Solar Pool Heating Systems for Inground and Above Ground Swimming Pools
Financially and environmentally, few pool heating options make more sense than solar heating systems. While solar heating for pools is a relatively new technology, it is quickly becoming one of the most popular heating options. Compared to gas or electric pool heaters, solar swimming pool heating systems can sometimes be more expensive to install (depending on the size of the pool and other factors), but their cost saving advantages over time more than make up for initial start-up costs. In fact, many pool owners quickly learn that solar pool heating systems will pay for themselves through energy savings, sometimes in as little as 2 years. Without question, solar pool heating systems are the most cost-effective way to maintain comfortable swimming temperatures. Because energy from the sun is clean and free, more and more pool owners are choosing solar heating for pools. Most climates in the US are ideally suited to swimming pool solar heating. In fact, the majority of North American pool owners would be well served by solar pool heating.
Solar heating systems operate on a very simple design. Solar panels, which absorb warmth from the sun, are mounted near the pool (usually alongside, or on the roof of an adjacent building). Your existing pool pump forces a portion of the pool's unheated water thru the solar panels, where it is heated and then returned to the swimming pool.
Facts about solar pool heating systems:
- Solar swimming pool heating technologies first appeared in the 1970s and today's solar pool heating systems are super-effective and very reliable.
- Solar pool heating systems have a lifespan of up to 20 or 30 years.
- There are no pool heating systems as environmentally friendly as swimming pool solar heating systems.
Many pool owners decide to invest in a heater because they want to extend their swimming season. An added benefit of solar pool heating systems is that the sun is available year round. Moreover, solar collectors do not function exclusively when it's sunny outside. Even on an overcast day, the sun emits energy that is collected and distributed throughout your pool. In cooler climates, solar pool heating systems are definitely less effective but since the energy is free, efficiency becomes less of an issue. Also, remember that solar pool heating systems require a longer time to heat your pool so you should not be concerned if pool water doesn't heat immediately. |
