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Make A Swimming Pool Solar Heating System
Filed under Home ImprovementMar 1Using the sun to heat your swimming pool is one of the most practical applications of free solar energy. A solar water heating system allows you to extend your swimming season and to top up the pool heat over night without worrying about high utility bills. Swimming pool solar heating systems can heat a large amount of water each day, and are quite capable of keeping the [pool|water] temperature in the 80 – 85 degree range even in moderate [climates|sunshine].
Fitting a solar pool heater is also a good way of adding value to your home.
Buying a ready-made solar water heating system could cost you anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on collector size and installation costs. But you could build your own swimming pool solar heater for an average-sized pool for [under|less than] $200, including materials and an extra recirculating pump.
The solar water heater is fitted into a circulation loop connected to the existing filter system. While the filter is working during the day the [water|pool water] is [circulated|passed] through the solar collectors and [back|returned] to the pool. It is possible to have a system without any moving parts, such as a recirculating pump, but this is governed by the daily sunshine activity locally.
The solar collector panels are typically installed on a roof in a position to receive the maximum amount of direct sunlight. Ideally the collectors should face the [sun at mid-day|mid-day sun] and be tilted to your latitude [minus|less] 10 to 15 degrees. The total area of the solar collectors will depend on various factors, but expect the area to be at least 50% of the pool size. This will be at least 75% if the collector panels are laid flat or facing west. It is not unusual for the collector area to be the same as that of the pool when the site is shaded badly or exposed to strong winds. Because of the space requirements of the collectors, it is often [better|necessary|advisable] to [mount them on|fix them to] a [ground frame|frame on the ground] or even a suitable fence.
There are several factors which can influence a solar heater installation, including:
- [Climate|Weather] and [sunlight availability|sunshine levels].
- Building codes and safety [issues|regulations].
- [Size of the pool|Pool size].
- [Length|Duration] of the swimming season.
- [Desired|Required] pool [temperature|temperature level].
- [Collector|Solar collector] efficiency.
These considerations really need the input of an experienced designer for your swimming pool solar heating system, because only a suitably-qualified person will have the necessary expertise to give you the right plans for making your swimming pool solar heating system work properly for you.
It is very easy to make and fit your own swimming pool solar heating system and you need no special skills or tools. All materials are available from local hardware stores and garden shops. But, as always, there are experts that will make your job easier and safer, and the project planning stage much more complete. We [thoroughly recommend |have no hesitation in recommending] one group of professionals who [have produced|will provide you with] a simple set of plans and a comprehensive set of [clearly illustrated|step-by-step] instructions to guide you [every step of the way|throughout the build] in making your [solar swimming pool heater|solar swimming pool heater|solar swimming pool heater|solar swimming pool heater|swimming pool solar heater]. For [less than|under] $200, [including|which includes] all plans, instructions, materials and expert guidance, you can [have|make|build] your own pool solar heating system – quite an inspiring thought!
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