Solar Pool Heating  »

Solar water heaters can be used to heat swimming pools and spas.

In a solar pool-heating system, the existing pool filtration system pumps pool water through the solar collector, and the collected heat is transferred directly to the pool water. Solar pool-heating collectors operate just slightly warmer than the surrounding air temperature and typically use inexpensive, unglazed, low-temperature collectors made from specially formulated plastic materials. Glazed (glass-covered) solar collectors are not typically used in pool-heating applications, except for indoor pools, hot tubs, or spas in colder climates. In some cases, unglazed copper or copper-aluminum solar collectors are used.

In residential applications where the goal is usually to extend the swimming season into spring and fall, heating a swimming pool with solar energy requires a solar collector that is 50% to 100% of the surface area of the pool. In general, adding more square footage lengthens the swimming season and allows owners to use the pool in colder weather. A pool cover or blanket significantly reduces heat loss in a cost-effective manner and helps maintain warm temperatures for long periods.

Maintenance of solar pool-heating systems is minimal. The systems are pre-engineered and can be sized for any pool by simply adding additional solar panels to obtain an adequate solar collector area.

The only moving part on a solar pool-heating system is the diverting valve. This valve controls when the water circulates through the collector loop. If the collector temperature is sufficiently higher than the temperature of the water in the pool, water is diverted from the filter systems through the collector loop. The water bypasses the solar collectors during the night or cloudy periods. Some smaller systems are operated manually or with timers. Larger systems are operated by electronic sensors and controls.

Contact EWSE and one of our renewable energy specialist will be happy to answer any questions you may have about solar for your home.

NOW IS THE TIME TO GO SOLAR!

For Homeowners: Residential solar systems are eligible for a 30% uncapped Federal   Solar Tax Credit and the State of Illinois offers a 30% Rebate capped at $10,000.

For Businesses: Commercial solar systems are eligible for a 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit and the State of Illinois offers grant programs providing up to 30% of the cost of a solar system capped at $250,000.

This important law significantly increases the affordability and financial return on a solar system for both residential and commercial, making it one of the safest and best investments available  today.

Read more about the Federal Solar Tax Credit and State Rebate programs, follow this link to the Find State and Local Incentives  Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIREUSA.org).