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- Standard solar panels can be used to heat swimming pools. Solar heaters often go on rooftops. Collectors come in different materials, so find out what works best for you. They need a south facing roof, though up to 45 degrees east or west of due south won't decrease performance as long as no shade's involved. The large collectors require plenty of space (typically 350 to 500 square feet). Seven to 12 black plastic panels typically fit residential pools. Properly protected collectors should last 10 to 15 years.
- You can make your own solar pool heater, using a simple pump and some black PVC piping. Run piping from the radiator to the pool filter. Run a return line from the pool filter back to the radiator. You're basically running water through the radiator and back to the pool. It's a system of pipes positively heated by sunlight. People used this kind of system before using natural gas.
- Try using a series of 15-foot black rubber hoses, tightly coiled, inside a wooden frame. Cover the coiled hoses with black plastic and install on a rooftop. Pump the water through the coiled hoses and into the pool. As the pool water moves through the hose it picks up heat. This lets you run a lot of piping into a small space.
- There's a product called a solar ring or Liquid Solar blanket. Its time release delivery dispenses an invisible layer of non-toxic biodegradable film that prevents pool evaporation and heat loss. Shaped like a frisbie, you simply drop it into the pool skimmer (see Resources below).
- Another great way to use solar to heat your pool is a solar blanket. Similar to bubble wrap, this lightweight translucent cover is an effective inexpensive way to extend the seasonal use of your pool. There are vast differences between using solar and standard pool heating. Fuel heaters last 7 to 10 years with proper yearly maintenance. Most gas heaters have 2-year warranties while well-made heat pumps have a 2-year warranty and a 5-year warranty on the compressors. Whatever system you choose, heating a pool with solar is a cost effective and environmentally-friendly route to go (see Resources below).
By Magic1
Article Source: ehow.com
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