Australia is one of the many countries that is blessed with abundant sunlight and modern technology has provided us with ways to harness free energy coming from the sun which we called solar energy.The light coming from the sun can be harvested and converted into energy which then can be used to provide heat, light, and other electricity-dependent needs in homes and buildings.
Using solar energy to heat pool water (known as solar pool heating)is one of the popular methods of warming pool water in Australia nowadays. But if you are thinking that installing a pool heater in your swimming pool could mean additional monthly bills and pool maintenance issues, this isn’t the case with solar pool heating Sydney. If you are looking into pool heaters, solar pool heating is one of the best options to take. In this article, we will be looking at how solar pool heating works, the benefits of using solar energy in warming pool water, the disadvantages of using solar pool heating system, various types of solar pool heating, and their effectiveness in warming pool water.
How does solar pool heating work?
Basically, all solar pool heating system includes a solar collector, filter, pool pump, and flow control valves. The water from the pool is pumped through the filter and then into solar collectors (which are typically mounted on a rooftop) through tubes and the water is then heated by the sun before being allowed to flow back into the pool.During particularly hot days, the solar heater can actually increase your pool temperature by as much as 2 to 10 degrees.
What are the benefits of using solar energy in warming pool water?
- Solar pool heating is energy efficient
Unlike an electric pool heating or gas-operated heating system, a solar pool heating system will cost you nothing to run after installation. Solar pool heating will not add any cost to your electric bills as it is powered by solar energy alone and the sunlight is a clean, free, and renewable energy resource. Yes, there will be a cost initially on the installation of the solar panels and their components, but over time, you will notice that solar pool heating system helps you in saving on your electric bills and it will add value to your home if you ever decide to put it in the market, as many home buyers are looking for homes with energy-saving features added to it. Solar heaters are durable and long lasting, making them a worthwhile investment.
- Solar pool heating is eco-friendly
Since solar power is a form of renewable energy, using a solar pool heating system will not add carbon monoxide footprints to the environment. Solar pool heaters generate solar energy by using solar panels to heat the water of your swimming pool, and since solar pool heating system utilizesnatural sunlight to heat pool water, it releases zero carbon emissions. Solar energy is one of the cleanest forms of energy because it doesn’t use fossil fuels like gas or oil and doesn’t produce emissions that can hurt the environment. Instead, solar energy uses the sun’s energy to power your solar pool heating system.
- Solar pool heating is easy to maintain and durable
Like any regular pool heating system, a solar pool heating system required regular pool maintenance to maintain its excellent working conditions, but unlike anyother pool heating system, a solar pool heating system needs minimal maintenance. As per energy.gov, a solar pool heater typically lasts 15 to 20 years compared to a gas pool heater which can last for only 5 years or more.However, this doesn’t mean that you should put off calling a local pro for a yearly inspection. It just means that you’re less likely to need maintenance on your heater.
- Solar pool heating systems are safe
Solarpool heating systems don’t have motors or fans that you need to worry about and it comes with a temperature control feature that will ensure your pool water temperature is not too hot or too cold.Solar pool heaters also have a longer warranty period compared to the other type of pool heating system
- Solar pool heating system has a relatively quiet performance
Solar pool heaters are known for being noiseless so you can relax in the pool without distractions. Pool water is heated using the sun’s energy through the solar panel without the use of any type of motor so there is no audible noise.
What are the disadvantages of using a solar pool heating system?
There are a few downsides of choosing a solar pool heating system to heat your pool water. Some of the disadvantages of using solar pool heating systems are the size of the solar collector panel whichcan take up a reasonable amount of space, then it also needs the right orientation for harvesting enough sunlight to heat your pool water. Since it needs sunlight to make it works, it won’t work at night. Solar pool heating is also limited by weather and shade conditions in your area, and it’s relatively slow in terms of heating the water.
What are the various types of solar pool heating systems available in the market?
There are two main types of solar heating systems available in the Australian market.
- Strip or ribbon collectors
Strip or ribbon collectors are generally made from rubber or plasticand are highly flexible. It can be installed around any object on any surface or any irregularly shaped roof allowing you to utilize your roof’s maximum solar output capability. Strip collectors are basically a system of tubes that are securedon your rooftop and then run horizontally to allow the pool water to flow through them and be heated by the energy of the sun.
- Panel collectors
This type of solar pool heating system is intentionally made rigid to withstand even the extreme environment in your area. Solar energy collecting panels are usually made from polypropylene but are less flexible than the strip or ribbon system. The panel collector systems are generally longer lasting, work better for steep roofs, and can be more suitable in locations prone to extreme wind gusts.
Make sure to ask your contractor what will work best in your area.
How effective is solar pool heating at actually warming the water?
Any equipment using the sun’s energy is only as effective as the amount of direct sunlight that can be collected by solar panel collectors. The same goes for any type of solar pool heating system. As discussed in the disadvantages of using a solar pool heating system, solar pool heating doesn’t work at night, and is severely limited by cloud cover or shade.
If you are living in a warm climate with plenty of sunlight, a solar heating system should be adequate on its own to warm your pool water to a comfortable temperature for most of the year, and possibly even all year round. However, in colder regions of the nation where it rains or clouds more frequently, solar heating systems are not nearly as effective. They can even be less efficient in windy weather.This means that if you live in an area with a relatively cooler temperature, you may need to run your solar heating system in conjunction with an electric pump or gas system if you want to enjoy the warm water in your swimming pool all throughout the year.
What’s more, solar heating can also sometimes be slow to warm the water and will not be able to achieve the same temperatures on different days, as it works depending on the weather.
To make sure that the temperature of your pool will not decrease over time, it is best to use a solar pool cover to shield your pool when it is not in use. Aside from keeping the swimming pool clean by shielding your pool of any fallen leaves, dirt, and debris, a solar pool cover works to trap heat, reduce humidity and prevent water loss or evaporation. A solar pool cover can raise pool temperature by as much as 12 degrees through the use of tiny air pockets that trap heat from the sun and then transfer it to the pool water. It also keeps heat from escaping from the surface of the water.
In conclusion:
Using a solar pool heating system in your pool will have its pros and cons. But to have the best and most effective heating system for your pool, it is imperative to consult first with a licensed professional before installing any solar heating systems in your pool.