Solar Pool Heating – An Idea for Our Times

by Sam Reynolds

Solar swimming pool heating is more practical now than it’s ever been before. Given the concern over global warming and the environment, it should be the preferred way of pool heating. Solar pool heating is practical because most people don’t expect to use their pools in sub freezing temperature. Because of this, pool heating systems can have a much simpler design. The concept behind a solar swimming pool heater is simple: circulate the pool water through a long hose exposed to the sun and the sun will warm it. Solar swimming pool heaters require little additional equipment. Pools are ready require a circulating pump and filter. With a solar system, a solar heating panel is installed rather than a gas or electric heater. Since the pumps and filters are required anyway there is little additional cost to using a solar system. In fact the solar panels are often cheaper than a gas or electric pool heater. The principle of most solar pool heaters is simple. You’ve seen it demonstrated if you’ve left the garden hose full of water laying on the lawn on a sunny day. When you next turn on the hose, warm water will come out. That water was heated by the sun. Before commercially made solar hot water heaters became so readily available a lot of people made their own simple heater by coiling black plastic tubing on plywood that was painted black and positioning it where it was exposed to a lot of sun. Most people opt for ready-made systems because they tend to look neater and don’t cost that much more than just buying the materials to make one yourself. Using a solar swimming pool heating system is a win-win situation. you be able to enjoy your pool even more while saving money and helping the environment. You can keep your pool along with a clear conscience.