what is the best way to heat my pool? solar panels?

Answer 1

This is not an easy answer. It depends on a lot of things.

Like:

How much sun you get on an average day?
What temperature are you looking to heat the pool to?
What is your average temperature in the summer without a heater?
How far is the pool from the filter system, and how far is your house from the pool & Equiptment.
What size is your pool and what size pump is on it.

Depending on your answers to these questions, your solution may vary.

Solar heaters can be bought very easily and are not terribly expensive,but their can be drawbacks. Installation can be expensive, generally they have limitations to the temps they can heat to, they are limited by the amount of sun you get, and if they are not installed properly they will not heat the pool at all, and could even lower the temp of the pool. The biggest benefit is that once the system has been bought and installed there is no ongoing fuel cost. So eventually they will pay for themselves and then some. One other potential issue is that depending on the size of your pool pump in relation to the size of your pool and the potential location for your solar heater, it may be necessary to purchase a pump of a larger horsepower and water flow. This would add increased cost to the project.

Fossil fuel heaters (Gas or Propane) are more expensive than solar and have ongoing costs for operation, but can provide you with benefits that no other heater can. They can heater to higher temps (Usually limited to the heaters thermostat), and they will heat the pool much faster than any type of heater. (depending on the desired temp and the starting temp, they can heat in as little as an hour to 8 hours if properly sized to your pool) Again the biggest drawback to this is the initial cost (depending on size $900 - $2,500) and the on-going bill for the fuel. Same as the heater in your house

Heat Pumps - These are the most energy efficient heaters available. The drawbacks to these are the initial cost (Much higher than the other types, anywhere from $2,500 - $3,700) and the heating time. These heaters are designed to be a constant heater and build the heat up slowly over the course of a few days to a week depending on the pools current temp and the desired temp. The big benefit to these though is they will cost you way less than any fossil fuel heater you can find and again the energy efficiency usually pays for the heater over time. The only other issue is these heaters generally don't work well when the outside air temps are below 50 degrees. Most times this is not much of an issue as most people are not swimming when it is that cold out.

Regardless of what type of heater you put on the pool, you should also invest in a solar cover or blanket. Anytime the outside air temperature is lower than your pool water temperature, the pool should be covered. Otherwise all the heat that is being put into it will just evaporate out of it. (As you see the steam rise from the pool, you should envision your dollars going with it)

The best thing to do would be to find a good pool dealer in your area and go and talk to them. I would suggest talking to a few different pool professionals to see what they recommend for your area. Just remember that different people will have their own personal preferences, and some people will be motivated by the money they could make by selling you one type over the other. Try to find someone who sells all three types as they will be less likely to try to pressure you into something.

Answer 2

Solar would be the cheapest to operate, but expensive to install. Running a hose on the roof is not going to work. There is not enough surface area to heat more than a few gallons. If you decide to go with solar panels you will need to get some help on how many, etc AND you will have to have a place large enough facing south, near your pump to install them. I think the rule of thumb is 1/2 the surface area of the pool for the surface area of the collectors (but don't quote me). The solar blanket works well, but you do need a roller to put it on. Check at Waterwarehouse.com and see what all they have.

Answer 3

the best way is with a gas or oil fired boiler as they will heat water faster than any other source at the present.... but there is another option that is not available on the market and works good and will heat pool to whatever temp you keep your house... a good plumber could install this for you as i did on my sisters pool ...install a fairly good size radiator in you hvac systems return duct that has connection for 11/2 to 2 inch hose ....from the output side of your pool sand filter run one line to the radiator and then run the other line to the discharge point on your pool....the only cost in the system is the radiator and plumbing fixtures you need and the duct fitting to install radiator in duct work plus getting a plumber or hvac man to install radiator for you... the way this works is as long as your filter is running it continuously circulates the water through the radiator and back to your pool..the water is filtered before going through radiator ...this will only work if you have a forced air heating -cooling system...most heat and cool systems run 15 to 20 minutes per hour at an average temp of 72 degrees so you can use this heat to warm your pool ...also if water temp is cooler than outside air temp during summer months if will help cool your home. and lower your power bill..I would still get a solar cover to put over pool to help heat water even more...once you have this system installed the only cost you have is the running of your pool pump to filter the water which should be running 24 hours a day during summer months anyway.. the parts cost her about five hundred dollars with the radiator costing the most took about one hour to install radiator with flexible tubing attached in return air duct....used 11/2 pvc for feed water lines to and from pool...

Answer 4

Solar Power Design Manual : http://SolarPower.duebq.com/?WaA

Answer 5

I would imagine that it would be by using a gas heater, but solar would be cheaper if you used it alot.

Answer 6

yes. solar is better every way.