Solar Pool Heating
Solar pool heating offers you the best of all worlds: You get a pool that’s set to the perfect temperature, you don’t have to pay huge utility bills to get it that temperature, and you are not harming the environment by using nonrenewable sources of fuel. At Pennies Air Conditioning, Heating & Solar we stand ready to help you choose a solar pool heating option and install it. We can also come to you for repairs or maintenance. Reach us at (661) 951-3634 if you want to set up an appointment.
Solar Pool Heating Installation
In most areas of Southern California it is a simple fact that solar pool heating is often the most cost-effective use of solar energy. If you want to reduce your costs of heating your swimming pool, as well as the nonrenewable fuel required to do so, then it’s time to contact Pennies Air Conditioning, Heating & Solar to learn more about solar pool heating installation.
While every particular unit will be different, 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 Filter: Removes debris before water is pumped through the collector
- 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 filter, then through the solar collector. It is then heated and returned to the pool. If your pool gets too hot during peak summer months, the solar unit can also cool the water by circulating the water through the collector at night.
Solar Pool Collectors Can Be Made from Many Materials
There are a number of materials that can be used to make solar pool collectors. The right option for you will depending on how you plan to use the collector and the amount of sun your particular property gets. For California residents, who generally only use their pool heaters in temperatures above the point of freezing, an unglazed collector system is generally best.
This type of collector system does not have a glass covering. It is made from plastic or heavy-duty rubber that’s been treated with UV light inhibitor to ensure the panels last for years to come. Unglazed collectors are generally more affordable than glazed options, thanks to the facts that they are made from inexpensive materials and their design is simple.
Selecting a Solar Pool Heater
A solar pool heating system usually costs between $3,000 and $4,000. When your savings are taken into account, it will pay for itself in anywhere between 18 months and seven years – depending on your local fuel costs. They also typically last longer than gas and heat pump pool heaters. Your actual cost and payback depend on many factors.
Installation and Maintenance
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. This is why it’s best to have a qualified solar thermal systems contractor install your system.
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 recommend ongoing maintenance to prevent the need for costly repairs. We can set up a schedule to clean your unit, look at the internal and external pieces to ensure everything is in working order, and fix any minor issues before they become major problems. Contact us at (661) 951-3634 to get this started.