Posted Thursday, November 12, 2015

How Can You Heat Your Pool Using Solar Energy?

Being that Florida is the Sunshine State, we are prime candidates for solar panel technologies. Solar pool heating, a not so commonly known type of solar energy, is one of the greatest applications of solar today. In comparison to gas and heat pump pool heaters, solar pool heating it is the most cost-effective way to heat your pool, even in the coldest climates. In addition to saving money, solar energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions, allowing you to use a healthy and environmentally friendly way to warm your pool’s temperature.

Most solar pool heating systems include the following:

1. A solar collector
2. A filter
3. A pump
4. A flow control valve

The water in the pool is first pumped through a filter, which then passes through the solar collector where it’s heated and then returned to the pool.

Dependent upon the climate and type of use, there are two types of solar collectors; a glazed solar collector and an unglazed solar collector. An unglazed system, which is used in temperatures above freezing, is made of A rubber or plastic that is treated with an ultraviolet (UV) light inhibitor to extend the life of the solar panels. The components are inexpensive and have a very simple design. This type of system can also be used for indoor pools that are in colder climates as long as the system is designed to drain back to the pool when it is not in use. The other type of system, a glazed collector system, is more expensive because it is comprised of copper tubing on an aluminum plate that has a cover made of iron-tempered glass. Glazed systems capture more solar energy than unglazed systems, which allows them to be used year-round in different climates. Glazed systems can also be used to heat domestic water.

Before you get a solar pool heating system installed, there are a couple of things you should consider. Talk to your solar contractor regarding your specific home to:

1. Determine the system size that is right for your pool
2. Determine the orientation and direction of the collector that is right for your roof.

If you think solar pool heating might be a good fit for your home and are located in the South Florida area, feel free to give us a call and speak with one of our members!