Many people today are turning to solar power as an alternative source of energy. The typical electrical energy that is most commonly used in homes are expensive, non-renewable, and cause pollution. Utilizing the natural energy source of the sun eliminates these issues and is why many people are turning to solar power.
One misconception about this natural power source is that it can only be used to produce electricity inside the home and isn’t as powerful as traditional electricity. It turns out that solar power can also be a great option to heat your swimming pool. Installing a pool can be a big investment and using a solar power pool heater can be a great way to cut down on electricity costs. Deciding whether or not to switch to this alternative heating source may raise a lot of questions about how to correctly execute it and if it is the best option for you.
Roof orientation
If you are thinking about using solar power for heating your pool, the first place to start is the roof of your house or building. A common misconception about installing solar panels is that you have to live in a sunny climate to use one. While living in a warm, sunlit area can help with efficiency, you don’t have to live in one to reap the benefits of this energy source.
Pool heating systems use not only direct sunlight, but diffuse solar radiation for energy. As long as the roof on which the panels are installed are not located under shade, solar pool heating can work for you. There is also a myth that solar panels must face south toward the sun for optimal results.
While south-facing solar panels produce the most energy, the panels can actually face any direction and still work efficiently. Having the panels face east, west or north only creates a small decrease in energy production compared with orienting the panels southward toward the sun. This decrease would not impact the effectiveness of pool heating and is still able to save you money on your electricity costs compared to other sources of energy.
How solar pool heating works
The mechanics of heating a pool with solar power is simple and truly encompasses the natural power source of the sun. The type of panels that are used can be made of different materials and will depend on many factors such as the climate of the area you live in. Unglazed panels are typically used for temperatures that are warmer and glazed panels are for areas with a cooler climate.
The basic components that make up a solar pool heater are solar panels, filter, pump and control valve. The process of solar pool heating begins with pool water being pumped through the filter to remove any dirt or debris. This filtered water then travels through and is heated by the solar panels. After this, the water returns to the pool and continues this cycle in order to keep the pool at a comfortable heated temperature.
Solar pool heating and roof orientation are related but it is simpler to achieve than you might think.