Do you enjoy swimming in a freezing cold pool? We certainly don’t! The Pool Team has all the solutions to warming up the pool and extending swimming season so that pool owners can enjoy their pools for longer!
We recommend solar heating! Let’s discuss the different solar heating options and the best option for you.
Solar Blankets
Solar blankets are pool covers that are specifically designed to retain heat and keep the water warm. These pool covers can be cut to suit any pool size and shape. There are two solar blankets options – 400 microns and 500 microns. Both essentially serve the same purpose however; The Pool Team recommends the 500 microns blanket as it will retain more heat than the 400 micron. Other benefits of solar blankets include:
- Reduced chemical usage
- Reduced evaporation
- Prevents leaves and debris from entering the pool
Solar Panels
Solar panels are The Pool Team’s top recommendation when it comes to choosing a Solar heating option. There are two types of Solar panels: spaghetti panels and solid panels.
Spaghetti solar panels are designed in such a way that the individual tubes are directly exposed to the sun and only connected at the bottom and the top of the panel. This allows for more movement in between each tube which makes the panel vulnerable to damage due to harsh weather conditions.
It is for this reason that The Pool Team recommends solid panels. Solid panels contain the tubing inside a solid polyethylene sheet. These panels are more durable and require less maintenance as they are more resistant to harsh weather conditions. Solid solar panels also more effective and produce more heat due to the extra layer.
How do Solar panels work?
Solar panels are installed on the roof of the building where they are exposed to the sun. They are connected to the pool pump via PVC piping and therefore do not require an external power source. The cold pool water travels from the pump, through the solar panels where the water gets heated. The warm water then travels through the return line, back into the pool. In order for the panels to work efficiently, they need to be installed at an angle to allow the water to drain when the pump is off. It is also recommended to install a backing sheet in order to prevent damage to the roof from the friction of the solar panels. To get the most out of the solar panels, The Pool Team recommends using them in conjunction with a solar blanket in order to retain the heat.
Best option for you
So how do you know which is the best solar heating option for you?
If your pool is situated under trees, it is likely that the pool is not exposed to extreme sunlight but it would be susceptible to large amounts of leaves and debris. A solar blanket would therefore be a good option as it would not only retain the heat but it would also prevent leaves and debris from entering the pool. However, a solar blanket is only capable of heating the pool water by an additional 3°C and it is therefore rarely recommended for use on its own – it is generally recommended to use a solar blanket in conjunction with solar panels or a heat pump as the blanket would retain the heat created by the panels or the pump.
If there is a suitable space on the roof to install solar panels i.e. a space that is exposed to sunlight where the solar panels can be installed at a slanted angle, then solar panels would be a great option as they are energy efficient, cost effective, require little maintenance, and are capable of heating the pool water by an additional 8°C.
How to Maintain and Maximize the Life of your Solar Panels
The great thing about solar panels is that they are easy to install and do not require any direct maintenance. However, having said that, it is imperative to keep up with regular pool maintenance in order to prolong the life of all your pool equipment, including the solar panels. Maintaining the filter and backwashing regularly will not only remove debris and keep the pool clean and sanitised, it will also ensure there is sufficient water flow through the solar panels.
Another way to prolong the life of the solar panels is to close them off in the colder months when the pool will not be in use. This is in order to prevent cold water from freezing inside the panels which would ultimately cause the tubing in the panel to expand and crack, leading to a costly repair. Use the bypass valve to close the solar panel system.
Shop solar panels here or head to your nearest store to get professional advice on your personal solar heating solution!
2 years ago
