Using the sun to heat your swimming pool is one of the most practical applications of free solar energy. A solar water heating system allows you to extend your swimming season and to top up the pool heat over night without having to worry about the heating costs. Swimming pool solar heating systems can heat a large amount of water each day, and are quite capable of keeping the water temperature in the 80 – 85 degree range even in moderate sunshine.

Fitting a solar pool heater is also a good way of adding value to your property.

If you decide to buy and install a ready-made solar water heating system you could pay from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the size of the collectors and the installation charges. However, you can make your own solar heating system for an average-sized pool for less than $200, including materials, plans and expert guidance.

Solar pool heaters are connected directly to your existing pool filter system. Throughout the day, while the filter is operating, the pool water is passed through the solar collectors and back to the pool. You can have a swimming pool solar heater system which has no moving parts, such as a recirculating pump, but this will depend on the average sunshine levels in your area.

The solar collector panels are typically installed on a roof in a position to receive the maximum amount of direct sunlight. Ideally the collectors should face the sun at mid-day and be tilted to your latitude minus 10 to 15 degrees. The area of the collectors will depend on a number of factors, but expect the area to be at least 50% of the pool size. 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 these solar collectors are space-hungry, it is often necessary to fix them to a ground frame or even a suitable fence.

There are several factors which can influence a solar heater installation, including:

  • Climate and sunlight availability.
  • Building codes and safety regulations.
  • Size of the pool.
  • Length of the swimming season.
  • Required pool temperature level.
  • Solar collector efficiency.

You really need the help of an expert to design your swimming pool solar heating system when considering these factors, because only a suitably-qualified person will have the necessary expertise to give you the right plans for making your swimming pool solar heating system work properly for you.

Making and fitting a swimming pool solar heater is very easy, and you need no special skills or fancy tools. Your local hardware store should have all the necessary materials. However, using the appropriate experts will make your job much easier and more fun. We thoroughly recommend one group of professionals who have produced 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 swimming pool heater. For under $200, including all plans, instructions, materials and expert guidance, you can have a superb solar water heater system for your pool – what a great idea!

 

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