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Adding a solar pool heating system to your
swimming pool
Most pool owners quickly discover that to maximize their enjoyment they would
like to extend their swimming season by heating their pools. SOLAR IS IDEAL!
It is by far the most economical way to go. Pool heating systems can typical
pay for themselves in as little as 2-4 years. And they continue providing free
heat for twenty years or more. By the way, solar pool heating makes economic
sense even in the northern regions of the US.
Here's What You Need To Know
FIRST, sizing your system will depend on the approximate square footage of
your pool's surface area in order to determine the amount of collector square
footage needed to provide enough heating. If you have the original contractor's
plans available the "as-built" square footage should be shown. Otherwise,
Measure the widest and longest points of your pool in order to have a rectangle
that your pool would "fit" into. Then multiple the length X the width
to arrive at the square footage of the rectangle as shown. If your pool is not
rectangular, but free form or kidney shaped then multiply the square footage
for the rectantagle you've already calculated by 80% to give a better approximation
of the actual pool surface square footage. This number will next be used to
calculate the collector size needed based on your climate and region.
 For
example: This rectangle is 15' x 30' which equals a total rectangle area
of 450 square feet. Then 80% of 450 gives an approximate pool surface area
of 360 square feet. This estimate of the pools area can be used below to
estimate the collector size needed for your pool |
SECOND, collector size is estimated based on the number from above and the
region you live in.
THIRD, collector size may also need to be increased some to allow for your
pool's site and conditions. Add 10% to the collector size you've computed so
far for each of the following statements that is true.
- My pool is screened in, covered in some way, or shaded throughout the day
- My pool is located in and exceptionally breezy spot, like exposed on a hillside
- We do not cover our pool at night or on days when it is not in use during
swimming season
THIRD, our catalog includes four preconfigured Complete
Solar Pool Heating System Packages - actually the same 4 sizes shown in
the chart above. The only difference between the 4 packages is the number of
collector panels and required connectors. Select the Complete System that includes
the collector size closest to or larger than the collector size you've calculated.
Our complete packages include all of the major components needed for installing
your solar pool heating system, including the controller, automatic diverter
valve, check valve, end caps, vacuum breaker, connectors, mounting hardware,
clamps and more. If a larger collector area size is needed, additional solar
pool collectors are sold individually that can be "daisy-chained"
to suit any application. You can also add the optional automatic controller
for hands free operation.
FOURTH, you will need an appropriate place to mount a collector. While special
situations can usually be accomodated, the ideal is a south facing roof that
is not shaded by trees or buildings during most of the day. Anywhere that is
within a 30° angle east or west of due south is best. If your angle is more
a slightly larger collector will compensate.
FIFTH, installation can be handled by anyone that's capable of using basic
hand and power tools following the included instructions Swimming
Pool Solar System Diagram
- permanently mount and connect the flexible collectors on the roof with the
included hardware.
- provide water lines to/from the collector and your existing pool filtration
system (PVC pipe and fittings are not included).
- Add the controll and check valves. For specific instructions - Pool
Installation Manual
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For the
Sunbelt collector size is 2/3 of the pool square footage calculated. Other
regions are shown below and 4 typical sizes are shown in the 4 columns
to the right.