Before you spend money on solar pool heating, make sure you have an idea of the total cost of the components. There will be solar collectors and pumps, as well as filtration and labor. Each of these components comes with a price. You can easily find the best deal at your local home improvement shop. For a better understanding of what to expect, please read the following. Then you will be able to decide if it's worth the investment.
Unglazed solar collectors
Solar collectors that are unglazed can be used for pool heating. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to make. To maximize efficiency, they are made of heavy-duty rubber and plastic. They can be used in hot areas, but they can also work in colder regions. This type of solar pool heating system also goes by the name "thermosyphon". These solar panels are less efficient than glazed units, however.
Also, unglazed collectors are simpler to install then evacuated tube collectors. They also don't suffer from the cold losses experienced by evacuated-tube collectors. As a result, unglazed solar collectors can provide better heat-trapping capacity to your swimming pool. Unglazed solar collectors are also cheaper than evacuated tubes, as they have no glazing. They are suitable for cold climates as they don't suffer from the wind-chill factor.
Pumps
Pumps are required for solar pool heating. These pumps can run at a slow speed, or they can be turned on when solar heating is required. Low-speed pumps are typically more effective at solar pool heating and offer longer operation times. However, high speed pumps can be more costly and will cause your pool cooling down when there isn't any solar heating. To choose the right pump, make sure to consider your personal preference, as well as the size of your pool.
To heat the water, a pump is needed to constantly push it through solar collectors. The water will not be heated by solar collectors at night as they absorb only sunlight. If you need more heat, use a pump with a larger capacity. The water must travel long distances to heat the water. The pool's surface area is 75-100% for the panels. You may need more space for larger pools.
Filtration system
There are several ways to heat a pool with solar energy. One way is to install a solar collector onto the roof of the swimming pool. The water is then pumped into the collector. It is heated by sunlight during the day, and then returned to the pool. There are some advantages to installing a solar collector. It is important to note that you will use your pool pump and filter system more with a solar collector than with a normal system.
The size and cost of a solar heating system will play a major role in the final price. This will vary depending on the size and orientation of your roof. A standard solar collector array should cover between 80-100% of the pool's surface. Depending on the size of your swimming pool, you will need a different size collector. It is a good idea to have your collectors cleaned regularly in dry climates.
Labor cost
Solar pool heating is an excellent way to heat your pool with no electricity or gas. This heating system uses solar collectors to circulate water. The sun then heats the water. Solar pool heating systems can cost anywhere from $500 up to $1,000 to install, depending on their size and distance from the panels. Solar pool heating systems work almost immediately once they are up and running.
A contractor who is experienced in pool installation will be able to install solar pool heating. The cost of labor will vary depending on the size and location of your pool. Above-ground pools will require more panels that in-ground pools. If you live in a colder climate, you may want to opt for a smaller solar collector. You can also install a large collector to heat your pool during colder months.