One of the less traditional methods of heating a swimming pool is through the use of solar energy. Energy directly from the sun is collected in solar panels and stored. On hot and sunny days the heat from the sun alone heats your pool to a certain degree. Think of the added benefit gained from the storage of heat gathered in the solar panels to further add warmth to your pools' waters. An electric water pump is required as a part of this type system. The water pump is what carries the water through the panel collectors allowing the heat to be absorbed into the water as it is then delivered back into the swimming pool. To utilize this type of system you need to have areas around the pool area condusive to sunlight. It stands to reason that if sunlight was blocked and the area was shaded this would not be the appropriate system to install. The size of the solar powered collectors must be the same size of the surface area of the pool for the energy transfer to be adequate. Depending on the size of your solar equipment determines the relative cost. The initial cost of this system may be expensive up front; but, when you factor in the savings down the road it is a worth while investment.
The water pump has a specific purpose in this type of system. The water pump forces the pool water through the solar panels where the water is warmed from captive radiant light and heat from the sun and then routes the water back into the pool. This continuous cycle is performed over and over achieving a comfortable water temperature. The swimming season is prolonged using this type of pool heating system.
There are two types of solar water heating collectors used for swimming pools; flat-plate and evacuated tube. The choices for non-potable (meaning not suitable for drinking) pool water use are mostly made of plastic. The use of chlorine/salt causes the pool water to become mildly corrosive. The water is pumped through the solar panels by way of the main pump (or supplemental pump) or the existing pool filter. In the case of evacuated tube solar panels the water is not pumped through them, clean water is heated via the transfer of heat from a heat exchanger. With the evacuated tube panels there is less corrosion. A temperature controller direct the water to panels/heat exchanger by turning a valve or pump operation.
The perfect complement to heating with solar panels is adding a pool cover to the equation. The cover will aid in trapping the heat in the pool; slowing down the loss of warmth. It is a known fact that heat rises. This explains why in a two-story home the second level will naturally be warmer than the downstairs level any time of the year. There are a couple of other benefits to incorporating a pool cover, 1) Your system would operate more efficiently, reducing your electric/gas expenses. 2) Would lessen the need to clean your swimming pool as often as in the past. There are pool covers with built in pockets that absorb and maintain heat provided from the sun. There are referred to as solar blankets. If your pool area receives a minimum of 5 hours of sunlight daily the solar blanket would increase your pools' temperature by at least 1 degree per day up to 8 degrees (losing any further heat gain beyond this point). You may find these solar pool blankets to be more expensive; however, worth the additional cost.
When a pool cover is in place it prevents the entry of trash/debris from entering your swimming pool and limits the amount of algae growth. Coincident with this means the reduction in chemicals to be used in elimination of these particles. Therefore, this would help to cut expenses as well as physical labor. Additionally, with the use of a pool cover you would be creating a medium to catch falling leaves, twigs and larger debris before entering the swimming pool.
The initial investment in going with solar panels to heat your swimming may be more costly up front than other conventional methods. However, in the long run you will actually be saving money. Additionally, you know that the life expectancy of these solar systems can be up to 20 years. Do not forget the advantages of incorporating the use of a pool cover which can further reduce your expenses of heating your pool (especially if you choose the solar type).
The water pump has a specific purpose in this type of system. The water pump forces the pool water through the solar panels where the water is warmed from captive radiant light and heat from the sun and then routes the water back into the pool. This continuous cycle is performed over and over achieving a comfortable water temperature. The swimming season is prolonged using this type of pool heating system.
There are two types of solar water heating collectors used for swimming pools; flat-plate and evacuated tube. The choices for non-potable (meaning not suitable for drinking) pool water use are mostly made of plastic. The use of chlorine/salt causes the pool water to become mildly corrosive. The water is pumped through the solar panels by way of the main pump (or supplemental pump) or the existing pool filter. In the case of evacuated tube solar panels the water is not pumped through them, clean water is heated via the transfer of heat from a heat exchanger. With the evacuated tube panels there is less corrosion. A temperature controller direct the water to panels/heat exchanger by turning a valve or pump operation.
The perfect complement to heating with solar panels is adding a pool cover to the equation. The cover will aid in trapping the heat in the pool; slowing down the loss of warmth. It is a known fact that heat rises. This explains why in a two-story home the second level will naturally be warmer than the downstairs level any time of the year. There are a couple of other benefits to incorporating a pool cover, 1) Your system would operate more efficiently, reducing your electric/gas expenses. 2) Would lessen the need to clean your swimming pool as often as in the past. There are pool covers with built in pockets that absorb and maintain heat provided from the sun. There are referred to as solar blankets. If your pool area receives a minimum of 5 hours of sunlight daily the solar blanket would increase your pools' temperature by at least 1 degree per day up to 8 degrees (losing any further heat gain beyond this point). You may find these solar pool blankets to be more expensive; however, worth the additional cost.
When a pool cover is in place it prevents the entry of trash/debris from entering your swimming pool and limits the amount of algae growth. Coincident with this means the reduction in chemicals to be used in elimination of these particles. Therefore, this would help to cut expenses as well as physical labor. Additionally, with the use of a pool cover you would be creating a medium to catch falling leaves, twigs and larger debris before entering the swimming pool.
The initial investment in going with solar panels to heat your swimming may be more costly up front than other conventional methods. However, in the long run you will actually be saving money. Additionally, you know that the life expectancy of these solar systems can be up to 20 years. Do not forget the advantages of incorporating the use of a pool cover which can further reduce your expenses of heating your pool (especially if you choose the solar type).
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For more information on building a swimming pool, Be sure to read John's articles on shotcrete swimming pools.
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