Build A Solar Pool Heater

Using sunshine to heat your pool water is a very practical way of getting free energy from the sun. Solar pool heating is a great way to extend your swimming season and retain the pool warmth overnight without having to think about the heating costs. Why not build a solar pool heater for yourself?

Solar heating systems are well able to sustain the warmth of a large volume of water and are quite capable of keeping the pool temperature in the 80 – 85 degree range, even in moderate climates.

Fitting a solar pool heater is also a good way of adding value to your property.

Buying and fitting a prefabricated solar water heater could set you back from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the size of the collectors and the installation charges. However, you can make your own solar heating system for an average-sized pool for less than $200, including materials, plans and expert guidance.

Pool solar heating is a cheap, easy and practical way to enjoy an extended swimming season without breaking the bank with huge utility bills. Read on to find out how to build a solar panel pool heater for yourself.

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Here’s how a solar pool heater works.

The System

The pool solar panels are fitted into a circulation loop connected to the existing filter system. Throughout the day, while the filter is operating, the pool water is passed through these solar collectors and returned to the pool. It is possible to have pool solar heaters without any moving parts, such as a recirculating pump, but this is governed by the daily sunshine activity in your area.

Size and Position

The solar heating panels need to be positioned so that they absorb the maximum amount of available sun, typically on a suitable nearby roof. Ideally the collectors should face the sun at mid-day and be tilted to your latitude minus 10 to 15 degrees. The total area of the solar collectors will depend on various factors, but 50% of your pool area is a good starting point. This will increase to at least 75% if the collector panels are laid flat or facing west.

In some cases, where there are significant shade or strong prevailing winds, the collector area can be as much as 100% of pool size. Because these solar collectors can take up a lot of space, it is often necessary to mount them on a ground frame or even a suitable fence.  But the best place for mounting solar pool heating panels, if reasonably close to the pool, is the roof of your house.

Design Factors

These are some factors which need to be considered in the design of a solar pool heating system:

• Weather patterns.
• Sunlight availability.
• Building codes and safety regulations.
• Pool water volume.
• Duration of the swimming season.
• Desired pool temperature level.
• Collector efficiency.

You really need the help of a professional solar heating designer when considering these factors, because only a suitably-qualified and experienced person will have the necessary expertise to give you the right plans for making a proper working pool solar panel system.

Assembly

It is very easy to make and fit solar pool heaters, and you will need no special skills or tools. You will find all necessary materials in your local hardware shop. Most likely you will find many suitable bits and pieces in your own shed!

But, as always, there are experts that will make your solar pool diy easier and safer, and the project planning stage much more complete. I have no hesitation in recommending one group of professionals who will provide you with an excellent set of solar pool heater plans and a comprehensive set of step-by-step instructions to guide you throughout the build.  For under $200, which includes all blueprints, instructions, materials and expert guidance, you can have your own swimming pool solar heating system.

Best of all, there is a full, no hassle guarantee – if you want your money back you will get it, no questions asked.

So, why not build a solar pool heater for 2010? What a great idea for a weekend project!

Click here to build a solar pool heater