How a Pool Solar Heater Can Save You Money and Energy

Did you know that turning down the temperature of your swimming pool heater can result in a saving of up to 30% on energy costs?

Nowadays, everyone's eager to save a few dollars wherever they can, but that doesn't mean you should swim in a frigid pool all year round. A pool solar heater is ideal for those who prefer immersing themselves in warmer water without incurring exorbitant energy costs.

Keep reading to discover how a pool solar heating system saves energy, money, and time.

How Does a Pool Solar Heater Work?

Solar pool heating systems have been around since 1909 when people placed black water tanks in the sun and waited for the contents to warm up. With the advent of advanced technologies, this concept has become more efficient than ever. although the water is still warmed using passive heating.

Today's solar pool heating systems have the following components:

• Solar collectors
• Filters
• Pumps
• Flow control valves

This type of energy-saving pool heater relies entirely on solar power to heat your pool water. It works in tandem with your existing pool filtration and pump systems.

The solar collector systems comprise copper tubing placed on an aluminum plate. Tempered systems, which are more efficient, have an iron-tempered glass covering, while unglazed collector systems do not.

Glazed collector systems are best suited to areas with a cooler climate, but both types of collector systems need freeze protection in extreme temperatures.

The pump forces the water through the filter to the solar collector, where it heats up under the sun's rays. Once it's heated, the water returns to the pool.

Some systems have sensors or an automatic valve. These help divert water through the collectors only when its temperature is lower than the water in the collector. 

When the temperature is similar to the heated water in the collector, it bypasses the collector. 

Energy Savings With a Solar Water Heater

During the process above, the water does not settle in a tank while energy-sapping elements heat it. The only electricity used in the process is that required to run the pump.

This results in considerable savings when compared to a gas or electric pool heater, which must use vast amounts of fuel to heat large volumes of water to a satisfactory level.

An energy-saving pool heater works slowly and consistently to keep your pool water at a comfortable temperature. It isn't designed to heat water to a high temperature very quickly.

Over time, the cost of a pool solar heater is considerably lower than that of its gas and electric peers due to the savings you'll enjoy on your utility bills.

If you want to increase the efficiency of your solar water heater, adding a solar blanket to your pool can increase your savings even further.

A solar blanket helps keep your pool water hotter for longer, so your pool pump doesn't need to run all the time. This results in further savings on electricity.

Environmental Benefits of Solar Pool Heaters

Electricity generation accounts for 40% of all energy-related carbon emissions produced in the USA, so it's vital to cut down on electricity usage whenever you can.

Carbon emissions aren't the only drawback associated with electricity, either. Electrical power stations create vast amounts of pollution and water wastage, too. 

One of the most important solar pool heating benefits is that you can greatly reduce the number of harmful emissions related to your enjoyment. This helps to soothe your conscience if you're an environmentally savvy homeowner.

If you install solar panels in your home, your pool pump can run off those, reducing your electricity usage even more.

Although solar installations might seem expensive at the outset, you will get your money back in the form of savings over the years. With a solar pool heater, you can expect to make your money back in a maximum of seven years.

Time-Savings Offered by Solar Pool Heaters

Solar pool heaters also last a very long time since there are very few moving parts involved in the process. You'll also spend very little time and money on maintenance for these heating systems.

Maintaining these heaters involves little more than checking for the following:

• Cracks in the seals or glazing
• Damaged wiring connections
• Leaks in plumbing and ductwork
• Degraded insulation
• Jammed pressure release valves
• Malfunctioning pumps or blowers

Although pool water heater problems are rare, a qualified technician can help you remedy these issues quickly.

You should also keep tabs on shading. Shade hampers the performance of your solar heater, so keep nearby trees trimmed back. It's best to clean your solar collectors periodically to remove dust, bird droppings, and debris.

Annual maintenance tasks associated with a solar pool water heater include flushing the system once a year. As long as you keep your pool filter well-maintained, you shouldn't experience any problems with the effectiveness of your solar pool heater.

Getting the Most Out of a Solar Pool Heater

Location is everything when it comes to installing solar technology. Make sure your heat collectors are positioned so that they'll receive full sun most of the day.

You'll need at least 50% of the surface area of your pool available on your roof for the placement of your solar collectors. A nearby garage or patio overhang usually makes a suitable location for solar collectors.

Get expert help choosing the most efficient system for your home. Collectors with a higher thermal performance rating cost more, but they're exponentially more efficient than cheaper options.

Start Your Solar Savings Journey

A pool solar heater helps you enjoy the comforts of warm water swimming without wasting your resources or those of the planet. 

Installing a solar pool heater for your Rancho Cordova home is your shortcut to these benefits; all you need now is a qualified installer to make this a reality. Infinite Energy Home Services has served North Carolina homeowners since 1991, offering custom electrical solutions for home and business owners.

We are committed to helping our clients gain independence from utility providers to save money and do their part toward saving the environment. Open the door to savings today.