If you’ve invested in a swimming pool, then you probably want to get the most enjoyment you can from it. But chances are, there are several months in the year when an unheated pool is too cold to use and your only option is to heat. Gas and electric swimming pool heating costs can quickly become expensive, forcing you to choose between an extended swimming season and your energy budget. Fortunately, you have the option of a solar pool heater. Solar pool heaters are cost-competitive with other more traditional heaters and have very low annual operating costs. If you’re looking for an affordable way to heat your pool, here’s some information on solar pool heating.
Typically, a solar pool heating system will consist of a solar collector through which pool water is circulated to be heated, a filter that removes debris before the water is pumped through the collector, a pump that circulates the water, and a flow control valve (either automatic or manual) that diverts the water through the collector. Essentially, pool water is pumped first through the filters, then through the solar collector where it is heated, and finally back into the pool. With a flow control valve and sensor, the system can determine the temperature of the pool water, thereby running it through the collectors to heat it or bypassing the collector to be returned to the pool. With most of these systems, you are able to preset your desired temperatures ahead of time.
The type of solar pool heating system you’ll need depends on your climate and when you plan on using your pool. If you will only be using the heater when temperatures are above freezing, then you’ll mostly likely only need an unglazed system, which doesn’t have the extra glass covering. However, if you’re going to use the system year-round and your temperatures do drop below freezing, then a more expensive glazed system is your best bet. Also important to keep in mind is the size of the pool, your site’s solar resources, and local codes and regulations.
Of course, as with all forms of solar power, there are great environmental and cost benefits to solar pool heating. First, this is environmentally friendly, pollution-free energy that—once you purchase the equipment—is essentially free, as it comes from the sun. But these heating systems are also known to be a reliable way to heat your pool to a warm, comfortable temperature, thereby doubling your swim season. Best of all, your pool heating costs will be drastically reduced, providing some much needed relief for your energy bills.
Solar pool heating is a simple way of heating your pool water that’s cost-effective, easy, and safe. This method of utilizing energy from the sun is just one more demonstration of the potential solar energy holds for our modern world.
Article Source: superpages.com
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