Before you spend money on solar pool heating, make sure you have an idea of the total cost of the components. There will be solar collectors and pumps, as well as filtration and labor. Each of these components comes with a price. You can easily find the best deal at your local home improvement shop. To get an idea of what you can expect, read on. After that, you can decide if the cost is worth it.
Unglazed solar collectors
Unglazed solar collectors can be cheap and very simple to install for solar pool heating. They are usually made from heavy-duty plastic and rubber and are infused with UV light inhibitors to maximize efficiency. They can be used in hot areas, but they can also work in colder regions. This system of solar pool heating is also known by the name thermosyphon. But, these types of solar panels may not be as efficient as those made from glazed units.
Furthermore, unglazed solar panels are easier to install that evacuated-tube solar cells. Additionally, unglazed solar collectors do not experience the cold air losses that evacuated-tube collectors suffer. Because they are not glazed, unglazed solar collectors will provide greater heat-trapping power to your swimming pools. Unglazed solar cells are more affordable than evacuated tubes since they do not contain any glazing. They are perfect for cold environments because they don't have a wind-chill factor.
Pumps
Pumps are necessary for solar pool heating. These pumps can be set up to run at a low speed continuously or to increase when solar heating becomes necessary. The pumps that run at a lower speed are more efficient in solar pool heating, and have a longer operating time. High-speed pump can, however, be costly and cause your swimming pool to cool when solar heating cannot be used. It is important to consider your personal preferences, the size of your swimming pool, and your budget when selecting the right pump.
For solar pool heating, you need a pump to push water through solar collectors. Solar collectors are only able to absorb sunlight so they won't heat the water at night. A larger pump will provide more heat. To heat water, the water must travel far. The panels require 75-100% of the pool’s surface area. More space might be needed for larger pools.
Filtration system
There are several different ways to heat a swimming pool using solar energy. One method involves installing a solar collector on the roof of the pool. The water is then pumped into this collector. The sun heats the water and returns it to the pool. Installing a solar collector offers many advantages. However, you should keep in mind that you will use more of your pool pump and filtration system than you would with a normal system.
The size of your solar pool heating array is the main factor in determining the cost. The size and orientation you have for your roof will impact the price. A standard solar array array will cover 80-100%. You will need a collector that is different in size depending on the size of your pool. If you live in dry areas, it is worth cleaning your collectors every now and again.
Labor costs
Solar pool heating can be a great option to heat your pool without the use of electricity or gas. This heating system circulates the water through a solar collector. It then heats up with the sun's rays. Installation costs for a solar pool heating system can be anywhere from $500 to $1,000, depending on the size of the system, distance to panels, and other factors. Solar pool heating systems work almost immediately once they are up and running.
Installing solar pool heating requires a skilled contractor. Labor costs vary according to the size of the pool and its location. For an above-ground swimming pool, you will need more panels than you would for an inground pool. A smaller solar collector is better suited for people who live in colder regions. You can also install a large collector to heat your pool during colder months.