Solar Swimming Pool

Energy By Choice: F.A.Q. - Solar Swimming Pool Heat

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SOLAR POOL HEAT
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BENEFITS OF SOLAR
• Environmental
• Reduce acid rain
• Reduce smog
• Reduce greenhouse gases
• Fight global warming
• 25 + year Lifespan
• Lock in low, fixed cost hot water for 25 yrs.
• Reject Big Oil Interests
• Increases property value
• Tax Incentives

 

Contact Energy by Choice™
for more information

(631) 757-6984 • solar@energybychoice.com

SUN Where is the solar pool heating system installed?
SUN Will a roof- mounted system harm my roof?
SUN System Sizing
SUN Orientation
SUN Is there enough sun where I live?
SUN What if it’s cloudy outside?
SUN Can I use it with my existing fossil fuel pool heater?
SUN Is a solar pool heater better than a gas heater?
SUN How do I compare a gas and electric heater to a solar pool heater?
SUN Can pool solar panels be used to heat the house?
SUN Can I use a domestic hot water solar system to heat my pool water?
SUN Temperature
SUN What maintenance is involved?


Q: Where is the solar pool heating system installed?

A: The solar collectors are typically mounted on roofs or any area near the pool that provides the proper exposure orientation and tilt toward the sun. The system however, can also be installed on the ground or on racks.

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Q: Will a roof- mounted system harm my roof?

A: Energy by Choice installs solar pool heating panels that have a roof- friendly individual tube design. The individual tubes allow moisture to pass through the panels, while competing systems trap moisture and debris that can deteriorate the roof condition over time. The solar pool heating panels are then secured while still allowing normal expansion and contraction without applying pressure to the roof. Some other manufacturer’s systems are secured with cumbersome and unattractive straps that can lead to roof damage.

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Q: System Sizing
A: There are a number of factors to consider in sizing the collector area and the first is the actual pool surface area. Starting with a minimum area equal to 30% of the pools surface area, system design is further affected by collector orientation, wind conditions, shading of the pool, local climate and length of swimming season desired. 100% coverage is not uncommon.

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Q: Orientation
A: Ideally the collectors should face south and be tilted to latitude minus 10 to 15 degrees. Increase collector area to 50% if collectors are laid flat. Add another 25% if collectors face west or east. Other orientations are not recommended.

Although roof installations are most common, a frame can be constructed for "ground mount" for most solar systems when a roof installation is problematic due to inadequate space or aesthetic considerations. In areas subject to winter freezing, the collectors and plumbing should be installed to allow all water to drain when the system is off.

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Q: Is there enough sun where I live?

A: Studies show that there is enough solar energy in all parts of the United States and into Canada for you to enjoy a longer swim season with a solar pool heater.
The solar collectors should be installed where they can be in the sun a good portion of the day. Depending on the angle of the mounting surface, east and west facing system can function as well as those with southern faces. An orientation up to 45 degrees east or west of due south will not significantly decrease performance as long as shading is avoided. We typically look for a minimum of 5 hours of sun on the collectors between the hours of 10am-5pm for reliable performance.

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Q: What if it’s cloudy outside?
A: As long as it is daytime, the system absorbs solar radiation. Any solar radiation absorbed by the system will heat your pool. It is important to note that increasing the number of solar panels in your system will help absorb more heat.

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Q: Can I use it with my existing fossil fuel pool heater?

A: Some of our customers choose to use their solar heating system in conjunction with an existing pool heater. The solar heating system is designed to serve as the primary heat source for your pool water, while your existing pool heater serves as a backup heater. By using a solar heating system as your primary heat source, you can extend the life of your existing pool heater while minimizing the utility bills associated with heating your pool.

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Q: Is a solar pool heater better than a gas heater?

A: We think so. A solar pool heater can be less expensive up front than a gas heater, depending on the size of your pool. Once a solar pool heater is installed, your heat is FREE from the sun. With a gas heater you need to pay the gas company depending on how much you use the heater (your pool store can give you estimates for your area). In the spring and fall when you really need heat, you use the pool heater more, so it costs you more - but solar energy is still free. Also, solar is non-polluting, and it can cool your pool during hot months, something no gas heater can do.

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Q: How do I compare a gas and electric heater to a solar pool heater?

A: First check the operating costs. Will you really be willing to pay the gas bill, or will you shut off the pool heater when you need it most? Second, ask about annual maintenance costs. Solar has none. Also, determine the life of the system. Solar pool heating systems can last 15-20 years. Lastly, what are you really trying to accomplish with a pool heater? If you want your pool to be a comfortable swimming temperature all season long, then choose solar.
With electric heat pump, the annual cost of electricity to operate heat pump is typically between $1400 and $3000 depending on pool size. The operation cost of a heat pump may be one-third the cost of gas, but the sun’s energy is FREE. Also remember that a heat pump has a refrigerant system with a motor and compressor. These mechanical parts eventually wear out and are expensive to replace. If your home is not a suitable candidate for a solar pool heating system due to lack of space for panels or too much shading, an electric heat pump is a better option than oil or gas heaters.

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Q: Can pool solar panels be used to heat the house?

A: No. Solar pool panels and controls are designed specifically to heat a large volume of water in a swimming pool, and to operate in temperature ranges of 80 to 100 degrees. Household space heating and household hot water are different applications of solar, requiring the heating of smaller volumes of household water to higher temperatures.


How They Work
Most solar pool heating systems include the following:

  • A solar collector — the device through which pool water is circulated to be heated by the sun
  • A filter — removes debris before water is pumped through the collector
  • A pump — circulates water through the filter and collector and back to the pool. Usually the existing pump will suffice.
  • A flow control valve — automatic or manual device that diverts pool water through the solar collector.

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Q: Can I use a domestic hot water solar system to heat my pool water?

A: No. These solar technologies are designed for different applications. A domestic hot water system cannot sufficiently heat a large body of water such as a pool to comfortable temperatures while a solar pool heating system cannot reach the very high temperatures needed for domestic use. In addition, domestic hot water systems are made of copper, which deteriorates quickly when in contact with eth pool chemicals. Solar pool collectors do not require glazing or insulation making them much less expensive and lighter then domestic hot water panels.
How is solar pool heater different from a solar pool blanket?
A solar pool hating system generates heat for your pool while a pool blanket helps to maintain the pool temperature. A pool blanket does not generate heat. Since evaporation is the biggest source of heat loss for pools (75%), pool covers are an inexpensive way to maximize the efficiency of a pool heating system. In addition, pool covers reduce water and chemical loss while preventing debris from entering the pool. The combined use of a solar pool heater and pool blanket will most cost-effectively and efficiently heat and maintain your swimming pool.

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Q: Temperature

A: Pool systems heat a large amount of water each day and an efficient design returns the water to the pool after picking up 2 to 5 degrees F.

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Q: What maintenance is involved?

A: Your solar pool heater will require no maintenance beyond your usual pool winterizing procedures.

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Energy By Choice
• 81 Scudder Ave, Northport NY 11768 •
(631) 757-6984 • solar@energybychoice.com

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