Maximizing The Efficiency Of Your Solar Swimming Pool Heater

So you finally got that Solar heater installed on your swimming pool. So how do you get the most bang for your buck out of it? Running your system efficiently is key to maximizing the heat output. First and foremost it is crucial that you only run the solar when climate conditions allow it to actually gather heat from the sun. Since you are constantly moving water through the panels when they are turned on, they can actually act in reverse in some circumstances and cool the water down in your pool.

This is true because you are in effect adding more surface area to your swimming pool. Surface area is where heat is lost. So if your panels are cooler than the current temperature of the water, you will be defeating the purpose. This happens especially on rainy days when the systems are left running. Its can be like taking one step forward and two steps back, if you don’t regulate the use of your solar system acurately. If you have an automatic solar controller, you need not worry, they work very precisely at making sure the panels only run when they should.

If you are using a manual solar controller however, you will need to pay a bit more attention. Obviously the rain thing is a given, just make sure you remember to shut it down. As far as getting the temperature of the water in your swimming pool to a specific level, there are methods even with the manual control. Start by checking the temperature of the water, early one morning when you will be around all day and expect plenty of sunshine. Now just check the temperature again regularly throughout the day, taking a note of it each time. It is important to write the readings down. At the end of the day you can look at these numbers and determine how many degrees your solar system will heat your pool per hour on average.Now decide what temperature you want and run the system accordingly.

This requires a bit of effort, and obviously someone must be home to flip the switch when needs be, but it is doable. Its not nearly as accurate as the automatic solar controller, though and for the amount of effort involved you may want to invest in the automatic version. They are actually very cost effective, and you can purchase them relatively cheap. It doesn’t take much more work to install one, but it will sure save you some trouble later.

Another thing to look out for is the general condition of your panels. You must keep them clean and out of the shade. Remember, Solar heat requires solar energy, which only comes from the sun. So the more the better. Trim back and trees that may have started to shade areas of the array. It also doesn’t hurt to hose the panels down occasionally if possible, cleaning off any dust, dirt or debris that may have accumulated.

Another thing to consider is purchasing a solar pool blanket if you dont have one already. You know the ones Im talking about, they look like a giant sheet of bubble wrap. While these solar blankets are almost useless for actually heating your pool, they will help keep the heat you already have. You should cover the pool in the evening and remove the blanket in the morning. This is an effective way to cut heat loss overnight, and makes a world of difference in your overall temperatures. Nothing too complicated here, but these little tips can make all the difference in the world. You would be surprised.