Make a Swimming Pool Solar Heater
Solar energy is an excellent way to heat your swimming pool for next-to-nothing. You can use a solar water heater to extend your swimming season and keep the pool warmth overnight without having to think about the costs. Swimming pool solar heating systems are well able to sustain the warmth of a large volume of water on a daily basis, and are quite capable of keeping the pool temperature at 80 to 85 degrees even in moderate sunshine.
Installing a swimming pool solar heating system also adds value to your home.
Buying a ready-made solar water heating system could cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the size of the collectors and the installation charges. However, it is quite possible to make your own solar water heater for an average-sized pool for less than $200, including materials and an extra recirculating pump.
Swimming pool solar heaters are plumbed in to your existing filter system. While the filter is working during the day the pool water is circulated through the solar collectors and returned to the pool. It is possible to have a system without any moving parts, such as a recirculating pump, but this is governed by the daily sunshine activity locally.
The solar collector panels are typically installed on a roof so as to receive the maximum amount of direct sunlight. Ideally the collectors should face the sun at mid-day and be at an angle equivalent to your latitude minus 10 to 15 degrees. The area of the collectors will depend on a number of factors, but 50% of your pool area is a good starting point. Increase this to 75% if the collectors 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 solar collectors tend to take up a lot of space, it is often better to mount them on a frame on the ground or even a suitable fence.
These are some factors which need to be considered in the design of a swimming pool solar heater:
- Weather and sunlight availability.
- Building codes and safety regulations.
- Size of the pool.
- Duration of the swimming season.
- Desired pool temperature.
- Collector efficiency.
These considerations really need the input of an experienced designer for your swimming pool solar heating system, because only someone with professional experience will be able to suggest the best solar pool heating system for your particular circumstances.
You can build your own swimming pool solar heating system without any special skills or tools, and you will find it very easy to do. Your local hardware store should have all the necessary materials. But, as always, there are experts that will make your job easier and safer, and the project planning stage much more complete. We have no hesitation in recommending 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 less than $200, including all plans, instructions, materials and expert guidance, you can have a fully working and professional solar heating system for your swimming pool – quite an inspiring thought!