Family fun in solar heated pool
Shopping for a swimming pool solar heating system is an exciting experience, most off all because of what it promises to deliver: a heated pool in which you can swim at leisure all year long or, at the very least, well past the cut off point you had before. Solar pool heat makes a massive contribution to enhancing your swimming experience.
What should you look out for when you start shopping around?
There are a series of points you need to take into account when making your decision. How you set up your swimming pool solar heating system will depend on your responses.
- How sunny is the area where you live? Do you get sunshine for much of the year or are there times of the year when mist, rain, snow or heavy cloud predominate? A general rule of thumb is that the solar collector into which the cold pool water is pumped to be heated should equal more than 50% of the size of your pool. In colder, less sunny regions, the footage of the collector should be increased to ensure a greater exposure to the sun so that more heat can be gathered and transferred to the water in your pool.
- How much direct sun does your property get? Is there anywhere there that receives the most direct sun during the day? That is going to be the best position for your solar panels. Rooftop spots are often a good option, and they have the added advantage of being ‘out of sight’ because, aesthetically speaking, solar panels are a little unattractive. If the roof is not the best spot for your it, then an alternative choice needs to be made. Often a nearby retaining wall will work or, if you have an above-ground pool, the side of the pool can be a good location for it.
- How much do you want to spend on the system? Shop around because a professionally installed solar pool heat system can range in price from about $3000 to $8000. The salesperson needs to know the pool’s length and width, your water temperature preference, the type of pool you have (above-ground or below-ground, outdoors or indoors) and your budget for the project.
- Are there any reputable contractors in my area? Look for a reputable contractor to install and maintain your system. Investigate the contractor’s solar heating installation experience, check with the relevant authorities to ensure that the person has a valid contractor’s license and best of all find out what his other customer’s think about the quality of the work he did for them.
- Are there any special codes and by-laws governing these installations? Make sure that your local codes, covenants and by-laws allow for the installation of a swimming pool solar heating system before you commit yourself to a purchase. Find out, too, whether you need a building permit.It is worth spending some time making sure you get the best possible swimming pool solar heating solution for your location and budget. It is going to be with you for a long time effortlessly working to heat your water without the costly monthly utility bills to have to worry about.
