Last updated: January 12th, 2024 at 11:28 am
There’s something magical about diving into a pool, but as the colder months approach, the thought of putting away your swimsuit becomes inevitable. But what if we told you that you could enjoy your pool for a longer period, without causing a spike in your energy bills? Yes, you heard it right! With a pool solar heater, you can maintain your pool at an optimal temperature, all at very minimal or even zero operational cost.
Solar pool heaters offer a wealth of benefits to pool owners by utilizing solar energy to heat up swimming pools. MAK Energy is well-versed in capturing and harnessing this energy to provide efficient pool heating solutions in the UK. In this informative blog, we will delve into what a solar pool heater truly is, how it operates, the advantages it offers, and the associated costs.
- So, What are Solar Pool Heaters?
- How Does Solar Pool Heater Work?
- What are the Main Components of Solar Pool Heater?
- What is Solar Pool Heater Installation cost?
- How Warm Does a Solar-Heated Pool Get?
- Determining The Size Of Your Solar Pool Heater System
- Are Solar Pool Heaters worth It?
- How Long Does it take for a Solar Pool Heater to heat up?
- Benefits of Solar Pool Heater
- Summary
For inquiries pertaining to solar solutions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via the provided contact number, by completing our quotation form, or by visiting our office. Our team of professionals is always ready to offer guidance and assistance to individuals considering the switch to renewable energy solutions.
So, What are Solar Pool Heaters?
Solar pool heaters utilize the sun’s thermal energy to raise the temperature of your pool water. Much like solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, the solar energy collectors responsible for heating your pool’s water are commonly positioned on your roof. This system operates by directing water from your pool through a filtering process and subsequently to the solar collectors situated on your roof. These collectors, resembling PV panels in appearance, incorporate internal tubes that facilitate the circulation of cold water. This water absorbs heat from the solar energy collector before being returned as warm water to your pool.
How Does Solar Pool Heater Work?
A solar pool heater works by using the sun’s energy to heat the water in your swimming pool. The system consists of solar collectors, a pump, and a control panel. The solar collectors are typically mounted on the roof of your home or on a rack near the pool. They are made of a material that absorbs the sun’s heat, such as black metal or plastic. The pump circulates the pool water through the solar collectors, where it is heated. The heated water is then returned to the pool.
The amount of heat that a solar heater for a pool can provide depends on the size of the solar collectors, the amount of sunlight available, and the efficiency of the system. In the UK, pool heater solar can be effective in heating swimming pools, but they may not be able to raise the temperature of the water as much as in sunnier climates.
What are the Main Components of Solar Pool Heater?
Solar Pool heaters consist of three main components: Solar Collectors, Pump and Control Panels. They work in a flow to keep the pool water warm at the lowest possible rates.
Solar collectors
The solar collectors are the key component of a solar heater for pool. They absorb the sun’s heat and transfer it to the pool water. Solar collectors are made of different materials, including black metal, plastic, and glass. The type of solar collector you choose will depend on your climate and budget.
Pump
The pump circulates the pool water through the solar collectors. The pump must be powerful enough to circulate the water efficiently.
Control panel
The control panel regulates the flow of water through the solar collectors. It also has a thermostat that controls the temperature of the pool water.
What is Solar Pool Heater Installation cost?
According to energy department reports, the installation cost of an average solar pool heater can range from £8,000 to £11,000 to cater for typical for 3 or 4 bedroom home. However, this price is an estimate, as the precise cost depends on factors such as the size of your heating pool, the duration you wish to maintain your pool’s warmth, and the location, as installation expenses can vary based on the geographical area. Solar heater for pool represents the optimal approach for diminishing electricity bills, and with meticulous installation and efficient utilization, owners of solar pool heaters can typically recoup their initial investment in approximately 7 years.
How Warm Does a Solar-Heated Pool Get?
Solar pool heaters can elevate the temperature of an unheated pool by as much as 15C to 20C degrees. This technology effectively elevates the pool’s temperature to a comfortable range of 63 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit with minimal effort, even on cooler days. During the summer, the need for water warming is diminished, given that temperatures frequently reach around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Determining The Size Of Your Solar Pool Heater System
The sizing of your pool solar heater depends on various factors, including your pool’s dimensions, the desired water temperature, and the solar collectors’ exposure to sunlight (which takes into account geographical location, collector tilt, potential shading, and more). While you can install as many solar collectors as your roof can accommodate, keep in mind that if your roof is predominantly shaded, the solar collectors might not adequately fulfill your pool heating requirements.
Following a general guideline, your solar collector(s) should ideally cover 50 to 100 percent of your pool’s surface area. For instance, if your pool spans 300 square feet, your solar collectors should have a minimum surface area of 150 square feet.
Estimated Solar Collector Sizes for Different Pool Sizes
| Pool Size | Total Pool Surface Area | Low End Solar Collector Size Required | High End Solar Collector Size Required |
| 10×20 ft | 200 sq. ft | 100 sq. ft | 200 sq ft. |
| 15×20 ft | 300 sq. ft | 150 sq. ft | 300 sq ft. |
| 20×40 ft | 800 sq. ft | 400 sq. ft | 800 sq ft. |
When you work with a certified contractor like MAK Energy offering solar heater for a pool, they’ll expertly determine the appropriate system size based on your pool’s specific details and collector placement. If your location experiences frequent cloudy days or if there’s potential shading on the roof where the solar collectors would be installed, your contractor might recommend incorporating an electric heater backup system in addition to the solar heating setup.
Are Solar Pool Heaters worth It?
Installing solar swimming pool heaters offers numerous advantages, with the most apparent being their eco-friendly and sustainable approach to pool heating. Pool solar heater not only significantly reduces energy costs but also leaves a smaller carbon footprint, making it a win-win proposition.
These systems also extend your swimming season, allowing you to relish comfortably heated pool water well before and after summer’s peak. Moreover, solar heater for pool very minimal maintenance once they’re installed properly. These systems, known for their robustness and efficiency, utilize weather-resistant and durable materials, conferring a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.
How Long Does it take for a Solar Pool Heater to heat up?
Generally, solar heater for a pool increases the pool’s temperature by 2 to 4 degrees per day. Over the course of 5 to 6 days, this cumulative effect leads to a total temperature rise of about 10 degrees, which is then maintained.
Benefits of Solar Pool Heater
Effortless Economies
Once your pool solar heater is up and running, it operates with minimal to zero ongoing costs, achieving self-sufficiency where the heat it generates comes entirely free of charge.
Smart Investment
A solar heating system has the potential to repay its installation expenses in as little as 7 to 10 years. While this timeline varies based on multiple factors, it’s undeniable that a functional solar system will ultimately surpass its initial investment.
Enduring Longevity
Solar panels boast a reputation for requiring little upkeep and boasting an extended lifespan. With most solar panels carrying a minimum 10-year guarantee, proper care can easily extend their functional life to more than 30 years.
Optimal Seasonal Performance
Solar heater for a pool operates at peak efficiency during sun-drenched summer months, conveniently aligning with when outdoor pools are most in use. If your pool activity mainly centres around the summer, solar heating is poised to effectively cater to all your heating requirements.
Summary
Solar pool heating has often been a hot topic of discussion as it provides efficient and reliable heating system for pool at an minimum operational cost. pool solar heater upfront cost is quite high but its operational cost sometimes goes to zero, depending on the system size and the sunlight hours in your area. Additional solar pool heater break-even is just 7-10 years if installed properly and maintain the system. Pool solar heater has many advantages as it perform very well in the winter season and save you hundreds of pounds on your bill every month.
MAK Energy provides you the best solar pool heater panels at affordable prices. And if you are not aware of the size you need for you pool heating, the best location for installation. MAK Energy loves to help and advise the customers with best possible and customized solutions.
