Solar Pool Heating?

[diysolar]

Is solar pool heating right for me?

If you are considering using solar energy to heat your pool, there are a several things to consider, including:

System size

When it comes to solar pool heating, it is very important to have the right-sized system. If you consistently use a pool blanket at night to prevent temperature loss, you'll need a solar pool system that is equal to 50% of the surface area of the pool (length x width x 50%). If you don't use a pool blanket, the system should be 75% of the pool size, and if your pool is shaded, the system may need to be 100% of the size of your pool.

Available area

With the average solar panel being 4' by 10" or 40 sq. ft., and solar pool heating systems consisting of several panels, the area you have available is a critical factor in whether solar pool heating is right for you. Do you have enough surface area on your roof or an adjacent building or structure? Do you have room in your yard or on your property for a solar system?

Orientation

Ideally a solar pool heating system should be mounted on a roof that faces due south. They can also be mounted 15 degrees east or west of this, but more than that and performance suffers. In general, the less ideal the orientation, the larger number of collectors you will need to heat your swimming pool.

Environment

San Diego has the ideal climate for solar pool heating systems, with moderate temperatures, plenty of sunshine and mild winters. But what about your immediate environment? Do you have wind breaks around your pool to prevent temperature loss? Is the pool in the sun most of the day? Where are the major sources of shade, and what can you do about them?

Roof condition

If you want to install a solar system on your roof, it must be in good condition. With solar pool heating systems having an average life span of 10-15 years, it is important that your roof last as long as your system. If you were thinking about repairing or replacing your roof anyway, the time to do it is before you install a solar system.

[AdMan]

I live in Saskatchewan Canada...
Can I have a solar heated pool in -30C? in January

That would be pretty sweet.

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