Switching to a Solar Pool System

Keeping your pool at a moderate temperature throughout the year can be an expensive proposition, especially if you have a gas or heat pump pool heater. Fortunately, there is a great alternative heating method that can work for virtually any pool, and will help save energy and money in a short period of time. By installing a solar heating system for your pool, you can quickly take advantage of one of the most cost-effective uses of solar energy.

How Does it Work?
A complete pool solar system works in a way that is very similar to more traditional gas or heat pump powered pool heaters. Instead of generating power from a natural gas or electrical source however, solar collectors attract energy from the sun and use it to heat the water as it passes through other pool equipment such as the filter and pool pump. Typically, the solar collectors are installed directly on the roof of a house, or in an open area on the property near the pool, where they can attract the most possible sunlight in a given day.

Water is pumped through the pool filter by the pool pump, but before the water is circulated back into the pool, it is diverted through the solar collectors which have been heated by the sun. As the water passes through these collectors, it is heated to a temperature greater than the pool itself. Many pool solar systems are outfitted with sensors that check the temperature of the pool water as it passes through the solar collectors. When these sensors register a water temperature that is similar to the pool temperature, an automatic valve diverts the water away from the solar collectors so it can be circulated directly into the pool, thus saving energy and ensuring the pool remains at a set temperature.

Types of Pool Solar Systems
There are two types of pool solar heating systems that can be found on most residential pools. The main difference between these types of pool solar systems is the material used to make the solar collectors. The first common type of pool solar system is known as an unglazed system. In this type of pool solar system, the solar collectors are made from heavy duty black rubber that has been treated with an ultraviolet light inhibitor to keep the rubber from shrinking or cracking due to constant exposure to the sun. These systems are usually best suited when a pool is only used in warmer seasons or temperatures.

The next pool solar heating system is known as a glazed system. This is the more expensive of the two options, but due to its construction and materials used to make it, the glazed system is far more versatile and long lasting. The solar collectors are made of copper tubing and aluminum plate which is covered by tempered glass. Thanks to its design, the glazed pool solar system works in colder temperatures, and captures and distributes solar heat more efficiently.


To learn more about the benefits of using pool solar systems to heat your pool, be sure to contact the experts at Pool Problems? today! We can offer helpful advice about which type of pool solar system will best suit your needs, and we can provide you with a free quote for our installation services. Contact us today to get started! 

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