How It Works

If you have never considered solar pool heating, you might be wondering, “What is a solar-heated pool?” or “How does a solar pool heater work?” A solar pool heater uses energy generated from your home or business’s solar panel system to power the pool heater and heat the pool. It is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and low-maintenance. Solar heating is a safe and affordable alternative to installing a gas or electric pool heating system. Here is a closer look at how solar pool heating systems work:

• Installation of Solar Panels – A solar pool heating system integrates into your existing solar panels or solar collectors. These panels absorb heat from the sun and use a solar inverter to convert that solar energy into AC or DC electricity that can be used to power your pool’s heating system or heat the pool water directly.
• Connection to Pool’s Controls and Flow Valve – The system is then connected to the flow control valve, which is a device that diverts the pool water through the solar collector. You can set your desired pool temperature on the automatic control unit, which will then communicate with the flow valve to regulate the heating system.
• Integration Into Your Pool Pump and Filter – Your pool’s existing pump system circulates pool water through the pool’s filter and then to the solar collectors. The collectors heat the water before it is sent back to the pool.
• Return of Heated Water to the Pool – The heated water is then returned to the pool. It circulates through the pool to raise the temperature as more water is then transferred through the solar collectors. This process repeats until the overall pool temperature reaches your desired level.

The efficiency of your solar pool heater is affected by the level of solar radiation, ambient sunlight, the orientation and angle of the solar collector, its size and performance level, the size of the pool, and other factors. It’s best to understand these factors so that you can make sure you are choosing the right heater for your needs:

• Environmental and Climate Factors – The amount of solar energy your collectors produce, and thus the level to which they can heat your pool water, depends on environmental and climate factors. The intensity of the sun and the number of sunny days will determine how effective your heating system is. Any trees, buildings, or other shade structures that obstruct the performance of the collectors will decrease the level of solar energy they can absorb, which can also decrease the heating performance. Warm, sunny climates like Florida are ideal for solar pool heating systems.
• System Design and Installation Factors – The type, size, design, and installation of your solar collectors will also affect the performance of your heater. Your collectors should be large enough to properly heat your pool based on its overall size and configuration. They should be properly oriented to the path of the sun.
• Operational and Maintenance Factors – Proper operation and maintenance are also necessary to enhance the efficiency and performance of your solar pool heater. Use a pool cover to retain the water's heat when the pool isn't in use, and ensure installation of the right pump, piping, and system for optimal water flow and heat transfer. Regularly clean your pool's filters and inspect the pump and other system components for damage, and set the optimal temperature and flow rate for ideal circulation and heating.