A Beginner’s Guide to Solar Pool Heaters

Solar water heaters are one of the preferred heating systems for swimming pools in Australian homes and commercial areas because of their durability and efficiency. It is one of the safest water heating systems available out there. Although quite expensive to install, you can easily enjoy the return of your investment due to the lack of maintenance cost to worry about, compared to other types of water heating systems.

How much does a solar pool heater cost? How many solar panels do you need to warm up an average sized pool? Do they last long? Here are some of the basic facts about solar pool heaters you need to know before considering installing one for your homes.

How Many Solar Panels Does it Take to Run a Pool Heater

The average size of solar panels used for solar water heaters is 4′ x12′. On average, you need to have around six to ten panels with seven to eight panel systems to warm up an average sized swimming pool. Ideally 100% coverage is suggested to take advantage of an efficient solar heating system. A square foot of solar panel is required for a square foot of pool surface.

You can go lower than this number if the location of your solar panels is fully exposed to the sun. If you will have shading issues, it would be ideal to stick with the required minimum. Consider adding a few to have enough to power your water heaters. A seasonal solar panel contractor can help you arrive at the ideal number of solar panels for your pool heating needs.

Other factors that should be considered when choosing the right size of solar water heaters for your pool include the following:

• The average number of weeks or months your pools are used in average annually
• Average temperature in your area
• Availability of solar energy resource in your area
• Efficiency of the solar collector system
• The use of a pool cover

If you think that a foot of solar panels per foot of your pool is not financially feasible for you, you can take the surface area of your pool and multiply it with the percentage of the days in a year you will be using your pool. For cooler or colder areas, you might have to invest in a larger solar water heating system.

Automated Controllers

Some solar pool heating systems feature an automated controller that helps maximise the heating performance of your solar panels. The system also prevents issues in heating up your pools during inclement weather. A controller should be considered to increase the performance levels of your solar panels.

However, manual systems can perform as efficiently as automated systems. However, not all homeowners are diligent enough to turn their solar valve when needed. Automated controllers add more convenience to using your solar heating systems. Although there are no guaranteed temperatures with solar water heaters, the heating system is enough to offer comfort and enjoyment while swimming, even in colder months and seasons.

Non-solar pool heaters are most costly to maintain although they are more affordable to install. Solar pool water heaters require a rather huge investment to have one installed in your homes. However, if you are looking for a more efficient and environmentally-friendly option to warm up your pools, the solar water heater is the best option for you.