Heating swimming pools with solar energy is a less traditional method. However, the most dominant application of solar warming of water is for heating swimming pools in the United States, Canada and Australia. Solar technologies are widely described as either active solar or passive solar depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute sunlight. For the use in heating swimming pools active solar techniques are utilized. The technique of using solar thermal panels (with electrical equipment, ie. water pump) to convert sunlight into useful output is a great way to supplement heating a pool naturally.

An electric water pump would be required with a solar heating method in this case due to the need to circulate the volume of H2O in the contained swimming pool area. Remember, matter is what matters most (no pun intended). You must have a vehicle in which to store energy or you will consequently lose what Mother Nature is giving you free of charge. Think about it a reduced electric on your overall household expenses just by welcoming in the sun.

There are two types of solar water heating collectors used for swimming pools; flat-plate and evacuated tube. The choices for non-potable (meaning not suitable for drinking) pool water use are mostly made of plastic. The use of chlorine/salt causes the pool water to become mildly corrosive. The water is pumped through the solar panels by way of the main pump (or supplemental pump) or the existing pool filter. In the case of evacuated tube solar panels the water is not pumped through them, clean water is heated via the transfer of heat from a heat exchanger. With the evacuated tube panels there is less corrosion. A temperature controller direct the water to panels/heat exchanger by turning a valve or pump operation.

When heating with a solar collection system you can add to the efficiency by using pool covers. There are solar and non-solar designs available. The non-solar are simply the basic or tradional type of pool cover you may already have on hand. The solar type often referred to as a “solar blanket” has many built in air pockets which collect and store heat from the sun. The solar blanket can increase the temperature by 1 degree a day provided there is a minimum of 5 hours of sunlight. The total increase in your pools’ temperature maximizes out at a total of 8 degrees with the solar blanket. While the solar blanket may cost more it saves in the long run due to a reduction in your electric/gas bills.

Additional added benefits in using swimming pool covers is the prevention of falling debris such as leaves, tree branches, etc. from entering your pool. This will help in cutting down your labor maintenance time. A cover will also aid in limiting the amount of algae growth and the chemicals used to rid your pool of these particles, passing on additional monetary savings.

The initial investment in going with solar panels to heat your swimming may be more costly up front than other conventional methods. However, in the long run you will actually be saving money. Additionally, you know that the life expectancy of these solar systems can be up to 20 years. Do not forget the advantages of incorporating the use of a pool cover which can further reduce your expenses of heating your pool (especially if you choose the solar type).

With many years experience in swimming pool construction John Harris now enjoys writing articles about gunite swimming pools.