- On a hot summer's day, the sun naturally heats the pool water with solar energy. To extend the swimming months, a solar heating system can be an efficient way to warm the water. A traditional electric or gas swimming pool heater uses heating elements to warm the water, and the heat is generated by gas or electricity. In a solar heat system the sun's energy is used to provide the heat, just as it does in the summer months. The only power that is needed for a solar heat system is energy to run the water pump that will be transporting the water through the collectors.
- In a solar heating system collectors are installed in an area that is exposed to the sunshine. This might be on the roof, on a hillside or some other open area. The solar collector can be hundreds of square feet of dark material with pipe running through it. It is designed to absorb the sunlight, and heat the water that is running through the pipe. Some homeowners are apprehensive about installing collectors on a rooftop, in case there is a leak.
- The pool water first runs through the filter to remove any debris. It is then pumped through the solar collector. As the water makes its way through the long pipe it warms up. After it travels through the collector it is returned to the swimming pool. Since the water is now much warmer than when it left the swimming pool, it will help raise the temperature of the water.
- A solar heat system will only work if there is sunshine sufficient to heat the water that runs through the collectors. This means that during winter months in some regions a solar heat system could not be used to heat the swimming pool. The advantage of the solar heat system is that it efficiently heats the swimming pool water in the cooler spring and autumn seasons, thus extending the months a swimming pool can be enjoyed during the year.
- Solar covers are another way to harness the sun's energy to heat the swimming pool. Some solar pads are cut to fit the pool, and left floating on the water when the pool is not in use. The cover absorbs the sun's rays to heat the water, and helps to prevent heat loss during the evening. Solar rings are another option. Similar to solar covers in principle, these are rings that are floated in the pool to warm the water. Unlike the solar cover, they are easier to use and remove from the pool.
