Before you spend money on solar pool heating, make sure you have an idea of the total cost of the components. You'll need solar collectors, pumps, filtration systems, and labor, and each of these components has a different price tag. The good news is that you can get the lowest price option at your local Home Improvement Store. For a better understanding of what to expect, please read the following. Then you can decide if it is worth the expense.
Unglazed solar collectors
Unglazed solar collectors for solar pool heating can be inexpensive and relatively simple in design. They are made from durable plastics and rubber, and are infused with UV light inhibiters to maximize efficiency. They can be used in hot areas, but they can also work in colder regions. This system of solar pool heating is also known by the name thermosyphon. These solar panels are less efficient than glazed units, however.
Also, unglazed collectors are simpler to install then evacuated tube collectors. They also don't suffer from the cold losses experienced by evacuated-tube collectors. As a result, unglazed solar collectors can provide better heat-trapping capacity to your swimming pool. Because they don't have glazing, unglazed solar collectors can be cheaper than evacuated tubes. They are perfect for cold environments because they don't have a wind-chill factor.
Pumps
Pumps are necessary for solar pool heating. The pumps can either be operated at a constant speed or can ramp up when solar heating needs are met. The pumps that run at a lower speed are more efficient in solar pool heating, and have a longer operating time. High-speed pumps are more expensive and can cause your pool to cool down when solar heating doesn't work. To choose the right pump, make sure to consider your personal preference, as well as the size of your pool.
To heat the pool, a pump must push water through solar collectors. Solar collectors are only able to absorb sunlight so they won't heat the water at night. Use a pump that has a greater heat output if you require more heat. The water must travel long distances to heat the water. The panels take up 75-100% from the pool's total surface area. It may take more space for larger pools.
Filtration system
There are several ways to heat a pool with solar energy. One method involves installing a solar collector on the roof of the pool. The water is then pumped into this collector. It is then heated by the sun during the day and returned to the swimming pool. There are some advantages to installing a solar collector. A solar collector has its advantages. However, it is important to keep in mind that your pool pump will be used more than the normal system.
The biggest factor in the cost of a solar pool heating system is the size of the array. The size and orientation you have for your roof will impact the price. An average solar collector array will cover 80-100% the area of the swimming pool. You will need a collector that is different in size depending on the size of your pool. You might want to clean your collectors occasionally in dry climates.
Labor costs
Solar pool heating allows you to heat your pool using only electricity or natural gas. This heating system circulates the water through a solar collector. It then heats up with the sun's rays. Installation costs for a solar pool heating system can be anywhere from $500 to $1,000, depending on the size of the system, distance to panels, and other factors. Solar pool heating systems become almost effortless to operate once they have been set up.
An experienced contractor is required to install solar pool heating. Costs for labor vary depending on how large the pool is and where it is located. An above-ground pool will require more panels than an in-ground one. If you live in a colder climate, you may want to opt for a smaller solar collector. If you have a pool that is heated all year, you might want to add a large solar collector.