If you maintain a pool on your property, you know how quickly related costs can pile up. The chemicals needed to keep it clean, the resources and accessories required to empty, refill and cover the pool as seasons change and the big one—heating your pool to a comfortable temperature all summer long—can really take a toll on your budget if you’re not careful.
If you’re looking to save money and tap into renewable energy resources this season, consider installing a solar-powered heating system for your pool! The initial costs are relatively low, and a solar-powered heater can help you save money year after year. More than that, you’ll feel great knowing you’re moving to a more sustainable energy source. Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to save money using solar pool heating.
How does solar pool heating work?
The specific process is pretty simple: pool water is pumped through a filter and into a solar thermal collector, where it is heated by solar energy before being circulated back into the pool. To install a system like this, you need a check valve, a flow control valve and a sensor that monitors and maintains the pool’s desired temperature. The heating system does this all automatically, so you never have to initiate heating.
If you live in a particularly cold part of the world, the solar collector is generally larger than normal, which allows the heating system to maintain a comfortable temperature even when the weather cools significantly. Solar thermal collectors can be either glazed or unglazed.
Glazed solar collectors are more complex in design, comprised of metal and iron-tempered glass. They heat water more efficiently, take up less space and can be used to heat pools year-round in cooler climates. This does, however, make them the more expensive choice upfront.
Unglazed solar collectors are made using black plastic or rubber, and have a UV treatment to help them last longer. They save you money upfront, but heat pools less efficiently, and can only be used in warmer climates during the summer months.
Can solar pool heating save me money?
Making the switch from gas or electric to solar power is an investment—while conventional pool heaters cost between $1,000 and $3,000, a solar-powered system typically costs between $3,000 and $4,000 to install. While that may seem steep, these solar-powered systems will start saving you money fast because your monthly energy bills will be significantly reduced. Before you know it, the money you save will cover the installation costs in total.
If you’re interested in learning more about using solar energy to keep your pool at a comfortable temperature all day long, reach out to the expert staff at Mohave Solar. Our industry-leading solar technology and knowledgeable team will make it quick and easy to take your pool from a conventional heating system to an environmentally friendly, sustainable heating source. It’s a win-win situation for you and Mother Nature! Visit us online or call us today to take the first step toward solar heating for your pool!