| Solar energy is an excellent way to heat your | | | | factors, but expect the area to be at least 50% |
| swimming pool for next-to-nothing. A solar | | | | of the pool size. This might need to be 75% or |
| swimming pool heater will let you enjoy a longer | | | | more if the collector panels are laid flat or facing |
| swimming season and keep your pool warm | | | | west. It is not unusual for the collector area to be |
| during cooler evenings without worrying about high | | | | the same as that of the pool when the site is |
| utility bills. Swimming pool solar heating systems | | | | shaded badly or exposed to strong winds. |
| are well able to sustain the warmth of a large | | | | Because solar collectors tend to take up a lot of |
| volume of water on a daily basis, and are quite | | | | space, it is often advisable to mount them on a |
| capable of keeping the pool temperature at 80 to | | | | ground frame or even a suitable fence. |
| 85 degrees even in moderate climates. | | | | Factors affecting the installation of a solar heating |
| Installing a swimming pool solar heating system | | | | for pools can include:o Weather and sunlight |
| also adds value to your home. | | | | availability.o Building codes and safety issues.o Size |
| If you decide to buy and install a ready-made | | | | of the pool.o Duration of the swimming season.o |
| solar water heating system you could pay from | | | | Desired pool temperature level.o Solar collector |
| $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the size of the | | | | efficiency. |
| collectors and the installation charges. However, | | | | You really need the help of an expert to design |
| you can make your own solar heating system for | | | | your solar swimming pool heater system when |
| an average-sized pool for less than $200, including | | | | considering these factors, because only someone |
| materials, plans and expert guidance. | | | | with professional experience will be able to |
| Solar pool heaters are connected directly to your | | | | suggest the best solar pool heating system for |
| existing pool filter system. Throughout the day, | | | | your particular circumstances. |
| while the filter is operating, the pool water is | | | | It is very easy to make and fit your own |
| circulated through the solar collectors and returned | | | | swimming pool solar heating system and you |
| to the pool. It is possible to have a system | | | | need no special skills or tools. All materials are |
| without any moving parts, such as a recirculating | | | | available from local hardware stores and garden |
| pump, but this is governed by the daily sunshine | | | | shops. |
| activity locally. | | | | But, as we have already mentioned, using |
| The solar collector panels are typically installed on | | | | professional input will ensure that you make a |
| a roof in a position to receive the maximum | | | | good-quality job. For less than $200, including all |
| amount of direct sunlight. Ideally the collectors | | | | plans, instructions, materials and expert guidance, |
| should face the sun at mid-day and be tilted to | | | | you can have a superb solar water heater |
| your latitude minus 10 to 15 degrees. The total | | | | system for your pool - quite an inspiring thought! |
| area of the solar collectors will depend on various | | | | |