Solar Pool Heating

Using the power of the sun, solar pool heating reduces your energy costs and is better for the environment. There are different types of solar heaters that you can choose from, but you can easily determine the best one for you by looking at its thermal performance rating or ‘heating per square foot’.

Panels

Solar pool heating is a great option for pool owners who want to extend their swim season beyond the height of summer. However, it’s important to understand how different types of solar systems work before making a purchase.

There are two main types of solar pool heating systems: thermal and glazed. Thermal solar collectors are typically installed on the roof of a home or somewhere nearby, and your pool water passes over them via a filter system. The heated water then flows back into the pool, and the unheated water is sent to a storage tank.

Glazed solar pool heating systems are more effective in colder climates and they use tempered glass, copper and aluminium. They are more expensive than thermal systems, but they’re a good choice for those who plan on using their pool year-round. They’re also quiet, which means you can enjoy your pool without distractions. These systems can be controlled manually, via a 3-way diverter valve, or automatically by an automation controller.

Heat exchangers

Solar pool heating is the most popular form of swimming pool heating in Australia. It uses free solar energy to extend the swimming season, and is a cost and environmental friendly alternative to gas pool heaters. It’s important to choose a reputable supplier for your solar heating system, with experienced technicians and comprehensive manuals to assist with installations.

Unlike traditional pool collectors which are a series of tubes with the water circulating in one direction, a solar heat exchanger has two separate fluid loops inside a shell. The potable pool water and the heat transfer fluid circulate in opposite directions, maximizing heat transfer.

While solar pool heaters are highly efficient, they are not instantaneous and can take time to warm the water. If you want a faster, more consistent temperature, a pool gas heater may be the better option. They are also easier to maintain than solar systems. Lastly, they are the most economical choice when running on the grid.

Pumps

The solar pool heating system’s pump is the heart of your new pool heater. Supreme Heating provides purpose-built solar pumps which are engineered to suit optimum flow rates and pressures and maximise heat gain from the sun.

Solar-ready pump are powered from a solar panel connected to a power maximiser on the roof of your shed or somewhere close by. These solar pumps have no running costs and are quiet.

These solar systems have gained popularity in the ACT and NSW because they provide an excellent way to extend your swimming season by up to 3 months, whilst also saving on your electricity bills. This is because the hybrid multi-energy panels combine solar photovoltaics for energy generation and solar thermal to heat your pool.

Controls

There are different solar heating options available to Australian families, depending on the size and type of their pool as well as their location. While solar is most effective in sunny and warm climates, it can sometimes be slow to heat up the water, so a gas heater may be necessary if you want to enjoy your pool all year round.

Both systems have a smart controller that automatically redirects filtered water to the solar collector during filtration times, so you can save money on your energy bill. These controllers also have a winter function that allows you to save electricity during cooler months by running the pump for just ten minutes each day.

When choosing a contractor to install your solar pool heating system, ask about their experience and whether they are licensed as plumbing or electrical contractors. You should also check their warranty, which should be at least 10-years long. This will give you peace of mind that your installation is protected against the possibility of cockatoos or possums chewing into the pipes and damaging your system.

from Advance Solar Panels Canberra https://ift.tt/u0nN37Q
via IFTTT