Criteria For Choosing The Best Solar Pool Heaters
Size of the Pool
Pools come in different sizes and shapes. Compared to smaller pools, bigger and deeper pools will need some significant heat to raise the temperature to comfortable and warm levels. As a result, you may need to invest in several, powerful heaters to achieve the same performance as a small pool paired with one, standard sized heater. And for particularly big pools, you may need to look into the possibility of buying a large and semi-permanent heater. On the other hand, if the pool is small, a small and portable option will suffice.
Ease of Installation
The vast majority of pools are either above-ground or in-ground installations. You need to keep this point in mind when shopping around for a heater as it can be the difference between effortless and quick installation and a time-consuming, energy-draining experience. The mounting location will depend on the type of installation you go for. Also, depending on the number of solar panels you decide to join together, the installation process can either be easy or quite complex. If youre not technically savvy, it will be necessary to seek the services of a professional installer to ensure everything works as advertised or intended. Itll incur you more money, but in the end, youll have a solar pool system that works like a charm, enabling you and your loved one extend the swimming season by several months.
Warranty
Construction Quality
What Size System Do I Need
The most relevant aspect of sizing a system is based on the square footage of your pool. We typically recommend matching anywhere from 50%-100% of your pools total surface area to solar collector coverage .
*For example, if your pool is 500 square feet, then 50% solar coverage equals 250 square feet of solar panels, 75% solar coverage equals 375 square feet of solar panels, etc. From this point, you’ll want to look at selecting a panel size that fits your installation area.
- For a complete breakdown on how to select & size the right solar pool heating system, see our sizing help page:
Warranty Claims
All solar heating panels Collectors are sold with a manufacturers warranty, a copy of which may be found on the brands page. Solar Pool Supply is not responsible for any damage incurred as the result of customer negligence or installation error and such incidents are not covered by warranty. All solar heating panels Collectors must be installed with new hardware for warranty coverage to apply. For all warranty claims and replacements, the customer is responsible for covering all shipping costs.
Tips to Protect your Purchase
Use caution when walking near solar collectors.These products are not designed to be walked or stepped on such actions may damage the collector and/or riser tubes. Accidental damage during installation is not covered by warranty.
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Do Solar Panels Really Heat A Pool
It is possible to reduce swimming pool heating costs by installing a solar pool heater. They have low annual operating costs and are cost competitive with both gas and heat pump pool heaters.
Solar pool heating is one of the most cost-effective uses of solar energy in the U.S. Solar Pool Heaters vs. Heat Pump Heaters: Pros and Cons Pros: Solar heat pumps are more efficient than solar heat collectors, which means you can save money on your heating bills.
Heat pumps require a lot of energy to operate, so theyre not a good choice if you live in a cold climate or dont have access to solar power. Learn more about the pros and cons of each type of heating system.
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So Exactly How Fast Does A Solar Cover Actually Heat A Swimming Pool
How fast a solar pool cover hears a pool mainly depends on how many hours of direct sunlight your pool is getting each day.
A solar cover can increase the temperature of the pool by 5 degrees every 12 hours.
Remember that your pool should be covered as much as possible. Plus, it should be getting no less than 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Why A Heat Pump Is Better Than Solar Pool Heating
View our Range of Water TechniX Inverter Paradise Heat Pumps
Pool water temperatures can drop substantially after a few days of cloudy weather which can deter the toughest of kids. 90% of swimming pools that are not heated are only used for 3 months of the year, from December – February! In this article, I am going to provide my professional opinion as to why I think a Heat Pump is better than Solar Pool Heating!
The main and only reason to heat your pool is to enjoy it all year round. Old school heating methods were very expensive and ineffective, fast forward to 2021 and Heat pumps are by far the most economical options to heat nearly any pool. With even further technology advances you could connect a heat pump to a solar electricity installation on your roof to virtually cost you $0! So while the sun is shining on your roof, your pool is powered and heated all day long.
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The Bottom Line With Solar Heating
So where does all of this information leave us as far as how effective is solar pool heating goes? It turns out solar heating is very effective if the conditions for it are right. That means when the suns out they work great and even on cloudy days they will still put some heat in a swimming pool. They will even work well on cooler days if the sun is shining. We also have learned they are not quick heat-generating devices, the steadily add heat over time and you need to keep a solar blanket on your swimming pool at night to make them as impactful as possible. Most people also supplement their solar heat with gas heaters or heat pumps. This eliminates the possibility of having no heat go into a swimming pool at night or on very cloudy days. But overall, solar heating systems have proven to be well worth the initial outlay of money that it costs to get them installed. Best of all, once installed they cost only pennies a day to run. Click here if you want to know about can pool heaters be inside.
So how effective is solar pool heating? We would have to say very effective especially when combined with a powerful and just as efficient and eco-friendly heat pump. For your swimming pool heating needs, call Waynes Solar today! We serve Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ormond Beach, Palm Coast, DeLand, and many other service areas in Florida. You may reach us at 386-673-9720 to get a free quote. You may also request to schedule an appointment for consultation and inspection!
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.
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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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Optimizing On Your Pool Heating
Whichever heating system you choose, there are several ways to boost their efficiency and further lower operating costs.
Pool covers
A pool cover prevents pool heat from radiating out of your pool water. These simple, low-tech devices can play a major role in helping your heating system stay ahead of the game.
Solar pool rings
A lot of folks frown on pool rings as a supplemental source of pool heating. The truth is they actually work. In addition, if you use enough of them they will also reduce water loss through evaporation.
Floating solar panel heaters
These are essentially mini roof-top solar pool heating panels. They are expensive but are one of the more effective ways to supplement conventional pool heating efforts.
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Solar Swimming Pool Heaters: An Easy Way To Save Money And Energy
If you want to save energy and money while heating your pool, solar swimming pool heater installation may be a good option for you. With little effort, a solar swimming pool heater can raise the temperature of an unheated pool by 8 to 12 degrees Fahrenheit, reaching an average temperature of 78 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit in an unheated pool in just a few days.
Building Your Own Solar Pool Heater
Using a solar pool heater is an environmentally responsible way to keep your pool warm. DIY solar pool heaters are possible to build, even though there are numerous commercially marketed solar pool heaters to choose from online. They take a short time to construct and cost significantly less than commercial options.
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Heat Pump Vs Solar Pool Heating
Swimming pool heating is big news. Pools are typically one of the biggest single investments homeowners make in their homes. Consequently, getting the most value out of them is a no-brainer, especially in cooler climates.
So, this brings us back to the big news. If you can raise the temperature of your pool water by 10° you can realistically add months to your swimming season. Needless to say, this is enormous added value on your investment, not to mention your familys entertainment and general lifestyle quality.
As attractive as this may sound it does pose one thorny question. How do you heat the pool in an efficient and cost-effective way that doesnt cause more headaches than balmy swimming sessions?
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.
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Heating Your Pool This Winter Save Money & Extend Your Season With Solar
Most homeowners in Florida have two ways to warm their pool solar panels or electric heaters. Did you know there are other options available utilizing solar energy that are more eectve not only to heat your pool but also your entire home?
When when we meet with potential solar clients, they already have solar panels on their roof to heat their pool. While this can help control your pool temperature most of the year, this solar setup is not the most ecient or safest in the winter months of Florida.
Heres why:
Traditional solar installed on the roof requires more time to lter and eectively come back to heat your pool. On cooler or overcast days in the winter your pool may warm up 5-10 degrees at most When the occasional cold snaps occurs in North and Central Florida, solar pipes that contain water can freeze and cause the pipes to expand and leak. Its not uncommon for homeowners to discover that their roof or system have damage due to the standing water which will require repair & the replacement of your pool panels.
Using solar power on your electric pool heater
Heating a pool or spa with solar energy is eco-friendly, helps increase the value of your home with a pool , and saves you money because youll be relying on free energy from the sun instead of purchasing the gas or electric you would otherwise use to heat your pool. Now you can save money while extending your pool season nearly all year long!
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What Is A Solar Pool Heater And Who This Is For
The top-rated solar pool heaters are always worth it. This item is for anyone who owns a pool and wants to make the most out of this outside source of leisure and activity. Solar pool heaters are highly recommended for homeowners who would like to enjoy their pool and not be disturbed by the noise, additional expenses, and rigorous maintenance. Instead, they want a cost-efficient and environment-friendly process that is simple and reliable. The best ones are the low-key heaters that would just heat the pool when you need it to.
There are so many available choices on the market, and the best solar pool is one that is easy to install and has a quick turnaround in changing the water temperature. It should also be able to help keep the heat longer. You would also want a solar pool heater that requires very minimal to zero maintenance at all and is tailored fit for your pool.
The best solar pool heater should ultimately serve its function and deliver what it is meant to do, which is to warm and heat your pool to your desired temperature in the most efficient way, and that is using the suns solar energy without the need for any intervention from you.
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Solar Pool Covers Are Worth The Investment
The bottom line is that if youre thinking about installing solar heating in your pool, you should think about installing solar pool covers. Solar panels can be installed in your swimming pool for a small or large investment, but they will be worthwhile in the long run because they reduce your energy bills and pool maintenance costs.
Getting Started With Vortex Solar Pool Heating
Operating a solar pool heater is quite simple and once installed it will hardly change the way you currently operate your existing pool equipment. A solar pool heater itself has no mechanical parts and utilizes your existing pool water pump to push the pool water through the solar pool panels and the Feed and Return PVC Plumbing lines. Our Vortex solar pool heaters have a patented design that traps heat more efficiently to better heat your pool.
How a solar pool heater works:
1. Cold water pumped from your pool through your filtration equipment.
2. Cold water transferred to solar pool heater panel array.
3. Cold water flows upwards through the panels riser tubes to the top header pipes. The stored heat in the solar pool panels is transferred to the cold water, heating it.
4. Heated water is retuned back into the swimming pool, gently raising the temperature until the desired pool water temperature is reached.
Are You Ready To Heat Your Pool For Free?
Solar Direct is here to provide you with excellent support online, or with help from our qualified Product Solution Specialist team. We offer DIY Solar Pool Heater Kits designed for ease of installation that almost anyone can perform themselves, as well as high quality, certified and licensed professional Florida solar pool heater installations for your residential or commercial applications.
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Solar Swimming Pool Heaters
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 one of the most cost-effective use of solar energy in some climates.
Best Budget: Raypak Pr106aenc 105000 Btu Heater
Courtesy of Home Depot
A heated pool may feel like one of lifes luxuries, but it doesnt have to be your biggest summer splurge if you shop for a budget pool heater. The Raypak PR106AENC is an affordable gas pool heater that offers 105,000 BTU to heat pools that hold up to 10,000 gallons of water. Its compatible with both in-ground and above-ground swimming pools. Raypak also makes this analog gas pool heater with increased BTU capacity for larger pools.
This frills-free model includes an analog dial to set the target water temperature. Other pool heaters on the market often have an LCD display with digital temperature control, but this version relies on a turn-knob to adjust temperature settings. Inside the unit, Raypak has equipped this model to have a long life of service. Stainless steel burners and a copper fin tube heat exchanger are designed for durability despite wet working conditions.
Power Source: Natural gas | BTU Output: 105,000 | Pool Type: In-ground or above-ground | Pool Size: Up to 10,000 gallons
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