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 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 pool temperature at 80 to 85 degrees even in moderate sunshine.
Fitting a solar pool heater is also a good way of adding value to your home.
Buying a ready-made solar water heating system could cost you anywhere 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 less than $200, including materials, plans and expert guidance.
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. It is possible to have a system without any moving parts, such as a recirculating pump, but this is governed by the daily sunshine activity locally.
The solar collectors are often mounted on roofs to get the best exposure to direct sunshine. Ideally the collectors should face the mid-day sun and be tilted to your latitude less 10 to 15 degrees. The area of the collectors will depend on a number of factors, but expect the area to be at least 50% of the pool size. Increase this to 75% if the collectors are laid flat or facing west. 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 of the space requirements of the collectors, it is often necessary to mount them on a frame on the ground or even a suitable fence.
Factors affecting the installation of a solar pool heating system can include:
- Weather and sunshine levels.
- Building codes and safety regulations.
- Pool size.
- Length of the swimming season.
- Required pool temperature.
- 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. 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 thoroughly recommend 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 throughout the build in making your swimming pool solar heater. For less than $200, which includes all plans, instructions, materials and expert guidance, you can make a superb solar water heater system for your pool – what a great idea!