Why Heat My Pool?

You bought your pool for a number of reasons like family fun, exercise, entertaining and possibly even therapeutic reasons. However you've probably found that without heating your pool it's often too cold to enjoy. Heating your pool will allow you to enjoy it all season, perhaps all year round, thereby increasing the return on your sizable investment.

How Does Solar Work?

Solar Heaters utilize the sun's free heat and do not have an operating cost. Your existing pool pump circulates the water through the heater, usually located on the roof, and warms the pool [Above-ground pool heaters can be installed anywhere]. The pump timer is set to operate during sunlight hours, usually 9am to 5pm.

Automatic Control

An Automatic Control and Valve are sometimes used to regulate temperature, usually in northern climates. Commercial pools and some larger residential pools may need a booster pump.

How Will Solar Perform?

Solar Pool Heaters are best for recreational pool use and are recommended for those who are comfortable with pool temperatures ranging from the mid 70's to the high 80's. Solar works year round in southern climates such as Florida. In other climates the season is extended in addition to warming the water [see the Solar Insolation Chart below to determine the potential swimming season in your area]. There may be periods during inclement weather that the pool is too cool to use; however, several sunny days will bring the pool back to a comfortable temperature.

What to expect from your EZ Heat heater:

EZ Heat systems generally add 5 to 10 degrees to your pool and extend the swimming season one or more weeks.

For maximum temperature increase and to fully extend the swimming season, consider adding additional EZ Heat modules. To add 20 degree to temperature, look at the Vortex Solar Heater

If sized properly, a solar heater can raise the temperature up to 20 degrees and fully maximize the swimming season. See the map and chart below for potential extended swimming season in your area.

Cost of Operation

Solar is an alternative energy source, and has no cost of operation. The pool pump must run for the solar heater to function, and may increase your electric bill by $30 to $75 per year depending on your normal filtering time.

Types of Solar Pool Heaters

There are two basic types of solar pool heaters: panels and mat. Both types have Carbon Black in them to absorb solar energy and Inhibitors which act like a sunscreen to prevent deterioration. Panels are made of polypropylene plastic, come in rigid sizes (4ftx8ft, 4ftx10ft, 4ftx12ft plus custom lengths), and are approximately 5 to 10% more efficient than Mat Systems. The major advantage to Mat Systems is that they can be tailored to fit odd size roofs.

What Size do I need?

Inground Pools: Generally you will need a system equal to 50 to 100% of the pool surface. Solar panels are available in 4x8, 4x10, 4x12 and custom sizes. They are generally placed in a row on one or several roofs. A typical 7 4x12 panel system would require a space of 12.5 ft by 30.75 ft. To determine the size required for your pool, use our Specific Sizing Online Calculator. Each pool & home is unique. The size of the heater is based on several factors, including: the size & shape of the pool; pool shading (i.e. Trees, screen enclosure); geographic location; swimming season and pool temperature desired; windy conditions; and direction of the roof (south, east, west or flat). The size of the heater will determine the temperature, swimming season, and length of time to heat the pool. It is very important to properly size the heater for good performance.

Above-Ground Pools: Generally one or two panels. Panels come in three different sizes: 4X12, 4x20 and 4x25.

Pool Covers

A Thermal Pool Cover is recommended for all heating systems. Heating a pool without a cover is like heating a house without a roof...the heat just goes right out the top. Without a pool cover, the cost of operating a Heat Pump or Gas Heater is doubled, and a Solar Heater's effectiveness is dramatically decreased. For convenience a roller may be added to ease placement and removal of the cover. If a pool cover is not be used, the size of the heater must be increased by 75% - 100%. Pool covers range in cost from $60 to $130 for residential pools; rollers start at $185.

I Know the Size, What is the Cost?

System cost start from $552 ($199 for Above-Ground pools) and up depending on the size.

Can I Install it Myself?

Solar Heaters can be installed easily by most anyone. It requires only simple hand tools and a drill. The typical installation takes from 1 to 2 days. Above-ground pool heaters can be installed within minutes.

Energy Rating and Efficiency

Solar panels are rated by FSEC (Florida Solar Energy Center) in BTU's per sqft. The higher the BTU, the more heat output. The average output is 800 to 1000 BTU's. This equates to a 3 to 7% difference between different brands. To determine the best value, divide the total cost by the total sqft of panel. The lower the cost per sqft, the better the value.

Longevity and Manitenance

Solar pool heaters are very low maintenance.
In-ground: A quality Solar Heater will typically last 10 to 20 years. Most systems have a 10 year warranty on the panels.
Above-ground: Have 4 year warranty.

For more information or to purchase, please visit The Energy SuperMarket