Swimming Pool Solar Cover

Many people do not realize that there is a difference between a standard and solar pool cover. A normal cover or blanket protects your pool from dirt, dust, leaves and such. It also protects against evaporation. A swimming pool solar cover will make your heat system more efficient in more than one way. This can save you a lot of money, over time. It may also save you a lot of extra work.

The principle behind it

Do you wonder how these devices work? They help in two ways. The first way is preventing evaporation. Have you ever stood in front of a fan, while wet? You felt very cool. That is because evaporating gas, removes heat. The fan evaporates the water on you and makes you cooler. When the pool water evaporates, it removes heat from the pool. This means that you will need more energy to heat the pool. Any type of cover, will make your pool heat system more efficient.

The solar blankets also help to focus heat from the sun, into the pool. This will increase the warmth. When you add this effect to the loss of evaporation, you get two benefits. There are many different types of these blankets for your pool.

One piece

The standard one piece blanket is usually made of vinyl. It may have more than one layer. It is made to direct the rays from the sun into the pool water. You can choose colored or clear.

Inflatable Rings

These rings do not cover the entire pool surface. They are best when used with another type of cover. They have two layers. The inner layer or grid is inflated first. When you inflate it, this forms extra insulation. It is simple to manually inflate the grids. One or two breaths of air is all that is required. The outer layer is inflated next. The rings are held together with magnets. They are also designed to shed water when you remove them. This makes removal simple and quick. They work to direct sun rays into your pool and to insulate the surface.

Cells

These cells are about five feet or one and one half meters across. They fit together with Velcro. They insulate and direct heat well. You can use the right amount of cells for a custom fit.

Summary

A swimming pool solar cover helps you save heat and money in two ways. They protect against evaporation. They also direct the sunlight into the water. Look into the many different types that are available.

Heating a pool with solar power can lower the cost it normally takes to make the pool a bit more comfortable in cooler weather. Pool owners heat their pools to enable it to be used for a longer swimming season. A heater will also take the morning chill off of a pool that is partially shaded to make the morning swim more pleasant. Swimming pool solar heat is attainable a couple different ways; via pool cover or attaching a solar collector to the current heating system.

Even if a heating system is already in place, a solar blanket can be used to help lower the cost of running this system. Solar pool covers fit over the entire surface of the pool and trap the sun’s rays. By trapping in the heat, the temperature of the water can be raised as much as 15 degrees. There are different colors of solar blankets and each one heats the water at varying rates.

Clear covers heat water the slowest, but allow for the ray’s to reach deeper depths. Blue solar covers are a bit faster and the black covers are the quickest of all.

The dark color may help to speed up the heating of the water, but these covers also break down quicker in the sun. It isn’t as if a black solar blanket will deteriorate in a matter of months. They are very durable and will still last many years, if taken care of properly.

When money has already been spent on a high-dollar heating system for the pool, it’s hard to not enjoy the benefits of using it. Attaching a solar panel to the current heating system will help save money and enable the system to be used.

The solar collector circulates the pool water, heats it by the sun’s rays, and then pumps it back into the pool. There is a filtration system in place to remove any debris from the water before it goes into the collector.

If the sun isn’t strong enough to heat the water in the solar collector, then the standard pool heating system can be used. Most people don’t rely solely on a solar heating system for their pool, unless they live in a climate where it is sunny most of the time. The type of climate will also determine whether to have a glazed or unglazed collector. Swimming pool solar heat blankets and collectors are just two examples of money saving devices available for today’s pool owners.

Being able to swim comfortably in cooler weather will enable owners to get the full benefit of having an outdoor pool. Installing a swimming pool solar heater panel is a cost effective way to raise the temperature of pool water by as much as 20 degrees. Solar panels that are unglazed are the least expensive type installed for pools and spas that are outdoors.

Unglazed solar collectors are made from plastic or rubber that has a protective coat over it to inhibit UV light. Collectors made from this heavy duty construction are less expensive than glazed collectors. If this system is turned off while water is still left inside, then the excess water will run back into the pool.

These collectors are extremely efficient. As for glazed collector systems, the tubing is copper and covered with tempered glass. These two materials add to the cost of this type of solar pool heating system.

When heating panels are used to increase the temperature of a pool, the climate in which they are used needs to be considered. Both glazed and unglazed solar collectors need to have freeze protection when used in a climate where freezing is possible. Solar panels used to heat pools in much warmer climates are equally effective, but the unglazed collectors tend to be more efficient.

The panel that absorbs the sun’s rays involves a lot more than a standard solar panel used to power a home. Solar collectors for pools have to be able to hold the water inside of it long enough for the sun to increase the water’s temperature. Most systems are equipped with sensors that turn the motor on when the sun comes up. This motor is attached to a pump that moves the pool water into the collector.

After the water reaches a warm enough temperature, it will then flow out of the collector through a different tube than it entered and into the pool. As the sun sets, the sensors turn off and any remaining water in the collector will flow back into the pool.

Swimming pool solar heater panel systems can be attached to any roof, no matter what type of roofing material is used. Unglazed collectors provide pool owners with a cost effective and efficient way to heat their swimming water. Being able to have an extended swimming season is just one of the additional joys to having a heated pool.

Are you checking out swimming pool solar heater panels? Using limitless energy from the sun is a good way to heat your pool. You will find many advantages to this method over conventional techniques. Here are some to look at.

Heat pump

This is a common method of heating pools. It is energy efficient to a point. It out performs all other types except for solar. It is cheaper to operate than gas or electric heaters. It is a much a five times cheaper than electric heat.

Initial costs are fairly low. Installation is not difficult. You need to attach your water supply to the heat pump.

These systems will work in any type of environment. There does not need to be a lot of sunshine. You can attain whatever water temperature that you desire.

Maintenance is simple. The systems are built to last a long time. They keep their efficiency throughout their service life.

They will work in all weather conditions. However, you may have an indoor pool. If the outside temperature drops below 45F or 7C they may need a backup system.

Natural Gas

These systems are good for quick heating. They are often used for pools that are used infrequently. They also make an excellent backup heat system for a heat pump or solar unit. Due to their higher operating costs, they are not used a great deal.

Electric

This method is very expensive to operate. Often times, heat pumps are referred to as electric heat. This is due to the fact that the compressor is powered by electricity. Methods with actual electric heat are used for short periods of time. They may also be used as backup heat, on some occasions.

Solar

You have an unlimited energy source with this method. Initial costs prevent many people from installing them. It takes a few years to recover your start up costs. After that it costs practically nothing to operate. You may live in a cold environment and have an indoor pool. It would be a good idea to have a backup heat system, if the pool sees regular use.

There are some systems that use solar heat in combination with other systems. This preheats the water and increases efficiency. If you live in a warm climate, solar heating may be your best option. You will not need a backup heat source.

Summary

Are you thinking about swimming pool solar heater panels? This method of heat is superior to the others in many ways. There are a few cases to consider other methods. You may live in a cold weather environment. You might also have an indoor pool. Initial costs with solar heat can be high. A heat pump may be a better option, in some cases. However if the temperature gets below 45F or 7C, you will need a backup system. Gas heat may work as a backup or for short term use. Electric heat is very expensive to operate. It will see limited usage.

Do you have a swimming pool? Perhaps it is time that you heated it. You will be able to use it a great deal more often. It will be more comfortable. This can mean a lot more exercise. Swimming is one of the best exercises that you can receive. There are decisions to make on heating your pool. The cheapest method to use is powered by the sun. However, the system can be expensive to install. There are other methods of swimming pool solar heating. They are less expensive and also less effective.

Passive heat

This may work well if you live in a warm climate. You may be able to extend the amount of days that you can use the pool. It involves the use of solar blankets or covers to enhance the effects of the sun, on your pool.

A simple cover will keep your pool protected when not in use. It will also help to prevent evaporation. Your pool can lose a considerable amount of heat to evaporation. In time, you will have to add more water. This added water may initially cool your pool water down.

Some blankets work to reflect sunlight into the water. This increases the effectiveness of the sunlight. They are not too expensive. These passive systems work best when temperatures do not get too cold at night.

Active

Active systems are far more effective. They are also a lot more expensive. Water is pumped from the pool to solar collectors. They heat the water and return it to the pool. Although the energy used is free, the equipment and installation is not. Some people save a lot by installing it themselves. You can purchase kits of various types.

If you have the system professionally installed, it will cost more. However, it will also be properly installed. Not everyone has the expertise to things like that. Whether you install it yourself or not, you will eventually recoup your initial costs. Many people estimate this time frame to be two to four years. After that, you are using free energy from the sun.

If you buy a kit system, expect to pay at least $2,000 for one. This will heat a 32 by 15 foot in ground pool. The price may double for installation Smaller above ground pools will be considerably cheaper.

Summary

It may be time to consider heating your pool. Swimming pool solar heating can be a cost effective option. Passive heat is inexpensive. It may work best, if you live in a warm climate. Active systems are more effective. They cost more, but you eventually recoup your start up costs.