Heating a swimming pool can consume a lot of energy and add up to high heating bills. Solar energy can help to reduce swimming pool heating costs by using solar pool heaters. Solar pool heaters are used to heat both commercial and residential swimming pools.

Advantages of solar pool heating:

• Solar pool heating is the most cost-effective use of solar energy in many climates.
• A solar pool heater can significantly reduce swimming pool heating costs.
• Solar pool heaters are cost competitive with both gas and heat pump pool heaters.
• Solar pool heaters have very low annual operating costs.
• Solar pool heaters demand a higher initial investment, but the payback is typically very short.

Most solar pool heating systems include the following:

• A solar collector – the device through which pool water is circulated to be heated by the sun
• A filter – removes debris before water is pumped through the collector
• A pump – circulates water through the filter and collector and back to the pool
• A flow control valve – automatic or manual device that diverts pool water through the solar collector.

Pool water is pumped through the filter and then through the solar collector(s), where it is heated before it is returned to the pool. In hot climates, the collector(s) can also be used to cool the pool during peak summer months by circulating the water through the collector(s) at night.

Some systems include sensors and an automatic or manual valve to divert water through the collector(s) when the collector temperature is sufficiently greater than the pool temperature. When the collector temperature is similar to the pool temperature, filtered water simply bypasses the collector(s) and is returned to the pool.

The existing pool filtration system can frequently be used to transfer heat from the solar collectors to the pool water. Solar pool heating systems generally use unglazed, low temperature or glazed medium temperature solar water heating collectors, depending on the climate and on whether the pool is located outdoors or indoors.

In colder climates, if you intend to use your swimming pool in winter, it will be necessary a conventional pool heater, to supplement the system in freezing months. If you want to take full advantage of solar pool heating system and save your money on electricity bills, contact America’s Best Mechanical & Electrical now!

We specialize in the design and installation of solar pool heating systems and operate in Philadelphia and Bucks County, PA.