The Shocking Truth About Solar Heated Pools

If you own a pool, you know how expensive your electric bill jumps up in the summer months. Listen carefully and you can significantly reduce swimming pool heating costs by installing a solar pool heater in New Jersey. They're cost competitive with both gas and heat pump pool heaters, and they have very low annual operating costs. Actually, solar pool heating is the most cost-effective use of solar energy in many climates

HOW THEY WORK
Most solar pool heating systems include the following:

​Pool water is pumped through the filter and then through the solar collector(s), where it is heated before it is returned to the pool. In hot climates, the collector(s) can also be used to cool the pool during peak summer months by circulating the water through the collector(s) at night.

Some systems include sensors and an automatic or manual valve to divert water through the collector(s) when the collector temperature is sufficiently greater than the pool temperature. When the collector temperature is similar to the pool temperature, filtered water simply bypasses the collector(s) and is returned to the pool.

Solar pool collectors are made out of different materials. The type you'll need depends on your climate and how you intend to use the collector. If you'll only be using your pool when temperatures are above freezing, then you'll probably only need an unglazed collector system. Unglazed collectors don't include a glass covering (glazing). They are generally made of heavy-duty rubber or plastic treated with an ultraviolet (UV) light inhibitor to extend the life of the panels. Because of their inexpensive parts and simple design, unglazed collectors are usually less expensive than glazed collectors. These unglazed systems can even work for indoor pools in cold climates if the system is designed to drain back to the pool when not in use. Even if you have to shut the system down during cold weather, unglazed collectors may be more cost effective than installing a more expensive glazed collector system.

Heating your pool with solar energy is eco-friendly and can help save you money because you’ll be relying on free energy from the sun instead of purchasing the fuel you would otherwise use to heat your pool. The amount you’ll save transitioning to a solar pool heater will depend on the existing source of heat for your pool, the efficiency of your system, the upfront cost, and more.If you own a pool, you know how expensive your electric bill jumps up in the summer months. Listen carefully and you can significantly reduce swimming pool heating costs by installing a solar pool heater. They're cost competitive with both gas and heat pump pool heaters, and they have very low annual operating costs. Actually, solar pool heating is the most cost-effective use of solar energy in many climates.