Solar swimming pool heating consumer guide
Harvest Solar and Wind Power has found solar swimming pool heating to be the most cost-effective solar energy application. A solar pool heating system will save enough money to pay for itself quickly and provide pool- heating energy free for your enjoyment and use for many years. Harvest Solar specializes in designing and installing solar swimming pool heating systems in the Oklahoma and surrounding area.
Installation site conditions necessary
To get the full benefits of a solar pool heater you must have an area for the solar collectors (panels) that is large enough and has the proper exposure to the sun. A flat roof is ideal because the collectors can usually be oriented to face the sun directly very easily. If you install the collectors on a pitched roof, the ideal direction should face south. You will need to add more collectors as the angle facing due south varies. These solar panels get direct sun until 5:00 pm
The collector area required will depend on the surface area of your swimming pool, the water temperature you wish to maintain, the amount of pool shading and the direction the solar collectors face. Typically, the area that will be minimum is one-half the area of your pool surface (length x width x 50%) however most systems are typically from 60 to 80% of pool area. For less favorable solar collector orientation or higher pool temperatures, the collector area required may be as large as the pool surface area.
Installation site conditions necessary
In almost all cases it is not necessary to change it or to add a pump for the solar heater. The existing pump is usually capable of circulating pool water through the solar panels.
Solar controls
Solar heating is completely automatic in a properly designed solar heating system. When your pool requires heat, the automatic control diverts the water coming from the filter to the solar collectors, if they are receiving solar energy. This continues until the pre-set desired temperature is reached or until no more solar energy is available. The solar collectors will preheat the water before it gets to the gas heater and the gas heater will use only the fuel needed to make up the difference. The solar controls will be mounted in a clean and logical manner, clearly labeled and totally weatherized.
Operation and Maitnenance
Operation of a solar pool heater is extremely simple. Just flip a switch on the control to "Auto" at the beginning of the season and set the thermostat on the control to the pool temperature you want. At the end of the season, flip the control switch to "Off". The system should be installed in such a manner as to automatically drain back into the pool when not in operation to prevent freeze damage. The only routine maintenance you will need to do is the same as you should always do for your pool, keep the pool clean and in proper chemical balance. It is advisable to shut off the water supply to your pool sweep and solar collectors if you will be adding pool shock treatment or excessive amounts of chemicals.
Metal Collectors
Solar pool heating can not keep up the temperature on heavily overcast or rainy days or during winter months. You may need to operate your gas heater to make up the temperature difference, if you attempt to maintain an unusually warm pool temperature. Even if you choose to use your conventional gas pool heater as well, the solar heater will still supply a large amount of free energy.
Conclusion
In Oklahoma, a typical pool season will cost in excess of $1,600 of natural gas to heat the pool. Installing a solar swimming pool heating system with a life expectancy of over 15 years, and with an average cost between $2,500. and $5,900. makes economic sense. A solar pool heating installation will save a substantial amount of money while providing a warm and comfortable pool. Harvest Solar specializes in design, installation and service of solar swimming pool heaters. Turn Key Installations are our specialty, taking a job all the way from concept to reality with service. Call us today (877-743-2299) for a free estimate to see how this technology can work for you.
Installation site conditions necessary
To get the full benefits of a solar pool heater you must have an area for the solar collectors (panels) that is large enough and has the proper exposure to the sun. A flat roof is ideal because the collectors can usually be oriented to face the sun directly very easily. If you install the collectors on a pitched roof, the ideal direction should face south. You will need to add more collectors as the angle facing due south varies. These solar panels get direct sun until 5:00 pm The collector area required will depend on the surface area of your swimming pool, the water temperature you wish to maintain, the amount of pool shading and the direction the solar collectors face. Typically, the area that will be minimum is one-half the area of your pool surface (length x width x 50%) however most systems are typically from 60 to 80% of pool area. For less favorable solar collector orientation or higher pool temperatures, the collector area required may be as large as the pool surface area.
Installation site conditions necessary
In almost all cases it is not necessary to change it or to add a pump for the solar heater. The existing pump is usually capable of circulating pool water through the solar panels.
Solar controls
Solar heating is completely automatic in a properly designed solar heating system. When your pool requires heat, the automatic control diverts the water coming from the filter to the solar collectors, if they are receiving solar energy. This continues until the pre-set desired temperature is reached or until no more solar energy is available. The solar collectors will preheat the water before it gets to the gas heater and the gas heater will use only the fuel needed to make up the difference. The solar controls will be mounted in a clean and logical manner, clearly labeled and totally weatherized.
Operation and Maitnenance
Operation of a solar pool heater is extremely simple. Just flip a switch on the control to "Auto" at the beginning of the season and set the thermostat on the control to the pool temperature you want. At the end of the season, flip the control switch to "Off". The system should be installed in such a manner as to automatically drain back into the pool when not in operation to prevent freeze damage. The only routine maintenance you will need to do is the same as you should always do for your pool, keep the pool clean and in proper chemical balance. It is advisable to shut off the water supply to your pool sweep and solar collectors if you will be adding pool shock treatment or excessive amounts of chemicals.
Metal Collectors
- Important characteristics of metal collectors include
- Rigid construction- longer life
- Automatic or Manual controls
- Less susceptible to wind damage
- Space is more fully utilized
- Fire resistance
- Lower flow resistance
- Heavier than plastic
- Higher Quality Materials
- More expensive to manufacture
- Need to be drained if freezing is possible
- Less wear and tear on the roof, trash does not accumulate.
- Metal collectors can be expected to suffer little deterioration for 15 to 20 years or more.
- Important characteristics of plastic collectors include
- Flexible construction
- Lower purchase price
- Automatic or Manual controls
- Thick walled plastic is easily installed.
- Higher BTU per square foot production
- Not fire resistant
- No wind noise or flapping
- Need to be drained if freezing is possible
- Plastic collectors also have a useful life of 10 to 20 years and are as effective as copper.
- Know exactly what you are getting and for what price, the expected performance and installation plan. Harvest Solar will provide a complete documentation package detailing the items below.
- 1. Specific details on how collectors will be secured to the roof, are they structurally attached through into rafters, and are they elevated to allow for proper drainage, to prevent roof rot and debris buildup.
- 2. A dimensioned scaled sketch or drawing showing the number and location of collectors, and schematic diagrams showing plumbing and control arrangements.
- 3. Specification sheets and warranties on collectors and control, manufacturers warrant these items.
- 4. A copy of the certified solar test ratings for the collectors, or a written statement listing the certification.
- 5. UL listing on the control system (UL) label. This can be confirmed by the manufacturer's specification sheet or literature.
- 6. Statement of Work with the manufacturer, model, and size of the solar panels and the exact model number of the control.
- 7. A date when the installation is to be completed.
- 8. Provide complete clean-up after installation.
- 9. Payment plan specified as to what is to be done before progress payments are made, and when final payment is to be made.
- 10. Provide demonstration on how the system is operated and will provide written operating instructions.
Solar pool heating can not keep up the temperature on heavily overcast or rainy days or during winter months. You may need to operate your gas heater to make up the temperature difference, if you attempt to maintain an unusually warm pool temperature. Even if you choose to use your conventional gas pool heater as well, the solar heater will still supply a large amount of free energy.
Conclusion
In Oklahoma, a typical pool season will cost in excess of $1,600 of natural gas to heat the pool. Installing a solar swimming pool heating system with a life expectancy of over 15 years, and with an average cost between $2,500. and $5,900. makes economic sense. A solar pool heating installation will save a substantial amount of money while providing a warm and comfortable pool. Harvest Solar specializes in design, installation and service of solar swimming pool heaters. Turn Key Installations are our specialty, taking a job all the way from concept to reality with service. Call us today (877-743-2299) for a free estimate to see how this technology can work for you.