You can significantly reduce swimming pool heating costs by installing a solar pool heater. They're cost competitive with both gas and heat pump pool heaters, and they have very low annual operating costs. Actually, solar pool heating is one of the most cost-effective use of solar energy in some climates.
On average, solar heated pools will be 8-12 degrees warmer than an unheated pool in the same area. Solar heated pools still loose heat at night and on cloudy days, when no electricity is being produced by the system.
Installing a solar pool heater can take one day or up to three days, depending on a few factors. The larger the system is, the longer it takes to install. Also, some types of roof may require more work.
Solar pool pumps are often worth the cost of installation. However, it depends on where you live and your electricity rates. On average, you will save $150/month by switching to a solar pool pump. As long as you are getting at least 10 hours of direct sunlight year round, the solar pool pump is worth it.
If your pool has a total surface area of 400 square feet, 50% offset means you will need a total of 200 square feet of solar panels to heat it. As a reference; a single 4'x12. 5' solar panel has a surface area of 50 square feet, so a system with (4) 4'x12.
A solar pool heating system usually costs between $2,500 and $4,000 to buy and install. This provides a payback of between 1 and 7 years, depending on your local fuel costs and available solar resource. They also typically last longer than gas and heat pump pool heaters.
TriStar® VS variable speed pool pumps are the most energy efficient on the market, according to EPA ENERGY STAR 3rd party testing data. Saving pool owners up to 90% on energy costs, they are specifically designed to replace most single speed pool pumps.
To combat the heat loss, it is recommended to over-size a solar pool heater. One or more panels can be joined to create more surface area. Panels can be installed for above ground and in ground pools, positioned in a variety of ways, and controlled manually by turning a valve or automatically, with a solar controller.
You can even use solar panels for your pool pump! A solar-powered pool pump is a relatively simple, energy-efficient upgrade that will save you tons of money in the long run. You can offset your pool's energy costs by adding solar panels to your home or power your pool pump directly via solar.
Not only will it be tough to keep the heat in your pool on colder nights but you will also spend a fortune trying to heat your swimming pool. So unless you have money to burn, it's best not to run your heater at night on an uncovered swimming pool.
According to the World Health Organization, water temperatures ranging from 78 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit are generally comfortable and safe for those engaging in moderate physical activity in a pool.
Picking the Perfect Temp
A temperature of 80 degrees is generally warm enough that children and senior citizens enjoy it but cool enough to make for an invigorating dip. Of course, you should keep in mind that every degree you raise the temperature your costs will proportionately increase.
They can heat water up to 200 degrees. And because tubes can capture heat when the sun is not directly overhead and even on cloudy days, you don't need a big array to get a lot of hot water. The downside is that they cost twice as much as flat plates.
If you want an energy-efficient way to heat your pool, consider using a heat pump pool heater in mild climates. Solar water heaters are cost competitive with other types of water heaters and have low annual operating costs.
Do Solar Pool Heaters Work in the Winter? While it might seem like a solar pool heating system might not be the most ideal setup during winter, solar pool heaters actually work even during this season. This is because solar energy is dependent on the sun, which is present all year long.
In total you can add a pool heater to an existing pool. A swimming pool heat pump is you most efficient option. Heat pumps can add a month or more to your pool season especially combine with using a solar blanket. It is easy to keep your pool in the 80 degree range.
Overall, the lessons learned today is you should run your pool pump an average 8 hours a day to properly circulate and clean your water. The pump should push your entire pool in gallons in this 8 hour period of time. Residential pool water only needs to be turned over once daily to have proper filtration.
For a relatively small investment, a variable speed pool pump can reduce pool pump energy use by 50% to 75%. The majority of the savings is derived from a variable speed pump's ability to reduce the rpm of the motor, thus reducing energy use.
Solar pool heaters are the slowest of all heating devices. However, they do save you lots of money and they're only slow getting your pool up to temperature. Once your pools warm, they maintain that temperature easily. An average pool heater tends to heat your pool at a steady rate of around 5-7 degrees in a day.
You know those black trash bags? They can hold heat too. Fix one up to a hula hoop and if you want, cut one side of a pool noodle to add buoyancy and you've got yourself a super cheap pool heater.
While pools should be never above 95 degrees, anywhere in the 90-92 degree range creates a comfortable, yet therapeutically warm environment for older swimmers or infants and toddlers learning how to swim.