Build Your Own Pool Solar Heater

Solar energy is an excellent way to heat your swimming pool for next-to-nothing. A solar water heater will let you enjoy a longer swimming season and preserve your water temperature during cooler evenings without having to worry about the heating costs. Swimming pool solar heating systems are well able to sustain the warmth of a large volume of water on a daily basis, and are quite capable of keeping the water temperature at 80 to 85 degrees even in moderate sunshine.

Installing a swimming pool solar heating system also adds value to your home.

Buying and fitting a shop-bought solar water heater could set you back from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the size of the collectors and the installation charges. However, you can make your own solar heating system for an average-sized pool for under $200, including materials and an extra recirculating pump.

Swimming pool solar heaters are plumbed in to your existing filter system. Throughout the day, while the filter is operating, the pool water is circulated through the solar collectors and back to the pool. You can have a swimming pool solar heater system which has no moving parts, such as a recirculating pump, but this will depend on the average sunshine levels in your area.

The solar collectors are often mounted on roofs to get the best exposure to direct sunshine. Ideally the collectors should face the mid-day sun and be at an angle equivalent to your latitude minus 10 to 15 degrees. Several factors will influence the size of the collector panels, but expect the area to be at least 50% of the pool size. This will be at least 75% if the collector panels are laid flat or facing west. It is not unusual for the collector area to be the same as that of the pool when the site is shaded badly or exposed to strong winds. Because these solar collectors are space-hungry, it is often necessary to mount them on a ground frame or even a suitable fence.

There are several factors which can influence a solar heater installation, including:

• Weather and sunlight availability.
• Building codes and safety issues.
• Pool size.
• Duration of the swimming season.
• Required pool temperature.
• Collector efficiency.

You really need the help of an expert to design your swimming pool solar heating system when considering these factors, because only a suitably-qualified person will have the necessary expertise to give you the right plans for making your swimming pool solar heating system work properly for you.

It is very easy to make and fit your own swimming pool solar heating system and you need no special skills or tools. You will find all needed materials in your local hardware shop. But, as always, there are experts that will make your job easier and safer, and the project planning stage much more complete. We have no hesitation in recommending one group of professionals who will provide you with a simple set of plans and a comprehensive set of step-by-step instructions to guide you throughout the build in making your solar swimming pool heater. For less than $200, which includes all plans, instructions, materials and expert guidance, you can build a superb solar water heater system for your pool – quite an inspiring thought!