What is a Solar Pool Heater?
Following a period of huge technological advancement and innovation, a wide range of swimming pool heating options have become available, of which solar pool heaters are a fantastic option for a range of purposes. Solar pool heaters operate in a very similar way to traditional types of grid-connected pool pumps, but instead of using electricity to increase your pool’s temperature, this form of swimming pool heater harnesses the rays of the sun to circulate and filter the water in your pool. A more environmentally sustainable form of pool heating, a solar pool heater requires rows of rubber tubing to be installed on your roof to collect the sun’s heat and redistribute it to your pool, heating the water. This modern heating method has proven highly popular, rising to become Australia’s most widely used form of pool heating.
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Pros & Cons of Solar Pool Heaters
Pro: Inexpensive Source of Energy
Detached from your electricity supply and entirely dependent upon the power of the sun, a solar pool heater is a very cost-effective choice of pool heating system that makes use of a completely free energy source. If only more things in the world were free of charge! This ensures that you have a more consistent energy bill year-round, and takes the financial stress and worry away from giving your family an amazing source of fun and entertainment throughout the summer.
Pro: A Renewable, Sustainable Resource
Opting to install pool solar panels and making the switch to a solar pool heater not only helps out your hip pocket, but also helps out the planet by making use of a renewable and sustainable energy source. By using the potential of the sun, you’ll not only reduce your carbon footprint, but you’ll also be helping reduce the pollution generated by excessive use of non-renewable energy sources. Comparatively, a traditional pool heat pump using grid-connected electricity is a far less sustainable method of pool heating, contributing directly to increases in greenhouse gas emissions entering the atmosphere.
Pro: An Extended Swimming Season
Within a climate as beautiful as Australia’s, it seems only logical that we capitalise upon the great amount of sunlight we receive each year, reaping the rewards of our fantastic summers. By relying on pool solar panels, you’ll benefit from extending the amount of time that you can enjoy your pool each year. With the ability to increase a pool’s temperature between 6 and 10 degrees, a solar pool heater can transform a mediocre 20-degree autumn day into an opportunity to enjoy a 30-degree pool!
However, it’s important to remember that all forms of swimming pool heaters have their drawbacks, as there is no day (and Sun!) without night!
Con: Weather Restrictions
By relying entirely upon the use of pool solar panels and the sun shining brightly each day, the effectiveness of a solar pool heater cannot be replicated from one day to the next. While we are fortunate to receive a great amount of sunlight for much of the year in Australia, a traditional pool heat pump may be more appropriate in areas with limited exposure to the sun or extended wet seasons. Furthermore, inconsistent weather conditions can impact your ability to swim on consecutive days, a great inhibitor to season-long pool enjoyment.
Con: High Initial Costs
Whilst a solar pool heater is viewed as a cost-effective method of pool heating as it uses a free energy source, the initial costs of installation can be high when compared to a traditional swimming pool heater system. While this initial outlay will definitely be returned to you in the money you save by using solar energy to heat your pool, this is a long-term investment that not all pool owners may be able to afford in the short term.
Con: Space and Aesthetics
To install the pool solar panels that are required for a solar heating system, a significant amount of space on your roof is required for the rubber tubing to spread across. While these pieces of material are often of high quality and serve a very important purpose, they’re certainly not an effective style accessory for those of us who want to maintain an attractive exterior on each side of our home. These systems also require a significant amount of space on your roof, while a pool heat pump does not command as much exterior space.
Things To Consider When Buying A Solar Pool Heater
Nonetheless, a solar heating system is a cost-effective and high-quality choice of pool heating that will prove a wise investment decision for pool owners. However, when choosing your solar pool heater, it’s important to consider what separates a good solar heater from a lower-quality option.
Quality and Longevity
A good solar heating system will make use of high-quality pool solar panels, with their durability being absolutely vital to the system’s successful operation. If your chosen solar heating system cannot withstand the elements, it will require continual repair and prevent you from enjoying the long-term benefits that come with a low cost of operation.
Size and Location
In selecting your solar heating system, it’s important to consider its size, with the ideal solar collector covering between 80-100% of your pool’s area in metres squared. To be most effective, solar collectors must be positioned in a space most exposed to direct sunlight, as this will maximise its efficiency and the time required to heat your pool.
Reach Out To A Reputable Provider!
When installing your solar pool heater, it’s vital you contact a reputable team of professional pool heaters who can offer you personalised advice and suggestions on which type of solar heating system best meets the needs of your pool and your individual needs.
