Installed in 1997, this solar heated in-ground swimming pool is heated by two 8 x 12 foot rubber hose type solar water heaters on the roof of the adjacent house. Solar heating maintains a constant water temperature for the pool in the high 80's (Fahrenheit) from about June 1 to about September 1, depending on the weather in any given year, and with occasional exceptions during extended cloudy periods.

Unlike solar domestic water heating systems, which raise a small amount of water to a high temperature of 140°F, pool heaters raise the temperature of several thousand gallons of water to a warm 80°F by circulating the water at a relatively fast rate through the collectors. This allows most of the solar energy falling on the collectors to transfer to the pool water so that even unglazed (with no glass over the top) collectors are efficient.

Water is electrically pumped from the pool through a normal filtration system. Before it returns to the swimming pool, it has the option, depending on signals from the solar control panel to first be pumped up to the roof where it is heated by sun before returning. That is the typical water route. The pool water will bypass the solar panels if the in-line thermostat determines the water in the pool is already at the desired temperature, or if the water in the solar panels is at a lower temperature than the water in the pool.

The rule of thumb for pool heating is ½ of the surface area of the pool should be provided in collector area. Covering the pool when it is not in can save up to 90% of the energy by reducing evaporation (a big heat loss). Solar pool heating can extend the swimming seasons for home owners in the Willamette Valley by at least 2 months.

Solar Installer:
Mr. Sun Solar