Solar Pool Heating Systems

One of the fastest growing segments of the solar market (and perhaps one of the best ways for many homeowners to get into solar conversion) is installing one of the Solar Pool Heating Systems that are now available. Solar pool heaters can pay for themselves in a single year in some climates, though several years may be required in more temperate climates. Many who find out how easy it is to heat their pools with the practically infinite amount of energy that hits the Earth in the form of solar radiation everyday will be interested in other ways to use solar power in their homes.

Homeowners and hotels in desert areas were among the first to regularly use solar pool heating, sometimes by just trapping heat from the night before under an insulated cover in places like Death Valley. More proactive systems that use a solar heater for pool heating use panels mounted on a nearby roof to cycle water though. Another type of solar pool heater uses a heat conducting gel to feed a somewhat more conventional heating element.

When calculating the benefit of heating your pool with solar energy vs. an electric heat pump, consider not only the cost of energy today but also consider how much it is likely to cost in the next decade. The cost of replacing components of the swimming pool’s solar hot water heater and the expense incurred with the installation of a solar pool heater should be considered. Those who can do some of their own installation work can have a bill that comes out about equal between the systems, even before the cost of energy savings is factored in.

Solar heating for swimming pools may not be entirely effective in some climates, and should, in those circumstances, be used to supplement an existing system. Because both systems are installed, these poolside solar heaters take several additional years to pay for their additional cost, though most do after as few as 5 years.

Those interested in learning to build a solar pool heater will find many designs and schematics with solar heater designs for pool and patio. These free plans for a solar pool heater may be difficult to follow or require equipment made to be cheap and a bit shoddy looking, rather than the sleek designs of “store-bought” pool solar heater. Those interested in a classy looking and sturdy DIY solar pool heater may want to consider spending a few extra dollars and getting some professional advice rather than just looking to save money on free solar pool heater plans.