The working of a solar Pool Heater

A solar pool heating system is not so complicated. It consists of flat solar pool heating panels, pump, filter, and tubing. The swimming pool water is supposed to circulate through the solar panel collector. The panel is either placed on the roof or near the pool. The water is heated when it flows through the solar panel because the flat panel absorbs the heat of the sun.

There is also a filter in the solar panel collector, which is optional but it filters all dirt and debris from the water. Basically, the water is filtered, heated and then sent back to pool through the proper tubing. 

Solar pool heating panels do not require a separate water storage tank since the swimming pool itself acts as storage for the water. You do not need a separate pump for water circulation because the swimming pools’ own pump can be used to circulate the water to and from the solar collector. 

In hot climates, the same system can be used to cool the pool water. By making the water circulate at night, the solar panel acts a radiator instead of a collector and the water is easily cooled. In colder climates, the system should be run with a closed loop to ensure anti-freeze protection. 

Before deciding on which solar pool heating panels you should buy, you have to assess your needs. There are many models available in the market. The determinants of which size solar panel you have to buy are desired pool temperature, size and shape of your pool, geographic location, whether it is swimming season or not, the length of time required for pool heating, the wind, and shade from the surroundings i.e. shade from trees, fence, or walls. 

A simple rule to remember is that the size of your solar panels collector should be around 50-80% of the pool area. When we say pool area, we do not mean the volume of the water but the surface area of the pool. 

Glazed solar collectors are usually heavy and more expensive because they are made with copper tubing and aluminum plates. In colder climates, they are more effective in heating the pools compared to an open type glazed solar collector. Glazed solar collectors can also be used for the purpose of heating water in homes. 

Solar pool heating and domestic hot water heating is a superb use of solar energy