How to Heat Your Pool Using Solar Energy
There are two common methods used for heating your pool with solar energy. The first involves a solar cover and the second involves a solar pump. While the solar pump is more useful for larger pools, it requires extensive time and effort to install. The solar cover, on the other hand, is inexpensive and effective at heating a standard-sized pool. It also doubles as a pool cover, preventing water loss from evaporation and keeping leaves and debris out of your pool.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Solar heat pump
- Solar panels
- PVC pipe
- A solar ring
- Black rubber hoses
- A solar blanket
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1
Roll the solar cover out over the top of your pool. The cover must touch the water in order to effectively heat it.
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2
Leave the cover in place when the pool isn't in use.
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3
Check the water temperature on your pool thermometer. Once the temperature reaches a desired level, remove the cover completely and swim.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Avoid overheating the pool with the solar cover because the water may take time to cool down.
A solar cover can be a drowning hazard if a swimmer gets caught underneath it, so avoid using it when guests have access to the pool.
Always inspect the solar cover for fraying at the start and end of each swimming season. Discard a frayed solar cover because the plastic pieces that fall off of the frayed edges can clog your pool filter.
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References
Comments
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groovydude
Jul 02, 2008
I was able to do this much cheaper with 1 1.5" and 3 .5" sticks of pvc pipe and some fittings. I made a manifold 10 foot long by cutting a 1.5 x20 foot pipe in half and connected the two sides with the .5" pvc using t fittings and reducers. When I got the whole thing put together it looked like a ladder with the inlet at the top left leg and the outlet at the bottom right leg. the other ends of the legs i capped off. I painted the whole thing black and laid it in the sun and connected it with regular discharge hose and a few hose clamps. Remember, If you put it on the inlet of the pump you have to use a suction hose. It heats the pool really well and only cost 40 bucks or so. Good luck!
