Before you invest in solar pool heating, you should have an idea of the cost of the components. Solar collectors, pumps and filtration systems will all be required. Each component has a unique price. Fortunately, you can find the cheapest option at your local home improvement store. Continue reading to learn what to expect. Then you can decide if it is worth the expense.
Unglazed solar collectors
Solar collectors that are unglazed can be used for pool heating. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to make. They are made mostly from rubber and heavy-duty plastic, and are infused with UV light inhibitors to increase efficiency. These are best for hot climates but can also be used in colder areas. This type of solar pool heating system also goes by the name "thermosyphon". These solar panels are less efficient than glazed units, however.
Furthermore, unglazed solar panels are easier to install that evacuated-tube solar cells. 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 cells are more affordable than evacuated tubes since they do not contain any glazing. They are perfect for cold environments because they don't have a wind-chill factor.
Pumps
Solar pool heating requires pumps. The pumps can either be operated at a constant speed or can ramp up when solar heating needs are met. Pumps with a slower speed are usually more effective in solar pool heating and can last for longer periods of time. However, high speed pumps can be more costly and will cause your pool cooling down when there isn't any solar heating. Make sure you consider the size and personal preference of your pool to choose the best pump.
Solar pool heating requires a pump that constantly pushes water through solar collectors to heat the water. Solar collectors do not heat water at night because they only absorb sunlight. A pump with more power will give you more heat. Water must travel long distances in order to heat it. The panels themselves require 75-100% of the pool's surface area. You may need more space for larger pools.
Filtration system
There are many ways to heat your swimming pool with solar energy. A solar collector is installed on the roof of your pool. The water is then pumped into this collector. It is heated by sunlight during the day, and then returned to the pool. Solar collectors offer several benefits. However, you should keep in mind that you will use more of your pool pump and filtration system than you would 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 array array will cover 80-100%. You will need a collector that is different in size depending on the size of your pool. You might want to clean your collectors occasionally in dry climates.
Labor costs
Solar pool heating is a great method to heat your swimming pool without using electricity, gas or propane. The solar collector circulates the water and heats it with the sun's energy. A solar pool heating system installation cost can range from $500 to $1,000 depending upon the size and location of the panels. Once up and running, solar pool heating systems are almost free to operate.
An experienced contractor is required to install solar pool heating. The size and location of the pool will impact the labor costs. If you have an above-ground pool, you'll need more panels than for an in-ground pool. If you live in a colder climate, you may want to opt for a smaller solar collector. To heat your pool in the colder seasons, you can install a larger solar collector.