilly nights are coming! Did you know that with a solar power heater, you can heat your pool so you can enjoy your pool during the cooler months?
It’s true! By installing a solar system and a solar pool heater, the sun’s rays can heat your pool at a much more affordable cost than traditional systems.
Ready to see if this could work for your pool? Our team at Solar Bear Orlando explains why solar pool heaters are one of the best ways to harness the power of the Sunshine State’s energy this Fall!
What Are Solar Pool Heaters?
Essentially, if you think about it, the sun already heats your pool, but in the cooler months, not enough to make much of a difference. Solar pool heaters enhance the sun’s heating by using a panel, pump, and filter.
Your existing pool pump pushes water through a filter to strain out any debris, and then water is pumped into your solar system and is heated as it moves through the panel. Then, the warmer water slows back into your pool. Voila! A warm pool ready for a dip on a cool evening.
The best part? Solar pool heaters do not require a storage tank, and heating with solar is substantially less expensive than using an electric heater.
What Size Solar Pool Heater Do You Need?
As with any solar project, many factors are involved in designing the perfect solar pool heater for your needs.
We’ll make sure to factor in:
- Pool size
- Swimming season (almost year-round in Florida!)
- Average temperatures
- Desired pool temperature
- How much sun your home gets
- Collector orientation and efficiency
- If you use a pool cover
Based on the above, we will be able to determine the system requirements and collector sizing. A general rule of thumb is that the surface area of your solar collector should equal 50-100% of the surface area of your pool.
We’ll also make sure that your pool pump is adequately sized for your solar system. It’s important to note that if you are replacing a conventional pool heater with a solar-powered one, you may need a larger pump than what you currently have.
Make the Most of Your Solar Pool Heater
To truly make the most of the efficiency of your solar pool heater, we recommend using a pool cover to help retain heat, which can help reduce heat loss during the cooler months. There are even specially designed solar pool covers that are designed to absorb thermal energy and transfer it to the pool’s surface, supplementing the work that the solar pool heater is doing.
Due to the complexity of solar systems, we always recommend contacting a professional solar installation company when installing a solar pool heater. This will protect homeowners from any issues and boost the system’s efficiency since it will be installed to industry standards.
Read More > What Are the Most Important Questions to Ask a Solar Installer?
Enjoy Your Pool Year-Round
Though we still have a few months until it gets chilly here in Florida, NOW is the time to get your solar heater installed so you can take a dip in the pool even on the chilliest Central Florida nights!
Ready to install a solar heater for your Florida home’s pool? Schedule an appointment online or call Solar Bear Orlando to get a hassle-free quote today at (727) 471-7442!