It's time to open up that pool and enjoy the warm weather, but did you know that for under $2.00 per day you can heat your pool? Solar heating options for pools are a great way to save money on energy costs when compared to conventional gas or electric pool heaters.
So how do solar heating systems work? During the day, solar heating systems use the sun's energy to preheat pool water. Pool water travels through insulated piping to a large solar collector in your yard where it is heated by the sun before returning to the pool.
Unlike conventional heaters that draw power from your home, you can expect an 80 percent to 90 percent reduction in energy costs when you use solar heating. Savings are even greater when you consider that solar heating systems cost up to 90 percent less than conventional heaters to operate over their lifetime. Click here to see this recent solar pool heater installation at a home in the San Diego area.
Installing a solar pool heater is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint, save money and enjoy your pool in warm weather for years to come. However, it is important to be informed on the process of selecting, sizing and installing solar heating systems before you commit to one.
When looking for a professional pool company it is important to find someone such as Swim Care Pool Service with experience with solar pool heaters. Ask them questions about what makes their system different from other companies, ask about warranties and guarantees they provide, how much experience they have with the specific equipment you are interested in purchasing, and if they have any references you can contact.
Don't be afraid to ask for references! Ask the company that you are considering hiring if you can speak with any of their previous customers. A reputable pool service company should not hesitate to give you names and contact information.
Be sure to review the warranty on the product they are recommending, as well as the work they will perform including installation requirements for solar heating systems. Be aware of limitations on equipment warranties like requiring all system components by one manufacturer or only installing approved products on your property. Also, watch out for language that limits coverage on new installations or adds restrictions after installation is complete. This may indicate that the installer is more interested in recurring sales than in ensuring customer satisfaction.
Choosing a solar heating system can seem overwhelming at first because of the wide range of options available. The best way to narrow down your choices is to first decide which type of solar heating system fits your needs and budget. Solar pool heaters are broken down into three different types based on how they work:
Active systems move solar heated water through the home using standard 120V GFI electrical circuit hookups for operation, just like an electric water heater would. They can be more expensive than other types of solar pool heaters because they require pumps and components similar to those used in conventional gas-powered water heaters, however they provide 100 percent of solar-heated water back to your pool (no cold spots).
Passive systems circulate cold water from the pool up through tubes in the collector, where it absorbs heat from the sun before returning to the pool. They are typically less expensive than other types of solar heating systems because they do not require pumps or hot water storage tanks. However, since no pre-heating takes place in these systems, cold spots may occur in your pool when cloudy weather intervenes or water is lost due to splashing and evaporation.
Heat pump systems will be more expensive than active or passive solar heating systems but offer advantages that others don't have. Not only do they heat your pool using free energy from the sun, heat pump solar collectors also operate at higher efficiencies than both active and passive collectors by transferring heat between two loops instead of one. They can even heat your pool for free on cloudy days and at night, through a process known as "thermal storage." Heat pump solar collectors store the sun's energy during the day in thermal wheels or tanks of glycol solution that can release heat into your pool when there is little to no sunshine available.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a solar pool heating system, but the right choice depends on your needs and budget. To find a reputable solar pool company in your area, check with local contractors or search for accredited companies online.