Solar Pool Heater
A swimming pool can be a great addition to almost any home, but the electricity costs to keep the pool heated can be very overwhelming. The most cost-efficient way to save money while heating your pool is to use a solar pool heater since you can keep your pool at an ideal temperature all year long.
A solar pool heater works by pumping water through a filter, to first clear out any debris that has found its way into the pool water. After the filter, the water is then pumped into a solar collector, which uses energy from the sun to heat up the water and then return it back to the pool. A flow control valve is also found in many solar pool heating systems, and works to divert pool water through the solar collector when it is already at an ideal temperature.
A solar pool heater can also be used to cool the temperature of pool water, by circulating it through the collector at night when temperatures are low. This will keep the pool at a cooler temperature when not in use, but heat it up when the sun is out and swimming temperatures are idea. Solar heaters for pools can be used in a number of different climates, but the material used for the solar collectors differ from climate to climate.
An unglazed collector system is used to heat a pool that does not experience temperatures below freezing, and is typically made out of a strong rubber or plastic. They can be fairly inexpensive and last for a number of years, but are only ideal for climates with temperatures above freezing. A glazed solar pool heater collector is usually more expensive, because it must withstand extremely cold temperatures to prevent it from freezing. The glazed collectors are made out of copper tubing with a glass covering, and are able to capture heat better than unglazed collectors made out of rubber.
A typical solar pool heater can cost anywhere between $4000 and $7000, and includes all parts as well as installation. Although it is a large investment at first, it can pay for itself in only a few years due to decreased electricity bills from using solar power. Also, a solar powered system typically lasts longer than a gas or electric pool heater, and requires little maintenance every couple of years. It should last anywhere between ten and twenty years, as long as it is properly installed and maintained on a regular basis.
Having a solar pool heater can benefit almost any family, since it can save a great deal of money in a short amount of time. It also provides many other great benefits, since it does not cause any damage to our environment even when in use. By using a clean, renewable, non-polluting source of energy to heat your pool, you can have your swimming pool at an ideal temperature all year long without having to pay high energy costs to keep it that way.
