What You Need To Know About Solar Pool Heating Systems

When it comes to keeping pool maintenance costs low, solar energy can be a tremendous force. But solar heating isn’t just about saving money: solar panels can, depending on climate, double your swim season! Sometimes people assume that solar heaters are on par with solar lights — which most homeowners agree are virtually pointless. While solar lights may have inferior quality, solar heaters can be quite effective. Impressive, even.

Solar Heater Method

A solar heater system will pump pool water into solar panels, where the sun works its magic, heating the water. The water is then recirculated back into the pool, and more pool water is pumped into the panels. As simple as it seems, this low-maintenance pool heating method can be quite effective and reliable.

Solar Heater Panel Location

The ideal location for solar panels is a south-facing sloped surface, such as a roof, that is not blocked or shaded by nearby trees or buildings. The reason most people prefer to install them on roofs is simple: space. Most people don’t have enough yard space they wish to sacrifice to solar panels. Since the volume of water moving through the panels at any given time is relatively small, the added weight on the roof is generally not a problem for the structure.

Solar Heater Panel Size

Solar panels should cover approximately the same amount of square footage as your pool. However, the size of panels will be somewhat determined by the surrounding climate; for instance, in desert climates, they could be about 25% smaller, while in cooler climates, they could be 25-50% larger.

Another issue that affects optimal size is how much heating will be needed. For instance, in a warmer climate in which a system would be designed to heat the water to 85 degrees in summer months and 65 in the winter, more panels will be needed. Of course, more panels means more space.

Solar Heater Savings

The initial cost of installing a solar heating system is definitely higher than other pool heating systems, such as propane or natural gas. However, that initial cost will be recuperated in under five years, proving to be a financially savvy choice. Depending on how much you would otherwise spend on a monthly basis to heat your pool with gas or propane, a solar heater could pay for itself in only a year!

Solar heaters also boast remarkable longevity, compared to other types of pool heating systems, adding to their cost-saving capabilities. Some come with 12-year warranties, and many can function well for more than two decades.

Of course, solar heating is also environmentally friendly, making this type of heating helpful in more ways than just financial. As an added bonus, these panels can, depending on climate, double your swim season!

Lyon Financial

Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 400,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.