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Why heat my
pool?
If you enjoy swimming in cold water, then LEAVE this web page!
Otherwise, an unheated swimming pool is just a hole in the ground
with water in it.
What type
of heater should I use?
Here are your choices:
A GAS heater will cost
about $2,400 installed. If you decide to heat your pool for the
months of April to November to only 80° F, it will cost you
another $1,800 for a 450 square foot pool in Southern California.
After five years, your total outlay, including installation,
will exceed $11,400!
A HEAT PUMP can be installed for $ 5,000, and will cost about
$1,200 to $2,400 to operate for the same season, depending upon
efficiency and location of the installation.
A SOLAR SYSTEM, installed, will cost from $3,000 to $6,000 and
will cost nothing to operate.
How well will
solar energy heat my pool?
A properly sized solar system can heat you pool to at least 80°
F from April to November in Southern California. The pool will
be warmer for the winter months, but probably not comfortably.
Can a solar
system heat my pool all year long?
The simple answer is yes, however, the degree to which your pool
can be heated varies during the year. The cold nights during
the months of November to April cause the pool to lose almost
all of the heat that the solar system generates, so a pool blanket
or cover will help you keep the heat-loss to a minimum during
the winter.
How long will
solar panels hold up in the sun?
Every collector differs, but AMECO solar panels that were installed
in 1974 are still functioning. Most manufacturers offer ten year
(or longer) warranties.
Are solar
pool heating systems easy to operate?
Yes. Today's automatic controls are easy to understand and very
reliable. Just set a thermostat and pray for sun.
Will solar
panels cause my roof to leak?
If they are improperly installed, your roof may leak. Only panels
that can be securely attached to the structural members of the
roof (rafters) should be considered.
Are solar
collector ratings important?
Many solar panels offered today are in the top ten percent of
energy performance (see www.fsec.ucf.edu/). While energy output is key to
selecting a solar system, it should not be the only factor considered
when making a choice. Equally important is the reliability of
the product and its manufacturer. How long the company has been
in business, as well as its track record in warranty service,
should be a primary concern.
Should I consider
installing a solar system myself?
If you are proficient in the plumbing, electrical and roofing
trades; are a quick study; do not mind heights; have a close
friend that does not mind spending a few weekends with you on
your roof; have good insurance coverage (in case your friend
or panel falls off the roof and gets hurt or causes damage);
and you enjoy a good challenge, you're a real candidate for a
do-it-yourself* solar pool heater. Give us a call.
What kind
of panel is best for my pool?
AMECO carries a number of certified and approved solar panels.
We are happy to make a recommendation after we have performed
a site inspection and have conducted an interview to assess your
swimming needs.
Will solar
panels affect my pool chemistry?
A properly installed solar system should not affect your pool
chemicals. However, since your pool will now be warmer and you
may actually be swimming in it, your chlorine usage will probably
increase. We can help you with keeping your pool chemistry balanced.
Ask us about automatic pool chlorinators, ozone generators and
saline pools.
My pool man
says solar systems are bad for swimming pools, is this true?
He (or she) may have had a bad experience with a poorly executed
installation. Ask him (her) for more details. Usually the system(s)
in question was installed by a company that is now out of business
or is the product of a solar imagineer.*
Why are solar
panels so ugly?
It is always the the ugly solar panels that we remember. You
might be surprised to know how many of your neighbors already
own a system, but are hidden from view. Also, there are many
attractive units available to select from if a hidden location
is not available. If necessary, we can actually install the system
in your attic, invisible to all view. This has the added benefit
of cooling your home in the summer.
Why shouldn't
I wait until more efficient panels are available?
Solar panels for heating swimming pools and spas have not changed
appreciably in performance in over fifteen years. At typical
pool heating temperatures (75° F to 85° F), a good panel
operates in the 90% efficiency range. People hear about improving
efficiencies in solar, but it is solar photovoltaic panels for
electricity, currently in the 10% to 17% efficiency range, that
are improving.
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