Solar Heating FAQs

[togglebox state=”closed” head=”How does a solar pool heater work?” ]A solar swimming pool heater uses your pool’s filter pump to make the water flow through the solar collectors, where it is heated, and then returned to your pool. When the water has reached your desired temperature, it bypasses the solar collectors and returns directly to the pool.[/togglebox]

[togglebox state=”closed” head=”Why would I want to heat my pool?” ]Once you’ve invested in a pool, it only makes sense to get the most enjoyment you can from it. But if your pool is too cold to use for many months at a time, you are not realizing the full benefit of your investment. Heating your pool with a solar powered pool heater can double your swim season. Plus, having such a unique, eco-friendly feature can add greatly to the value of your home.[/togglebox]

[togglebox state=”closed” head=”How does solar pool heating compare with heat pumps?” ]The initial cost of installing an in-ground or above ground solar pool heater is generally comparable to that of an electric heat pump. However, while the annual cost of electricity to run a heat pump may be only two thirds that of natural gas (and far less than propane), the sun’s energy is FREE! And of course, solar pool heating is much more environmentally friendly.[/togglebox]

[togglebox state=”closed” head=”How much will my solar pool heater cost to operate?” ]Since the sun’s energy is free, there are NO operating costs![/togglebox]

[togglebox state=”closed” head=”How well does solar energy heat a pool?” ]A properly designed solar swimming pool heater will heat your pool just as effectively as one that uses fossil fuels. On days that are warm enough to comfortably relax poolside, but not warm enough to swim, solar energy will heat your pool to a perfect temperature for swimming, so you can dive right in.[/togglebox]

[togglebox state=”closed” head=”What is the best type of collector to use for pool heating?” ]Many people make the mistake of spending money on expensive equipment that is not expressly designed for pool heating, such as glass-covered and insulated housings intended for household water heaters. In fact, lower-cost unglazed collectors can deliver heat to your pool more effectively.[/togglebox]

[togglebox state=”closed” head=”Does the solar collector have to face south?” ]Not necessarily. As long as the solar collector is installed where it will be exposed to sunlight for a good portion of the day, it will provide plenty of heat. Depending on the angle of the mounting surface, east- and west-facing collectors function just as well.[/togglebox]