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Heating a swimming pool can consume a lot of energy and add up to high heating bills. You can significantly reduce swimming pool heating costs by installing a solar pool heater. They're cost competitive and they have very low annual operating costs. Actually, solar pool heating is the most cost-effective use of solar energy in many climates.
Most solar pool heating systems include the following:
- A solar collector — the device through which pool water is circulated to be heated by the sun
- A pump — circulates water through the filter and collector and back to the pool
- A flow control valve — automatic or manual device that diverts pool water through the solar collector.
Pool water is pumped through the solar collector(s), where it is heated before it is returned to the pool. In hot climates, the collector(s) can also be used to cool the pool during peak summer months by circulating the water through the collector(s) at night.
Some systems include sensors and an automatic or manual valve to divert water through the collector(s) when the collector temperature is sufficiently greater than the pool temperature. When the collector temperature is similar to the pool temperature, filtered water simply bypasses the collector(s) and is returned to the pool.
Solar pool collectors are made out of different materials. The type you'll need depends on your climate and how you intend to use the collector. If you'll only be using your pool when temperatures are above freezing, then you'll probably only need an unglazed collector system. Unglazed collectors don't include a glass covering (glazing). They are generally made of heavy-duty rubber or plastic treated with an ultraviolet (UV) light inhibitor to extend the life of the panels. Because of their inexpensive parts and simple design, unglazed collectors are usually less expensive than glazed collectors. These unglazed systems can even work for indoor pools in cold climates if the system is designed to drain back to the pool when not in use. Even if you have to shut the system down during cold weather, unglazed collectors may be more cost effective than installing a more expensive glazed collector system.
Glazed collector systems are generally made of copper tubing on an aluminum plate with an iron-tempered glass covering, which increases their cost. In colder weather, glazed collector systems—with heat exchangers and transfer fluids—capture solar heat more efficiently than unglazed systems. Therefore, they can be used year-round in many climates. Glazed collectors also can be used to heat domestic hot water year-round. Both glazed and unglazed collector systems should include freeze protection if they'll be used in colder conditions.
InstallationBack to Top
The proper installation of a solar pool heating system depends on many factors. These factors include solar resource, climate, local building code requirements, and safety issues. Therefore, it's best to have a qualified solar thermal systems contractor install your system. Before this can be done a site survey will needed.
MaintenanceBack to Top
After installation, properly maintaining your system will keep it running smoothly for 10–20 years. Consult your contractor and read your owner's manual for maintenance requirements. Your collector should require little maintenance if the pool's chemical balance and filtering system are checked regularly. Glazed collectors may need to be cleaned in dry climates where rainwater doesn't provide a natural rinse. We also offer a selection of pool maintenance devices such as Aquabots. Please ask for more information.
How much will it cost? Back to Top
RibaSolar offer a number of heating and cleaning systems for your pool. To find out what is on offer or to give yourself a rough estimate of cost please click here
Arrange a Site Survey Back to Top
In order for us to compile an accurate and competitive proposal for you, we will need to carry out a site survey. The results from this survey will be used to calculate how much energy will need to be generated and if your property location is suitable.
Please complete the form below to arrange a site survey.
