How Many Solar Panels To Heat A Pool

How To Keep Water Warm Thanks To The Sun

Does Solar Panel Heating System really work to heat-up an Above Ground Swimming Pool?

In the same way that it allows for the capturing of energy to illuminate a house, feed a computer, or irrigate the ground, solar energy can be used to heat the pool water when the room temperature no longer encourages a bath. In fact, its potential for this domestic use is such that, depending on the size and type of the installation, it can keep the water between five and ten degrees above the ambient temperature.

To extend the bathing season without it translating into greater demand for energy from non-renewable sources, the panels are the fundamental piece of this setup. This applies both to systems that heat water directly, in which it circulates freely through the panel, as well as indirect solar installations.

This modality, with the highest cost, is one of the most used, offering superior performance.

Components Of A Dualsun Heating System For Swimming Pools

To get started with DualSuns solar panels for swimming pool heating, you will need:

DualSun hybrid panels

The possibility of connection to a heat pump
The possibility of using a solar water heater that also acts as a swimming pool heater

Schematic diagram of a DualSun individual solar heating installation for swimming pools

The filter pump: it filters the water in the swimming pool and is located before the panels to prevent them from clogging.
The pilot valve: it enables pool water to be directed towards the solar panels when they become warmer than the water in the swimming pool.
The air-to-water heat pump: This is an optional item that provides additional heat for greater convenience, but consumes electricity. Part of its consumption can be covered by connecting it to hybrid solar panels.

These installations are generally more integrated into the home than a simple solar water heater. The panels can be mounted onto the roof and the surplus electricity can be fed back into the house. In this case, the electrical energy generated by the solar panels must pass through an inverter which transforms the direct current from the panels into alternating current fit for household use.

Solar Vs Heat Pump Swimming Pool Heaters

The heat pump for swimming pools is another cheap option that ends up being more expensive in the long run. This pool heater uses electricity to function, capturing the outside heat and warming water that circulates back to the pool. Using this pump pool heater costs on average $1,040 $1,845 annually in electricity and requires that outside temperatures remain above 45ºF 50ºF, making it less efficient than the best solar pool heaters.

If You Already Have A Pool Heater

If you already have a pool heater and will be replacing it with a solar pool heater, consider keeping the old heater and making it part of your heating system. Direct water from the filter first to the solar heater and then to the gas or electric heater. A solar pool heater wont work when it is overcast. If the sun doesnt shine for a couple of days, it could take a couple of days to get your water back up to your desired temperature when the sun comes out. It also wont work as well in the winter or on cold days in the spring or fall. But with the two systems together, you can maintain a steady water temperature all year round while still significantly reducing your energy costs.

When your solar pool heater is working to capacity, you can shut off your old heater. But when theres not enough sun to get the water as warm as youd like, you can switch on your old heater. The solar heater will still preheat the water, and your old heater will need a lot less energy to heat the water the remaining few degrees to your ideal temperature. Think of it like a hybrid gas-electric car. With the two systems working together, you can cut down on energy use while still getting the full functionality of a traditional heater.

If youre considering installing a solar pool heater, wed be happy to answer your questions. Just contact us.

What Size Heat Pump Do I Need For My Pool

Heat pumps are sized for each application, there is not a one size fits all heat pump, with the various factors outlined above, these play a role in the COP required. COP stands for coefficient of performance, its a measurement of efficiency for heating and cooling machines which is measured by the total energy output that is leaving the unit in forms of heating or cooling over the total energy input that is entering the unit in forms of electricity. The higher COP is the more efficient a unit is, we are proud to say that our units are remarkable for their high COPs of 8 to 10 on average.

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Why Use Solar Panels To Heat Swimming Pools

First of all, pools need to be heated even in warm weather, because they lose heat via surface evaporation. There are different ways to heat pools, such as electric or gas heaters, heat pumps, and thermodynamic panels. So why would you choose solar panels? Solar thermal systems have a short payback period and will help you save money on your bills. While electricity and gas prices are constantly increasing and make your expenses fluctuate depending on the season, solar panels produce completely free and clean energy all year long, for as long as 20 years. Solar heating systems often have automatic control systems, so you wont need to monitor them or spend any money on maintenance.

Xtremepowerus Inground/above Ground Solar Panel Heating System

Best Roof Installed Solar Panel Heating System

The XtremepowerUS Inground/Above Ground Swimming Pool Solar Panel Heating System is our pick for the best roof installed solar panel heating system because it is easy to install. The product uses polypropylene and has a panel tube construction.

Youll get two 2-foot by 20-foot panels. They can handle up to 1.5 HP pumps. You will need a diverter if you have a larger pump to avoid damage to the heater tubes. We found the heater does not have U.V. protection, so it breaks down in the intense sun if you live in an extreme environment.

It should raise your water temperature to 10 degrees but results will vary. It depends on how much sun your panel can get each day as to how much it can raise the water temperature.

Simple to roll up and store

Cons:

May not fare well in extreme climates

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How Many Solar Collectors Do You Need To Heat Your Pool

The size of your solar pool heater will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your swimming pool, the desired temperature for your pool, and how much sunshine the collectors will receive You can install as many solar collectors on your roof as can fit, but if your roof is covered in shade for most of the day, the solar collectors wont meet your pool heating needs.

As a general rule of thumb, the surface areas of your solar collector should be 50 to 100 percent of the surface area of your pool. This means that if you have a 10 by 20 feet pool , your solar collector surface area should be between 100 and 200 square feet. If you live in a climate where youre using your pool for the majority of the year, you may consider sizing the system on the higher percentage end versus if you live in an area where you only swim in the pool for a few summer months.

Any qualified contractor offering solar pool heaters will be able to properly size your system given the specifics of your pool and the location of the collector system. If you live in a climate with a lot of cloudy days or experience some shading on your roof where the solar collectors might go, your contractor may suggest keeping an electric backup system.

Game 4714 Solarpro Contour Solar Pool Heater For Intex

Kloben solar panels heating a swimming pool

Best Compact Solar Pool Heater

The GAME 4714 SolarPRO Contour Solar Pool Heater for Intex is our pick for the best compact solar pool heater. Its a self-contained unit that sits on adjustable legs. It has a unique dome shape, which uses the greenhouse effect to raise the heat containment. It offers an increase in water temperatures of five degrees.

It is easy to install because you will sit it near your pool and only need to connect the hoses to your system. However, you should keep in mind that you want it to be in a very sunny area. If the heater does not have sun exposure for most of the day, it will likely not produce results.

The unit is relatively durable. You shouldnt have issues with the legs breaking. They adjust quickly as needed. It is also effortless to move around if you want to maintain sun exposure.

Must have full sun most of the day for heating effects

Heat Your Pool With Solar Power

Solar energy has become a popular choice for homeowners who wish to generate their own clean electricity or heat and save on their bills. Even though electricity generating solar panels are the most talked about technology, solar thermal has been around for a longer time and was the first solar energy production to be widely commercialised in the UK. Solar thermal collectors harness solar energy which can then be used for space or water heating. In fact, one of the most popular applications of solar energy is swimming pool solar heating. These systems can heat your pool all year long with clean, free energy. Here are all their benefits.

The Pros And Cons Of Going Solar

As with any sizable home upgrade, there are definite pros and cons of heating your pool with solar panels. But at the end of the day, its all about what is most important to you. So think about how these relate to your home, family, and pool usage. Then decide for yourself! Heres a breakdown of both sides:

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Finance Your Next Home Improvement Project

Youll also have to consider the collector orientation, which has a large impact on the panels efficiency. As a general rule, solar pool heaters should be oriented in a way that maximizes the amount of daily sunlight towards it. According to recent studies, a collector can face up to 45 degrees either east or west of true south, without creating notable negative impacts. Be aware, though, that local landscape features and weather conditions may affect the appropriate orientation for the collector.

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

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Discover Some Of Our Solar Pool Heater Projects

Does the solar pool heater system need an extra pump to operate ?

No, as part of a typical residential installation, a standard 1.5hp pool pump is powerful enough to ensure water circulation on the roof of a house up to 2 floors high.

How is the automatic system better than the manual system ?

Hayward Aqua Solar GL-235 Solar swimming pool heating controller

The automatic system operates with an electronic controller, a motorized valve and sensors that measure water and roof temperatures. It maximizes the warming of the pool by circulating the water in the panels when there is heat to capture. Thus water will not circulate at night or when it is not sunny.

The manual system, meanwhile, operates through a manual valve that must be opened in the morning and closed at night. If the forecast is not accurate and the sun does not show up during the day, you may cool your pool. Even worse, if you forget to close the valve after sunset, you will cool your pool several degrees during the night.

Many of our customers who have opted originally for a manual system to avoid costs contact us after a few seasons to get an automatic system.

Will installing the collectors damage the roof and cause water infiltration ?

No, the screws used, designed specifically for roofing, are equipped with a gasket. Caulking is also applied before screwing, which ensures a perfect seal of the installation

Can I install the system myself ?

Here is a video that explains how:

Add To An An Existing Filter Circuit

As a rule, solar heating units are incorporated into an existing filter circuit. The pool pump then operates the solar unit at the same time as it operates the filter system. The concept is simple: the pump circulates the water from the swimming pool, through the solar collectors and back to the pool. During this process, the water is heated naturally to between 24 and 34 degrees celsius .As Ann Kruyer, whose husband Dave designed his solar heating system explains: The basic principle is to run enough water through enough black stuff on the roof to get the pool warm.This, she says, was a foolproof explanation she found on the internet during a research session to find out more about the black stuff her husband uses to heat swimming pools including their own. She is unapologetic about the fact that she doesnt know how solar panels work. All Ann cares about is that her own pool water is heated gently to perfection by a solar panel using the generous free energy of the sun so that she can be comfortable and relaxed in the water.

When ordering your swimming pool solar water heating items you need to calculate how many units or what size you need. There are hints on how to calculate the number of panels you will need below.Here are a few top rated options for you to look at:

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Are Pool Heat Pumps Worth It

The short answer is yes! You will get far more use from your pool, when it’s heated! As previously mentioned, electric heat pumps are a more efficient use of electricity as it transfers the warmth of the air into the water. Coming at a lower annual cost than gas heaters, this inherently makes electric heat pumps popular for those pool users wanting to use their swimming oasis year-round.

The Full Cost Of A Solar Pool Heater

Solar Pool Heating – How to Use Your System From Florida Solar Design Group in Fort Myers, FL

Do you want a heated pool without the high utility bills? Are you looking for affordable alternatives to keeping your pool water steaming? Well, solar energy is probably the answer for you.

In this post well cover the solar pool heater cost, and well walk you through everything you need to know about solar pool heating. Keep reading to find out the cost of your average solar pool heater, how it works, the pros, cons and whether its the right option for you.

Important note: The heaters you use for your pool are not the same as the solar panels you use for your home electricity. They’re very different and serve different purposes.

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How Much Does A Solar Pool Heating System Cost

Buying a solar pool heating system and getting it installed can set you back anywhere between $3,000 and $4,000. That said, they usually last a lot longer than your average gas pool heaters and are also kinder to the environment.

Therefore, before buying a solar pool heater, you must consider some crucial factors, such as evaluating the solar resource of your area/house and determining the efficiency of the system.

The local suppliers of solar systems or the installers are usually the right people to rely on for a comprehensive solar site analysis.

Additionally, there are a plethora of solar pool heating systems available in the market. They come in distinct styles and sizes.

A lot of different materials and configurations of solar water heaters have been released over the years that have attempted to transfer the energy of the sun into a pool. In fact, copper collectors were put into use in the mid-70s, but they were eventually determined to be rather expensive.

This is because they corroded pretty quick and left deposits of copper oxide in the pool, causing stains. However, through the advancement in technology, plastic pool panels are highly common today.

How Long Does A Pool Heat Pump Last

Most quality brands will have 2 – 5 years warranty depending on the model and specifications. We would avoid any heaters with 12 months warranty, these are known to be cheaper units commonly found on eBay and marketplace sites. There is very little parts or after sales support for these units. If you are prepared to make the investment, ensure you pick a quality brand. Our recommendation is Madimack and I will expand on this further below.

Solar Swimming Pool Heaters

An example of a solar pool heater.

You can significantly reduce swimming pool heating costs by installing a solar pool heater. They’re cost competitive with both gas and heat pump pool heaters, and they have very low annual operating costs. Actually, solar pool heating is the most cost-effective use of solar energy in many climates.

How They Work

Most solar pool heating systems include the following:

A solar collector — the device through which pool water is circulated to be heated by the sun

A filter — removes debris before water is pumped through the collector
A pump — circulates water through the filter and collector and back to the pool
A flow control valve — automatic or manual device that diverts pool water through the solar collector.

Pool water is pumped through the filter and then through the solar collector, where it is heated before it is returned to the pool. In hot climates, the collector can also be used to cool the pool during peak summer months by circulating the water through the collector at night.

Some systems include sensors and an automatic or manual valve to divert water through the collector when the collector temperature is sufficiently greater than the pool temperature. When the collector temperature is similar to the pool temperature, filtered water simply bypasses the collector and is returned to the pool.

Example of how a solar collector works.