Calculating the Size of a Solar Pool Heater
Calculating the size of a solar pool heater is different from calculating the size of a regular electrical or gas-powered heater, because solar heaters draw energy from the sun. Calculating the proper size of your solar pool heater involves knowing exactly how much water is in your pool, then choosing the appropriate size of the solar collectors. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Measure your pool's dimensions. If you have a square- or rectangular-shaped pool, measure the length and width in feet, using a tape measure or other measuring device. If you have a circular pool, measure across the center of the pool from one end to the other to find the diameter, then divide the diameter by two to find the radius.
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Multiply the length times the width of your square or rectangular pool to find the surface area in feet. The number you have is the surface area. If the length of your pool is 20 feet and the width is 20 feet, multiply 20X20 for a surface area of 400 square feet.
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Multiply the radius of your circular pool by the radius and by 3.14. The number you have is the surface area. For example, with a radius of 10 feet, multiply 10X10X3.14 for an area of 314 square feet.
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Divide your surface area figure in half. That number is the minimum-sized solar pool heater you can purchase. This number refers to the physical surface area of the solar collector that collects the sun's rays, converts them into energy and heats your pool. For a square or rectangular pool with a surface area of 400 square feet, the surface area of your solar collector should be no less than 200 square feet. For a circular pool with a 314-square-foot surface area, your solar collector should be no less than 157 square feet, according to the website Energy Savers.
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Tips & Warnings
The maximum surface area of a solar pool heater you should buy is 100 percent of the surface area of your pool. Any size between the minimum and maximum numbers will be able to adequately heat your pool.
