Why You Should Consider Making The Switch To A Solar Pool Heater
Solar pool heating systems are likely to last longer than electric or gas pool heaters, due to the fact that theyre more passive than the other options. Learn more about the difference between passive and active solar heating systems here.
The solar pool heater uses only solar power to pump the warm water through the system, effectively using far less energy for water heating, as compared to an electric or gas-powered system.
Electric and gas-powered systems require energy to power the pool pump, filter, and the heating elements of the system. Because it uses solar energy to power all of these components, solar pool heaters cost far less than traditional heating systems.
A solar powered pool heater effectively pays for itself over the course of 1.5 to 7 years, according to the DOE.
How The Collectors Work
There are a few different types of solar collectors, but they all pretty much work on the same principlesthe same kind that a greenhouse uses. The collectors all have a glass portion that allows sunlight to permeate. Beneath the glass is the heat absorbera black pad that absorbs heat from the sun, increasing until that internal temperature is very high. Copper pipes or coils further heat and return the warm water to the pool.
While every solar collector relies on a similar concept to heat up water, the collectors rely on very different methods of achieving those concepts depending on the type of collector thats used. Flat plate collectors and evacuated tube collectors are the two most used types, and here are the differences between them:
How Does A Thermal Solar Panel Work
Now that we have seen how photovoltaic solar panels work, let us turn our attention to thermal solar collectors.
While photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into electricity, thermal solar panels convert sunlight into heat.
As a result, they are mainly used to produce domestic hot water but are also used in heating systems such as solar heating. Floor heating systems can benefit from this type of installation.
Here is how a thermal solar panel works: First, sunlight passes through glazed flat-plate collectors and strikes an absorber, which absorbs 80 to 90% of the sunlight.
Upon striking the absorber, the rays are converted into heat. The reason why the absorber captures the suns heat so well is because it has a dark coating.
How is this heat used, you may ask? The absorber carries it to a heat-transfer fluid by the process of conduction.
To avoid any heat waste in the heat-transfer fluids conduction, it is necessary to install an insulator. This prevents energy waste due to external air exposure.
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Dive Into The Truth Behind These Myths About Solar Pool Heaters
If you wish to install a pool heater, then it is time to look into a pool heating solar system in The Villages and Claremont, FL . There are unfortunate myths surrounding pool heating solar systemssuch as solar panel maintenance and heating timebut these myths are easily debunked. Lets take a closer look at the truth behind the myths of solar pool heaters.
Myth #1: Solar heating takes too long.
There is a common myth that solar pool heaters only heat up one degree per day. This myth is completely false. The amount of heat that your pool gains depends upon the size of your solar system. If you have several solar panels attached to your pools heater, then you can expect a warm and comfortable pool almost every day. Most solar pool heating systems are as effective as gas heaters, and they will cost you significantly less in energy costs.
Myth #2: Solar panels require maintenance.
Pool heating solar systems are incredibly effective and require very little maintenance over their lifespan. Solar panels are made to withstand poor weather, and they come with great warranties. In addition to their low maintenance requirements, certain portions of solar pool heating systems can last up to 30 years and longer. This quality of long life means that your maintenance costs and heating costs will remain low for many years and potentially for decades.
Myth #3: Solar heating isnt worth the trouble.
Solar Pool Heater Is It Worth It And What Are Your Options
Heating swimming pools are expensive. According to recent research, it costs U.S. consumersbillions of dollars annually to heat the nations 5.7 million swimming pools. Homeowners spendbetween $1,200 and $5,000on standard pool maintenance annually.
Pool solar panels can help to heat your swimming pool and shave a good amount off energy bills as they have low annual operating costs. Furthermore, solar heaters are more cost competitive compared to gas and heat pump pool heaters.
As with any solar purchase, you should first take into account certain factors associated with your swimming pool. There are a few types of solar heaters for different kinds of swimming pools.
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Solar Heating Takes Too Long To Heat Up
I have seen it written that a solar heater can only do 1 degree per day to a maximum of 7 or 8 degrees per week. Well, Ive seen it add 7 or 8 degrees in a day. It just depends on how many solar panels you have and how much sun exposure you enjoy. I had one customer who could heat her attached outdoor spa to 105 degrees in only 30 minutes! Thats as fast as any gas heater could do. Of course, she could only do that during the day.
How A Photovoltaic Solar Panel Works
This panel operates on the basis of a phenomenon known as the photoelectric effect. The photoelectric effect occurs when certain materials are struck by light and they emit electrons.
A photovoltaic solar panel is made up of a certain number of silicon cells, usually 60 to 62.
The panel consists of two layers connected to each other by conducting wires. The upper layer has a surplus of electrons whereas the lower layer has a deficit of electrons.
What purpose do these two layers serve? Generating something called potential difference and thereby creating an electric current. Batteries function according to this well-known phenomenon.
In concrete terms, the photons from the sunlight strike the panel and generate the photoelectric effect. The electrons that are emitted upon impact pass through the two layers to produce an electric current.
On average, only 20% of the suns energy is converted into electricity with this type of panel. The rest is converted into heat and therefore wasted.
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How Effective Are Solar Pool Covers
- Post author
Solar pool covers otherwise known as solar blankets are swimming pool covers that use the suns energy to keep swimming pools warm. But how effective are solar pool covers? Many pool owners are skeptical about the usefulness of covering their pools to retain heat or protect it. Read on for information on pool solar cover effectiveness.
How Does Solar Heat Work
Are you wondering: how does solar heat work? As pool and spa equipment manufacturers, weve got quite a bit of experience in this area and can make it simple for you! A solar heating system is composed of two main elements – collectors and circulation systems. Basically, something to collect the water and allow the suns energy to warm it, and a way to move that water through the system and make it available for use.
Lets take a look at these two main components to solar water heaters:
Collectors – which method does the system use to collect and/or store any water being heated, or hot water ready for use?
Circulation systems – the other main aspect to a solar heating system is how the water is circulated through the system. Some use pumps to push water through, while some need no pumps because it used the water pressure from the city or well, and the water is moved through on its own as it heats up. Others circulate directly through the collectors – getting warmed by the sun immediately, and either used right away or sent to a tank to wait to be drawn.
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Variable Speed Pumps + Solar Pool Heaters = Profit
To fully maximize the heating potential of solar pool heaters, it is best paired with a variable speed pump that can run for hours on end without breaking the bank! Not only will you get the benefit of constantly warming up your pool water, but youll be filtering your pool water consistently as well! Resulting in cleaner and clearer pool water!
With Hybrid Solar Panels
DualSun offers a hybrid technology that can be mounted on the roof of the house just like classic photovoltaic solar panels.
The multiple benefits offered by a hybrid installation make it a very advantageous, yet slightly more expensive option. More than just a simple swimming pool heater, these hybrid panels can be used all year round to help you achieve energy autonomy
To obtain your personalized estimate, use our online simulator: MyDualSun
For further reading, we recommend:
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The Cost Of Installing A Solar Pool Heater
The cost varies widely depending on the size of the swimming pool, preferred water temperature, overall exposure to the sun, shading, panel direction, climate, typical energy usage and other factors.
In general, the average price can fall in a range of $3,500 to $8,000, assuming your solar heating system covers from 70 to 100 per cent of the pools surface area. Glazed panels cost more but these are only required if youre heating water in temperatures that fall below freezing.
Pool Solar Panel Connections
Depending on the brand, the connections can vary, but when you buy a kit of 2 or more panels they will include the plumbing and hardware to connect the panels to each other.
Smart Pool solar panels have 1.5 threaded female openings on either end which you can attach a 1.5 male thread, while Fafco panels have barbed ends that protrude out at each corner or end that are sized for radiator hose and standard stainless hose clamps.
If you are installing on a rooftop, be sure to pick up enough fittings to make the transition over the eave of the roof, and down to the ground and some pipe straps to secure the plumbing run to the roof and wall. For masonry walls, use tap-con screws to secure the pipe clamps
From there you can find the appropriate connector pieces for your PVC, flex, or above ground pump & filter hose at your local hardware store.
Connect the line gong to the panels to a bypass valve after your filter for the water supply and tie the bypass line and returning solar heated water line into your return line with a tee fitting. Now you can turn on the pump, open up the by-pass valve and send the water to the solar panels.
If you havent worked until past dark, place your hand over the pool return, and youll start to feel the heat right away!
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Are Solar Pool Panels Right For You
While there are many benefits to installing these an efficient and advanced solar system, truthfully, only you can decide if solar pool heating panels are right for your needs. In addition to saving money, solar panel heating for your pool allows you to reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy warm water all year round.
Now, ready to get your solar panel project financed by Ygrene? Simply click below to get pre-approved within less than 30 minutes
How Long Does It Take For A Solar Heater Warm Up A Pool
How quickly and how warm your pool gets will depend on a number of factors, including your location, starting water temperature and type of solar panels.
A solar-heated pool in Southern California using unglazed solar panels will warm up to comfortable temperatures between 78° F to 85° F in just a few days in the beginning of spring, while a similarly sized pool in New York can take up to a whole week to warm up. Those same pools, however, wont reach as high of a temperature during the colder months.
If you decide to install glazed solar panels instead, youll be able to achieve faster and more consistent heating year-round, no matter where you are. Glazed panels provide better sunlight absorption than unglazed panels, even on cold and windy days.
Using a pool cover reduces heat loss at night and during colder days, allowing for faster and more efficient heating when using solar panels.
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Heating Pool With Solar Panels
- Mason H.
As the cost of solar panels continues to drop, an increasing number of homeowners are choosing to heat their pools with solar energy. Not only does this save money on pool heating costs, but it also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Solar pool heating systems work by using solar panels to convert sunlight into thermal energy. This energy is then used to heat the water in your pool.
Some systems use a pump to circulate the water through the panels, while others rely on natural convection to move the heated water from the panels to the pool. Read on to find out more about solar pool heating systems and how they can improve your swimming experience.
How Is Efficiency Tracked
The efficiency of a photovoltaic installation depends on a great number of factors. These include the type and model of panels used, whether they are placed in the shade or not, the orientation of the roof, as well as the amount of sunshine the area receives.
To learn more, we invite you to consult the efficiency and production guide we have put together.
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Heating When You Want To
Every good plumbing system for a solar pool heater comes with a simple bypass, which allows you to skip over the solar heaters, regardless of the weather conditions. When you open the bypass, water will flow past your collector plumbing and cycle to your pool like normal. This is good for those hot days when your pool doesnt need additional heating.
How Solar Panels Work
How solar panels work as a pool heater to heat the water in your swimming pool. Learn the process of how solar panels collect heat from the sun to heat a pool.
A solar pool heating system is simple to operate and requires no change in the way you maintain standard pool equipment.
The diagram below shows the components of a typical solar heater and the steps explain the process.
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Install A Solar Pool Heater This Weekend
If you are looking to add a solar heating system to your swimming pool and have questions about how to install solar panels, read on.
From simple, single on-ground panels for Intex pools to multi-panel roof mounted systems for in ground pools, Ill explain the differences and how to get them up and heating your pool in a weekend!
To quickly qualify myself, I have four 2 x 20 panels on my garage roof and have installed dozens of solar pool systems on local residential pools. Plus, I work at InTheSwim enough said.
How Solar Swimming Pool Heating Works
As its name suggests, a solar-heated swimming pool is heated through solar energy. This kind of heating can raise the temperature of the water by up to 5°. A considerable increase! By harnessing solar radiation, you can enjoy your pool for longer.
Rest assured that a solar swimming pool heating system works in a fairly simple way:
- The water that flows through the filter circuit is diverted to the solar heating system.
- The water is filtered and then heated with the help of swimming pool solar collectors.
- Lastly, the water is transferred back into the swimming pool itself.
The water can also be heated by various other means, such as solar domes or solar heating mats placed in front of the pool. The water then flows through a pipe system, is heated, and retransferred into the pool. This is a good way to heat an above-ground pool.
The solar water heater for swimming pools is convenient and user-friendly.
It is usually placed in proximity to the swimming pool to avoid heat loss. The layout of this renewable energy system therefore depends on the layout of the garden itself. At any rate, the heating system is connected to the water circuit, then to the water pump and the filter.
Read our article describing : how solar panels work
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Goplus Solar Dome Solar Heater
Since I have great results using a solar dome heater for my above-ground pool, I thought I should find some more to add to my list. Then, this Goplus Solar Dome Solar Heater caught my attention.
This product is excellent to use when autumn is near, and we want our above-ground pool to stay warm. Due to the solar cover, heat gets trapped in the dome, letting us warm our pool. This is why it also makes it a perfect solar heater, especially when we live somewhere cold.
I managed to increase my pool temperature by 5 °F more to enjoy a warmer swim than usual when I used this product.
I also like the fact that when I received this product, it came with two hoses: A long one that measures 38.6 inches and a short one that is 14.5 inches. Its dome design is beautiful and unique, adding a modern vibe to my swimming pool.
We do not need gas connections to run this solar-powered heater. And we also save up on electricity when utilizing the system.
- The solar cover helps concentrate heat in the solar dome
- Can raise pool temperature to 5 °F higher
- Includes h a long and short hose for installation
- It comes with a beautiful dome design
- Does not use gas or electricity
- The hose is flimsy and may easily be damaged
