While we all enjoy a dip in the pool, unheated water during the chilly season stops us cold. Of course, this isn’t a problem if your pool is equipped with a heater or heat pump.
However, if you’re trying to go green, swimming in a heated pool is a guilty pleasure. With traditional pool heaters, you’re leaving a significant carbon footprint every time you turn on the machine.
Not to mention that gas isn’t exactly cheap. Every minute you spend in a warm pool is causing a dent in your wallet.
If you have these thoughts, a solar pool heater might be the answer you’re looking for. It’s an energy-efficient and cost-effective heating solution for your pool. Now you can extend your swim season without the guilt.
Never heard of it? Not a problem, this article will take you through the basics. Let’s dive in.
How Do Solar Pool Heaters Work?
Have you ever left a garden hose out in the sun? Did you notice that the water that comes out of it is warm or even hot if left out too long?
Solar pool heaters work like that but instead of a hose, the pool water is run through solar collectors. The collectors are installed on your roof.
A pool pump provides power for the whole operation. From the pump, the cold water goes through a filter and then through a series of valves until it reaches the solar collectors up top. The solar thermal collectors will now use the sun’s energy to heat the water.
Heating is all-natural! The warm water gets sent back to the pool and the cycle is repeated until the temperature of the pool is at your desired setting. In some systems, when the pool and collector temperatures are equal, a valve allows filtered water to bypass the collector to save energy.
What Are the Benefits of a Solar Pool Heater?
A solar pool heater will keep you toasty while swimming but without releasing emissions that are harmful to the environment. Heating uses the sun’s radiant and natural energy so you can enjoy the pool with a clear conscience.
What about the costs? While the installation costs may set you back a bit, you can make up for it by not paying for gas or electricity for heating. The only item that’s reflected on your utility bill is the cost of running the pool pump.
Because it uses far less energy than conventional heaters and its simple design, the maintenance costs are almost zero. In effect, this heating system also typically lasts longer than electric and gas heaters. Some manufacturers offer up to twelve to fifteen years warranty and a lifespan of more than twenty years is not out of the question.
With the low running and maintenance costs, the solar heater pays for itself within 1.5 to 7 years. Some states also offer tax breaks for investing in solar energy.
Should You Make the Switch?
What’s not to like? By investing in a solar pool heater, you can lower your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint. You can enjoy swimming in cold weather without regret!
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