Using the sun to heat your swimming pool is one of the most practical applications of free solar energy. You can use a solar water heater to extend your swimming season and keep the pool warmth overnight without having to worry about the heating costs. Swimming pool solar heating systems are well able to sustain the warmth of a large volume of water on a daily basis, and are quite capable of keeping the water temperature at 80 to 85 degrees even in moderate climates.
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 collector size and installation costs. However, it is quite possible to make your own solar water heater for an average-sized pool for under $200, including materials, plans and expert guidance.
Solar pool heaters are connected directly to your existing pool filter system. During the day while the filter is operating, the water is circulated through the solar collectors and returned to the pool. You can have a swimming pool solar heater system which has no moving parts, such as a recirculating pump, but this is governed by the daily sunshine activitylocally.
The solar collector panels are typically installed on a roof so as to receive the maximum amount of direct sunlight. Ideally the collectors should face the mid-day sun and be at an angle equivalent to your latitude less 10 to 15 degrees. Several factors will influence the size of the collector panels, but it will be at least 50% of the pool surface area. This will be at least 75% if the collector panels 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 advisable to fix them to a frame on the ground or even a suitable fence.
There are several factors which can influence a solar heater installation, including:
- Weather and sunlight availability.
- Building codes and safety regulations.
- Size of the pool.
- Duration 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.
It is very easy to make and fit your own swimming pool solar heating system and you need no special skills or tools. Your local hardware store should have all the necessary materials. 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 clearly illustrated instructions to guide you every step of the way in making your solar pool heaters. For under $200, which includes all plans, instructions, materials and expert guidance, you can have your own swimming pool solar heating system – what a great idea!
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