Solar Pool Heater FAQRob Coxby Rob Cox, October 1. Solar Pool Heater FAQ Solar pool heaters are more popular than ever these days, with the rising costs of gas and electricity. Solar heat also gives the pool owner the added benefit of being green in the operation of their pool. Emergency Solar Power System Michigan Photovoltaic Solar Power Plants Emergency Solar Power System Michigan Solar Panel Controllers For Rv How Much Is Solar Panels. Installing covers for above ground pools is an easy task but will vary depending on the type of cover. Codec Mpeg Audio Layer 1 2 3 Mpga Adobe. There are three main types of covers available for above ground. Looking for solar panels in Queensland Compare Queensland solar panel installers and solar system prices for free, get free, instant solar quotes for solar PV. How to Install Solar Panels to Heat a Pool. Heating a pool with inexpensive, unglazed plastic solar panels can be a relatively easy and low cost project you can do. Rob Cox. by Rob Cox, October 10, 2010. Solar Pool Heater FAQ Solar pool heaters are more popular than ever these days, with the rising costs of gas and electricity. Definite conversation starter. Weve had a lot of questions over the years related to the purchase, installation, use, care and repair of solar pool heater panels. Weve put together a bit of a summary below, in old school Frequently Asked Questions FAQ format. Pool solar covers are pool covers that effectively help in preventing the loss of energy from swimming pools. Due to evaporation, pools usually require too much. Swimming Pool Solar Heating Panels, Plans and Installation. If you have other questions not answered here, feel free to post a comment on the blog below, or contact me through the link under the Pool Blog logo above left. Q. Whats the difference between in ground and above ground solar pool heaters A As most equipment for the pool, solar heaters are sold for above ground pools and for in ground pools. In fact, they could be interchangeable. The main difference is that most in ground solar pool heaters are installed on the roof, and you need an in ground pool pump, with enough power vertical lift to pump the water up to the roof. Another large difference is the price point. Above ground solar heaters are usually made from polypropylene, instead of the more expensive neoprene like rubber of our In ground solar pool heater by Enersol. PbGdJjayvTw/hqdefault.jpg' alt='Installing Solar Panels For Above Ground Pool' title='Installing Solar Panels For Above Ground Pool' />Q Can I use an In ground solar system on an above ground pool or vice versa A In ground pools typically have a larger volume of water than above ground pools, which builds the requirement for solar heaters with greater heat transfer. In ground solar heaters can be used on above ground pools, but the panels will probably need to be located on the ground or ground level rack. Above ground solar heaters can be used with most in ground pool pumps, if careful not to over pressurize the panels, which are made to withstand the pressure from smaller, above ground pool pumps. Q What does a solar controller do A A solar controller is a wall mounted box with a thermostat dial and an onoff switch. Two temperature sensors are connected to the controller, one mounted next to the solar panels, and one clamped over a hole drilled in the pipe, to measure water temperature. A third wire runs to a valve actuator, mounted atop a standard 3 way Jandy type valve. When there is a call for heat, the controller will signal the valve actuator to turn the 3 way valve, sending water to the panels. When the water temp reaches the thermostat setting, the valve returns to its previous position, bypassing the solar panels. Solar Controllers optimize the sunny part of the day, turning on when optimal and bypassing the solar panels when solar conditions are poor. Solar controllers can also be used to cool the pool if the water temperature gets too warm, by sending water to the solar panels at night, or during a rainstorm. Q Do I have to buy a solar controller for my solar pool heaterA  Not necessarily, but it does make it convenient and provides better use of the sun. Without it, a passing shower or heavy clouds or winds could begin to cool your pool water. Or you could forget and leave it on overnight, which also will cool the pool water. Most above ground pools do not have a solar controller installed, and pool owners manually open and close a valve to send water through the solar panels. Q What options are there for mounting pool solar panels A  The better question is What areas, near your pool equipment, allow for at least 4 6 hours of direct sun per day A southern exposure is best, and mounting panels at a 4. Install-Solar-Panels-to-Heat-a-Pool-Step-3.jpg/aid557947-v4-728px-Install-Solar-Panels-to-Heat-a-Pool-Step-3.jpg' alt='Installing Solar Panels For Above Ground Pool' title='Installing Solar Panels For Above Ground Pool' />As shown in the image above, panels can be mounted to the roof, or to a home built rack, or they can even be laid on the ground. Having the panels as close to the equipment as possible cuts the work load and cost of piping. Q How much heat can I expect from a solar pool heater A  That depends on how much sun your panels receive, and how much square footage of panels you install. Using a pool cover or solar blanket can keep the pool much warmer, especially at night. Cloudy, rainy weather will also limit the amount of heat transfer, although solar pool heaters will still produce heat on overcast days. On average, a solar pool heater will deliver 1. I have installed an Enersol system that was used to heat a spa up to 1. Q I live in Northern Michigan, will solar heating work for me A  Absolutely, solar pool heating is very popular in Canada, and works well wherever the sun shines. Generally, most North American solar pool heater installations add another month onto each end of the pool season opening a month earlier and closing a month later, with water temperature from 7. Q How is a solar pool heater installed A  Basically, we cut the return pipe in between the filter and pool, and re route the water to go in and out of the solar panels. Use of a 3 way valve makes the operation simpler, although it can be done with two 2 way valves. A check valve is placed in line, to prevent water from doing a loop. In practice, most of the water should bypass the solar panels, and use a diverter valve to divert 1. Installing on a roof or on a rack made at a 4. Installing solar panels on a roof can be dangerous, so use precautions to keep yourself safe. Installation next to a pool, or on a rack mounted onto a fence or free standing is a simpler affair and should take only a few hours. Q Do I  need to install a larger pump to push water through the solar panels A Generally, no. I  have never had to increase the horsepower of a pump when installing solar panels, even if pumping 3. Remember that aboveground pumps may not have the power to pump up too far, but most inground pumps of 1hp or greater can do it without a problem. Usually, we see about a 3psi increase in the filter pressure after installing a new solar pool heater system. Q What maintenance or repairs are needed with solar panels A  One of the things I like best about solar heaters is that they are virtually maintenance free. Unlike gas heaters, solar pool heaters have no moving parts, no maintenance schedule, no failing componenents. If a hole were to develop in one of the heater tubes, a small insert or stint can be put in this tube or the tube can be abandoned. The only other repair I have ever done is to replace temperature sensors or valve actuators automatic valve turners, used with a solar controller. Solar pool heaters are very low maintenance items. Q How long does a solar pool heater last A  Longer than a gas pool heater. Ajzen And Fishbein 2005 Pdf. Enersol has a 1. 5 year warranty, and I have seen them last longer. The polypropylene type of panel, made by Sungrabber or Sunheater will last almost as long, but somewhere between 1. This can be accelerated with year round use, or strong sun. I once did a replacement solar pool heater installation in Jamaica, where the sun had broken down the polypropylene panels in 1. Arancel De Aduanas Colombia 2017 more. If you would like to Guest Post on our Pool Blog or for permission to repost our Pool Blog onyour website, please contact the author by the email link at the top of the page.