How to build a solar pool heater
Posted by Solar energy guru | Filed under Solar thermal solutions
Building a solar pool heater will allow you to capture the benefits of the sun to enjoy a warm dip with your family and friends. Swimming or experiencing an outdoor spa is ten times better when you have warm water to enjoy. A heated pool can be enjoyed anytime, spring or autumn, even on cold days or nights when people would normally be shivering due to the cold temperatures.
Following are some techniques and devices used to heat pools:
• Electric heaters
• Gas or propane heaters
• Covering your pool
• Solar pool heaters
Of all the options listed, the best method is to use a solar pool heater. Why? The cost is friendly to your budget and it is eco-friendly. Isn’t it a lot better to enjoy a warm bath without the worries of contributing more greenhouse gases?
Other pool heaters available in the market consume a lot of electricity. The heater alone is likely going to cost around $2000. Why spend all of that money when there are natural alternatives? There are cheaper ways to heat your pool and some methods you could build yourself!
If you are interested in building a solar heater, you can find may instructional guides in specialty magazines and on the Internet. Most of the plans come as specs that you purchase and they come with detailed instructions on how to build the heater yourself. Before buying a plan, make sure the material comes with clear diagrams. Also, check if the list of materials needed is precise and step-by-step instructions on how it is built is provided. Look for guides that have easily available materials that are inexpensive. The excerpts from the plan should be straightforward and easy to do. There is no need for complicated electrical processes or engineering systems for it to be built.
A good guide would include tips and instructions on troubleshooting. It should also give you an overview on how solar pool heaters function and how they work on passive solar principle.
This system basically uses flexible tubing in which the water for your pool goes through. The tubing is suspended in the front area of reflectors that catch the heat from the sun and transfers the heat to the water it contains. During cold weather, the heat is protected from escaping by incorporating polythene sheets as lining within the tubing.
Halved storm water piping is typically used for reflectors. It is important to increase the reflective powers and you may opt to paint the piping with chrome. Pond pumps are typically used to circulate the hot water through the pool, however a better alternative is to use a solar electric pump. Solar electric pumps are more expensive, but in the long run, it is cheaper. Do not forget that you investing in the environment.
It is important to find specifications for pumps that will work for your pool. A good pump delivers 10 liters per minute or 120 gallons per hour. It should also be able to raise water up to 1.5m or 5’2″. The tubings and reflectors will also connect with a solar panel and you will have to make sure that your panel is of an appropriate size for the source of water you are attempting to heat. Ultimately, the more the panels you have, the more heat you will produce. For those who need to heat a spa, very large panels will be needed.
Panels must receive as much sunlight as possible so make sure that a good position is secured to let the panels catch mid-day sun. They can be placed horizontally on rooftops or if you have a fence free from obstruction, you may also place them there. Solar blankets could also be used however they are typically not required.
Building a solar heater can be a fun adventure that will bring life long benefits for the whole family. Make the process of building the heater a family event and enjoy all the benefits that could never be bought with any amount of money.
