Solar Swimming Pool

Solar powered swimming pools

Want to save money? Minimize your carbon footprint? Decrease noise pollution?

A solar swimming pool is a good start toward helping the planet to remain healthier and keeping your wallet a little plumper.

Of all the systems that are more practical when solar powered, swimming pools are at the top of the list. Conventional filtration and heating of swimming pools are costly draws on your energy bill.

With a solar swimming pool you can have more fun for less money. Most pool owners happily report that swimming pool season is extended by as many as 3 months after a solar pump and heater have been installed.

Most solar powered swimming pool systems are composed of the following:

• Solar Collector ~ Either glazed or unglazed solar collectors heat pool water that is circulated through them.


• Strainer ~ Removes larger debris before filtering.


• Filter ~ Filters are required in any swimming pool and serve to keep the water clean and free of debris.


• Pump ~ The pump circulates the water from the pool, through filters and heater and back to the pool. Pumps are also required for any system however, a solar (DC) pump is about twice as efficient as an AC pump. A 1/2 hp DC pump can adequately replace a 1 hp AC pump. more about solar water pumps


• Flow Control Valve ~ Either automatic or manual, the flow control valve allows you to bypass the collectors when heating isn't required and to divert the pool water through the systems you choose.

Advantages of a Solar Swimming Pool System Extends swimming season...by months. Reduces use of crude oil products. Pays for itself rapidly. Environmentally benign. Saves money...lots of money. Lessens system maintenance Solar components typically last longer than AC. Disadvantages of a Solar Swimming Pool System Space requirements. Sunlight requirements. Lump sum cost.

~ Solar Powered Pool Strainer ~ Wow! This baby paddles itself around the pool, navigating it's own way while picking up debris. It even unplugs itself by reversing direction if it senses a clog. For more information click anywhere on the picture.

You can build your own solar powered pool heater with easily acquired materials and reduce your costs.


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To cover or not to cover

95% of the heat loss of pool water occurs at the surface through evaporation, conduction and radiation, particularly at night and on chilly days. A pool cover not only reduces the cost of the system you'll require but keeps the heat where you want it. Whether you are using solar energy or not for your swimming pool, a cover will normally pay for itself within the first year and is a worthy addition to your pool care regimen.

Cost of a Solar Swimming Pool System

Expect to pay $3,000 to $4,000 USD for the installed system. Payback (when the system has paid for itself) is between 2 and 6 years and once it's paid for a well maintained system will continue providing free energy for 5 to 15 years. There are many variables that determine the cost of a solar swimming pool system. They're discussed below under sizing.

Sizing a Solar Swimming Pool System

Your solar powered swimming pool pump should exchange 100% of the contents of your pool in a 24 hour period.

The size of the system will depend on a number of variables including:

• Pool size and cycles per day.


• Size and type of filter and hoses. In general, pressure side cleaners require more pressure than suction side cleaners.


• Pressure the cleaning equipment requires.


• Amount of useable sunlight available.

Have a look at some sizing info and graphs to get a better idea how to size your system while allowing for existing variables.

Glazed or Unglazed

The iron-tempered glass sheet that covers the collector is referred to as glazing. Glazed solar collectors are more expensive than unglazed and are really only required if you'll be running your pool year round in a cold climate or if you expect that temperatures will dip below freezing while the pool is functional. Glazed collectors are a little more high tech than unglazed and are composed of more expensive materials (copper tubing and iron tempered glass) that make them a more costly choice.

Unglazed collectors use inexpensive, heavy duty, UV resistant, rubber, plastic or PVC and do not necessarily need a glass cover. For summertime pools an unglazed system is more than adequate in almost all cases.

There's also the option of making your own solar pool heater

Hybrid systems

Hybrid swimming pool systems are available that combine your gas or electric system with solar to reduce energy costs. Pool water can be directed to flow through a solar collector and then through a conventional pool heater when you choose.This type of solar swimming pool can be easier to size since the standard system will pick up where the solar system leaves off.

Some Considerations

• Space for solar collector. ~ Solar collectors require an area where unrestricted sunshine falls for at least 5 hours per day.


• Cover the pool. ~ Pool covers are the least expensive method of managing pool temperatures.


• Payback in 2 to 6 years ~ Payback time depends on cost of local utilities. In any case, once payback time has been reached the system continues to work for several years at no additional cost to you.


• Consult with local authorities regarding codes, regulations and by-laws at your location. Some states require that the work be done by licensed professionals.


• Pool water can also be cooled by circulating the water through the collector at night when pool temperatures rise too high in the day.


• Pool safety is always a first priority.

When Choosing your Installation Experts

• How much experience do they have installing the type of system you've chosen?
• Do they offer a maintenance service?
• What are their warranty policies?
• Ask for references from past customers.
• Search licensing boards and BBB for any complaints.

Unless you are very skilled at solar installations it's usually best to hire a professional to install your solar swimming pool system. Someone who has the tools and skills to perform a job is almost always capable of doing a job better, faster and with fewer problems than doing it yourself.

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