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Photovoltaics | Pool
Heating |
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Things you might want to know about solar thermal
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Solar Pool Heating
How
well does solar energy heat a pool?
Solar energy is just another fuel with which to heat your pool. A properly
designed solar pool system can achieve the same results as other fuels.
On days when you can relax comfortably in a bathing suit at poolside, but
the water is too cold for swimming, solar energy can heat your pool to
a temperature comfortable for swimming.
In simple
terms, how does a solar pool heater work?
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Using the pump that circulates pool water through the filter, the water
is automatically diverted so that it flows through the many small passages
of the solar collector. While passing through the collector, it is warmed
by the sun. This warm water then flows directly back into the pool. When
the pool has reached your desired comfort level, the water then bypasses
the solar collector and returns directly to the pool.
Do
the solar collectors have to face south?
Not necessarily. The solar collectors should just 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 systems can function equally
as well.
Why
would I want my pool heated?
You probably bought your pool for many
reasons like family fun, entertaining friends,
exercise, and those quiet relaxing moments
or perhaps even for therapeutic reasons. You
spent a lot of time making the decision to
invest in a quality pool, furniture, fencing
and accompanying items that go along with
a pool. You are therefore expecting to get
the most use out of your pool. But if your
pool is frequently too cold to swim in comfortably,
you are not realizing the full benefit of
your significant investment. Solar pool heating
can effectively double the length of your
pool season.
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What
is the best type of collector to use to heat my pool?
The unglazed collectors can deliver heat more effectively to your pool
than the more expensive covered collectors.
What
kind of maintenance is required?
Your solar pool heater will require no maintenance beyond your usual pool
winterizing procedures.
How
much will my solar pool heater cost to operate?
Since the sun's energy is free, there are no operating costs.
How
does solar pool heating compare with heat pumps for pool heating?
The cost of installing an electric heat pump is generally comparable to
the cost of a solar heating system. The annual cost of electricity to run
a heat pump may be two thirds of the cost of natural gas or one third the
cost of electricity for a conventional resistance electric heater; but
the sun's energy is FREE.
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