Factors to Bear in Mind When Buying a Solar Pool Heat System

Going in search of a swimming pool solar heating system to buy is an exciting event especially if you are a dedicated swimmer with a distinct dislike of cold water. The knowledge that you are shopping for solar pool heat in which to swim at leisure all year long or, at the very least, a goodly part of it, is enough to make you feel a little light-headed with anticipation.

Those of us swimmers who have a cold water phobia understand just how much of a difference solar pool heat makes to enhancing our swimming experience.

There are several important points to bear in mind when deciding on a particular swimming pool solar heating system. Ultimately, how you set up your solar pool heating system will depend on your responses to the following questions.

1. How much sun does your area actually get in the cooler to cold seasons of the year? Is there sunshine for much of the year or are there times when inclement weather like mist, rain, snow or heavy cloud-cover occurs most of the time? A general rule of thumb is that the solar collector into which the cold pool water is taken to be heated should itself be more than 50% of the size of your pool. In colder, less sunny regions, the size of the collector will need to be increased to ensure greater exposure to the sun to increase the amount of heat harnessed and then used to heat your pool.
   
   
2. How much direct sunlight does your property receive on daily average? Is there an area that is in the direct sun for most of the day? If so, then that will be a very good position for your solar panels to be situated. The roof is, to my way of thinking, a good option, because it removes the solar panels from view leaving them to get on with the business of heating our pool water without imposing on any garden landscaping. However, if your roof is not suitable, then an alternative choice needs to be made. Often, it can be attached to a nearby retaining wall or, if you have an above-ground pool, the side of the pool can also offer a possible option.
   
   
3. What can you budget to spend on the solar pool heat system? Shop around because a professionally installed swimming pool solar heating system can range in price from about $3000 to $8000. The salesperson needs to know some practical details about your pool and your preferences to advise you well, so come prepared with measurements, ideal water temperatures, your pool type (above-ground or below-ground, outdoors or indoors) and so on.
   
   
4. Who will install the solar pool heating system for me? Are there any reputable contractors in the area who can install and maintain your system? Investigate the contractor's credentials and speak to people who have used his services specifically for installing and maintaining solar pool systems. It is also not a bad idea to do a check with the relevant local authorities to make sure that the person has a valid contractor's license.
   
   
5. Are there any special codes and by-laws governing these installations? Make sure that your local codes, covenants and by-laws allow for the installation of a swimming pool solar heating system before you commit yourself to purchase one. Find out, too, whether you need a building permit.
   
   

There are positive rewards for doing your solar pool heat homework well and investigating the best possible option for you, given your own personal needs and the terrain in which your pool is situated. You will get the best possible swimming pool solar heating solution for you, your location and budget. It will be with you for a long time effortlessly working to heat your pool water without costly monthly bills to take the pleasure out of it.

For more information about solar pool heating systems, click here.