A garage or pool house roof or side of a hill is a good place or you might consider building an A-frame from treated lumber and plywood near the pump and filter area. Those aiming to heat their pool in the winter will need solar panels tilted at a specific latitude or angle, with an additional 15 degrees factored in. Set the temperature dial and test the system. A: Solar panels are installed with a slight pitch toward the exit pipe, with a air-lock valve on the opposite corner, to allow complete drain down during fall closing. On the other end are no baffles, so Ive capped every two sections to stop the water from skipping the middle panels. Ends that are not connected to the water supply or an adjoining panel get capped. For over 40 years, Climatic Solar has services both residents and commercial customers throughout Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Jensen Beach, Stuart and the surrounding South Florida areas. The panels can be laid flat on the ground, mounted to a fence, or you can build your own solar panel rack from angle iron, 2 x 4s, PVC, or other frame materials. Connect the line gong to the panels to a bypass valve after your filter for the water supply and tie the bypass line and returning solar heated water line into your return line with a tee fitting. After unboxing them you cut the securing strap carefully and unroll and lay them in the sun so they flatten out. SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM AND SOLAR SYSTEMS SUBCONTRACTORS, SOLAR POOL HEATING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR GENERAL CONTRACTORS, HOME BUILDERS AND DEVELOPERS. Jen, no these panels will not float, the are installed adjacent to the pool, on the ground, roof, rack or fence. You can fashion your own straps out of nylon webbing, or you can use plumbing brackets from HD/Lowes, with long screws that go thru the roof (use a dab of silicone under the screw head to seal). When I first put the panels on the roof I tested them with 1 (OD) black poly irrigation line and got a 20 degree temperature lift. You want the straps to overlap each panel and hold it down. If you are looking to add a solar heating system to your swimming pool and have questions about how to install solar panels, read on. Email Us. Water is drawn from pool by pump and is set to filter. Oval above ground pools lend themselves well to these systems as you can place them along the length of the pool, on a small rack attached to the braces or kickers. Any ideas on how to keep the water cool in the summer? That may or may not happen, depending on the flow, and how it is installed. Also, by mid July, all our pools are too warm to enjoy, the reverse problem. SunCoil heaters should not be roof mounted, but the EcoSaver panels can be installed on a roof top (see below). The Universal Solar pool panels can be installed flat on the ground, but if you can build a small rack from wood, to mount them at an angle, your solar panel(s) will absorb more sunlight. As illustrated in the pictures on top of the page, you dont have to mount these solar panels on the roof of your house, if you dont have a suitable roof location that receives at least 6 hours per day of direct sun. Large Pools: For larger, steel-sided above ground pools, there are a variety of manufacturers of much larger solar panels. Choose the location for the panel(s), where they will receive at least 6 hrs of sun per day. 4. These are long and flat, rigid yet bendable, and typically 2W x 20L or 4W x 20L so you will need a long space to put them. Do you think I need a solar system? You can build a rack somewhere in the yard, or even on the back of your fence. Connect another pipe on the opposite corner of your solar panel array. When heavy clouds pass, rain begins to fall or at dusk each night, the actuator will turn again, bypassing the solar panels. Like a floating solar powered ball that just give me a few degrees of heat? They can even be installed in different locations, or you can pipe your water to a remote location, it neednt be up against the pool as shown in the pictures. Hi Robin, you dont need much to hold them on the roof, but you do want to protect the panels from high winds. Experiment to see what gives more heat gain, but in general a flow rate of 3-5 gpm is best for heat absorption. Our customers in Florida will often find that mounting solar panels directly to a sloping roof provides for the most satisfying results. charge After the check valve, connect the exit pipe back into the return line. Casey, Hi Casey, it depends how warm you want the water. Solar panels are an eco-friendly way to heat your pool 10-20 degrees warmer, with do-it-yourself installation, zero emissions and with zero operational costs. We have been installing FAFCO Solar Pool Heaters for over 35 years. It all depends on how much sun you get, if you have 6-hours of unobstructed sun, and the SunCoil is set-up facing south to absorb the heat correctly, it will produce a good amount of heat, just one can add up to 10 degrees, when used in the best sun conditions, which is rare for every day, some days are cloudy or rainy, unless you are in south Florida. Customers we work with are often thrilled to find that they have many options when it comes to solar panel placement for a pool. Installation kits include roof mounting straps and hardware to secure them. A by-pass valve kit is included to shut-off the solar system during night or rainy days. Sitemap. Hi Tenisha, one will add some heat, and two will double the heat, and a solar cover will help keep the heat in at night. Slow flow is better than high flow. 2. Hi Mike. My do it yourself solar heater has failed, and I am looking into buying (2x) 2ft x 10ft solar heaters to mount onto my shed. As you add more panels you will want to line these up so the water flows in, back and forth, and then out. Pools that remain open for the entire year will require larger solar collectors. For snowbelt installations, it is recommended to install an array of solar panels with a slight pitch or angle, to facilitate drain down, for winterization purposes. Run the exit pipe off of the roof or rack towards the return line that was cut in step 3. We are setting up our above ground pool for summer. A Solar Controller allows you to set a temperature dial, and includes temperature sensors, a 3-way Valve and Valve Actuator (automatic valve turner), to send water up to the solar panels only when conditions are optimum for gaining solar heat. However, you can always start with one or two and add more on later; just be sure to plan for space. You will notice that the filter pressure will rise 2-4 lbs on the pressure gauge, but most pumps can handle the extra resistance without a problem. Next, disconnect the hose to the return and plumb it to the solar heater intake, then add another hose, fitting, and clamp from the solar heater output to the return fitting on the pool wall. As long as you have a 1 hp pump or greater, you should have no problem, even pushing the water up 2 stories. Over top of this triangular frame, attach plywood and mount your solar panels. Q: What If I need to remove the solar panels to replace my roof? And, depending on the type of roof you have, there may be other alternative methods to secure solar panels. Can you suggest a way to install without drilling holes. Filter, Circulation. UNIT 102, CAPE CORAL, FL 33904. Mounts to the roof. I cannot find a photo or diagram on how exactly to hook up my panels. Attach the cross straps to hold down panels in high winds. High quality, long-lasting heat for your pool, courtesy of solar panels and the sun. I just put new roof and dont want to drill holes in it. } 4. Once they are flat and warm they will be soft, so handle them carefully to avoid damaging the panels. They can also be used in conjunction with solar pool heaters, for the times that there just isn't enough sun to do the job. To install, all you need to do is turn off your pump and isolate your system by blocking off your skimmer and return or closing your shut-off valves. The filter is set to normal filter setting, and the water runs thru the panel on the way back to the pool. Setting the 3-way to partial flow to roof and bypass? Q: What about winterizing my solar panels? Both are extremely simple to install; you can set up your own above ground solar panels in under an hour.
Nylon straps or plastic straps can run across the panels every few feet to help hold them down in high winds. If it starts to rain, or heavy clouds form, sending water to the solar panels will cool the water, and reverse the heat gains made earlier. Energy efficient pool heat pumps can be the difference between a pool that gets used and one that doesn't. Our dedication to helping customers save on energy in a way that benefits the environment is unsurpassed. Great article! Unblock your skimmer and return and turn the system back on and you are ready to enjoy the free heat! 5. Panels are most effective if they are angled 35-45 degrees to the sun for maximum heat collection. For what its worth, the air temp was 15 degrees higher during the poly test. Interested in solar energy for your home or business. event : evt, You could just have the hoses draping over the pool wall, or you could spend more time and money, to plumb it thru new 1.5 wall fittings installed in the pool wall. Connect the wires from both sensors into the solar controller box. If you leave them out all winter, cover them fully with a tarpaulin to block UV rays, which (ironically) weakens the material and can cause condensation inside of the panels. ); I just finished moving my solar panels to the roof, which is three stories up from the pool (~40 vertical distance). I have an in ground pool 1836. The popularity of pool solar solutions is on the rise, and for good reason. The surface is where the most heat is generally lost through the evaporation process. About Us Even one panel will add some heat. My personal favorite solar panel is made by Enersol. Whether its early spring or the middle of winter, a pool heater allows you to adjust your pools temperature based on how you like it. Hi Bryan, 1. We also provide innovative pool solar installation options to make time enjoyed outdoors energy-efficient, too. Sometimes there just isn't space for solar pool heaters, so we have an alternative. The sunshine heats the black mat and as water passes through, the heat is transferred to the water and returned to the pool. we bought 4 sets of the 10 ft x 30 in eco saver solar panels and the mounting kit. Check out Solar Energy Solutions of Americas fantastic assortment of pool heaters and find out which one works best for you! A FAFCO solar solution can extend your swimming season dramatically with installation cost less than or equal to the cost of a comparable gas heating unit. Our satisfaction guaranteed extends to our commercial customers. Pools with larger dimensions will inevitably require more and likely larger solar panels than needed for a smaller pool. Were committed to keeping homeowners and businesses on track for success by providing options for swapping out non-renewable resources for solar alternatives. I have a passive solar pool heater that is on the concrete around my pool. Heating a pool with solar panels requires almost no electricity and makes a big difference, often raising the temperature 10 degrees or more. I have room for either. Drill a hole into the pipe before the 3-way valve, insert the water temperature sensor and clamp it to the pipe. It helps to have two people for this and putting a thick towel with a weight like a cinder block on each end will help hold it down otherwise they can spring-back into a roll. Solar electric systems to heat a homes pool, serve as a homes hot water supply or whole-home solar systems are becoming increasingly popular with consumers, especially for new home construction projects. Cut the return hose and connect the hose from the filter into the inlet port of the panels, then connect the hose to the pool to the outlet port of the panel. We just got pool last year and do not remember how to connect the solar heater. I hope you can help clarify this for me. We have five panels on a built in pool. I am not looking to make a hot tub, just increase it 5 degrees or so. Depending on how sunny it is, they will flatten out quickly and stay flat. Our team is passionate about solar and have devoted their careers to the pursuit of engineering and scientific knowledge about solar electricity and its uses. Some popular models are Haywards Goldline Solar Controller and Pentairs Sun Touch. A good rule of thumb is to have roughly half of your pools surface area equal in panel square feet. All pool solar panel systems come with easy-to-follow instructions. All Rights Reserved. Most panels are tilted, with an air-lock on the upper opposite end, to allow for a complete drain down. Mr. Cummings, For more information, click here to view our brochure. Climatic Solar has been serving the Treasure Coast for 40+ Years. The more surface area the solar heater has, the more BTUs of heat are generated. The SunCoil solar heater shown right sits on the ground and can be tipped on 2 legs to maximize the best angle to the sun. (function() { With no gas or electrical lines to run, they are favored by pool owners everywhere! Help! There are solar panel kits available for in ground pools in many sizes; 4W X 10L or 4W X 20L. Solar controllers allow you to set your desired temperature. Whats best in this situation to achieve max pool heating on a sunny day> 1. Secure the panels to the roof with the included hardware. I have an intex 18ft soft wall round pool, and an intex sand filter. solar round pool ground above swimming blanket oval heavy ft mil heating covers thermo tex aqua feet the brackets that came in the kit are J shaped for holding the panels horizontal. Connect the return hose from the solar panel outlet to the pool wall return, to bring the warm water into your pool. Should I install gauges? If the air temperature is greater than the water temperature, it tells the valve actuator to open the valve and send water to the panels to raise the water temperature. Small Pools: If you own one of the ever-popular soft-sided pools like the pop-up or metal frame pools from makers like Intex, there are some quality do-it-yourself solar heaters from Game and Smartpool that are simple to install and take up very little yard space. if water flows too fast, it will cool the panel down too quickly and not allow it to reheat/recover. While solar collectors should ideally be southern-facing, positioning a panel 45 degrees east or west of this optimum placement wont significantly hinder energy generation. In this way, customers can always count on us to be on the cutting edge of solar technology that saves them time, money, and energy. One or more panels can be joined to create more surface area. From the onset of the project, Climatic Solar can ensure that construction deadlines will be met. The workhorse of the industry is the pool heat pump. If youre looking for an effective way to cut your energy costs and significantly reduce your carbon footprint, the team of experts at Solar Energy Solutions of America is only a phone call away. } Many of our solar customers start swimming in the beginning of May and can swim in warm water until the end of September early October. You will want one on each end and then space out the rest equally. Before connecting the exit back into the return line, glue on a one-way check valve, to prevent water from entering the panels in the opposite direction. Doesnt the water need to sit in the dome for an hour or two (maybe even longer) to warm up before going back into the pool? Product logos and images are the property of their respective manufacturers. Q: I have a pressure-side pool cleaner, will this conflict with its operation? 5. What does this mean? Yes, seems about right 3. Water can stay inside of panels for a week or two without circulation, but for longer term, you will want to drain it, so it wont grow algae inside. Were proud to be a locally and veteran-owned and -operated company providing customers with premium products at every turn. Cut the return pipe after the filter, and glue on a one-way. What you could do is install long boards on the roof first, with just two or three screws, and then screw the panels into the long boards. Now you can turn on the pump, open up the by-pass valve and send the water to the solar panels. Our rigorously trained installation teams love what they do and are committed to keeping up with the latest in solar trends. Guidance for the collectors indicates not to exceed .5hp without shunting the flow, but Id assume that is without needing to pump vertically. The general rule of thumb is that the square footage of the installed solar panel collector should be as close as possible to the pools total surface area. Were readily available to help whether youre looking for whole-home solar systems or customized solutions for pools. on: function(evt, cb) { For more than 40 years, Climatic Solar has provided complete sales, installation, and solar repair services. Plus, I work at InTheSwim enough said. All Rights Reserved | Climatic Solar Corporation. I live in south florida so I dont need TOO much. Any particular place I can buy. In ground base panel kits include fittings and check valves to keep the panels primed so when the pump turns on and off the water easily flows without air traps and without having to re-prime the panels each time. I am very reluctant to tamper with my existing pump/filter/chlorinator which functions perfectly every year. Out of one solar panel and into another. If they are not secured correctly, you could have bigger problems than a hole in the roof. The sensors measure the air and water temperature. We always pair exceptional customer experience standards with competitive pricing, making our products affordable and keeping sustainable energy solutions accessible. Pipes by filter are 2 inch. Plumbing them to and from your pool can be accomplished with PVC, flex pipe, corrugated hose, or even garden hose. Consult our solar panel chart to order the suggested amount of solar panels, which should be at least 50% of your pools surface area. You could affix long boards to the roof, with Liquid Nails, or just a few screws to hold the board in place, and then affix the solar panels to the board, so you only have to put 10% of the screws into the roof. Solar systems can also cool the water, by pumping the water thru the solar panels during the night, assuming that you have cooler temps at night, in the 70s. It need not be next to the pool pump, although the further away from the pump, the more you will spend on plumbing pipes running to and from the panels. At Solar Energy Solutions of America, were passionate about what we do, and were happy to help customers enjoy the benefits of solar energy in their homes and businesses. Pool heating is one of the most efficient ways to ensure your pool is the perfect temperature every time you swim. Panels can be installed for above ground and in ground pools, positioned in a variety of ways, and controlled manually by turning a valve or automatically, with a solar controller. Climatic Solar has a complete offering that specifically services the needs of contractors and large home builders. From there you can find the appropriate connector pieces for your PVC, flex, or above ground pump & filter hose at your local hardware store. Drill into the roof or plywood on each side of the panels through the strap, caulk, and screw in the lag bolt or securing hardware (manufacturers have different hardware kits, but drilling is the same although you may not always have to drill through the strap). The filter setting jets the water out so Im a bit confused as to how this technology works. If you havent worked until past dark, place your hand over the pool return, and youll start to feel the heat right away! Hello Katharine, you could use a few of the Solar Sun Rings, 5 floating solar rings, or with a black garden hose (or any color), you could use the Beluga solar pool heater. Most pools get very chilly in the winter months, even in the Sunshine State. Panels have separations to allow you to wrap around roof vents. Q: Will I need to up-size my pool pump to push water up to the roof? Made of neoprene, and very durable. Water goes in one end and out the other. These innovative solar features are designed to absorb thermal energy from the sun and directly transfer that heat to the pools surface. Is this enough, or do I need more? Hello Mark, 2 of those will add some heat, probably about 5 degrees, yes perhaps a bit more. What setting on the filtration system do I need to use? Again, a by-pass system is recommended for these panels so you can dial in the flow rate or send the water around the solar panels at night or on a cloudy or rainy day. Can you put the panels directly on the pool? Remove the handle from the 3-way valve, to mount the actuator onto the valve. Dimensions 40 x 15. The average pool water temperature is 82 to 88 Degrees and some users get the water to the mid 90s. For so many solar panels you need a good deal of space. Once you have your solar pool heater set up, you start producing free heat from the sun without any impact on the environment and you will be swimming before your neighbors and long after they have closed their unheated pool! Inground pool solar heaters are packaged in rolls inside the box. Contact us today with questions or to learn more about our many services and products. Knowing where and how to mount solar panels for maximum energy generation is the next step in the process. Q: Do I need to install the Solar Controller? Keeping the heat overnight will be easier with a solar cover, and then you could add more heat the following day. A garage or pool house roof or side of a hill is a good place or you might consider building an A-frame from treated lumber and plywood near the pump and filter area. Those aiming to heat their pool in the winter will need solar panels tilted at a specific latitude or angle, with an additional 15 degrees factored in. Set the temperature dial and test the system. A: Solar panels are installed with a slight pitch toward the exit pipe, with a air-lock valve on the opposite corner, to allow complete drain down during fall closing. On the other end are no baffles, so Ive capped every two sections to stop the water from skipping the middle panels. Ends that are not connected to the water supply or an adjoining panel get capped. For over 40 years, Climatic Solar has services both residents and commercial customers throughout Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Jensen Beach, Stuart and the surrounding South Florida areas. The panels can be laid flat on the ground, mounted to a fence, or you can build your own solar panel rack from angle iron, 2 x 4s, PVC, or other frame materials. Connect the line gong to the panels to a bypass valve after your filter for the water supply and tie the bypass line and returning solar heated water line into your return line with a tee fitting. After unboxing them you cut the securing strap carefully and unroll and lay them in the sun so they flatten out. SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM AND SOLAR SYSTEMS SUBCONTRACTORS, SOLAR POOL HEATING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR GENERAL CONTRACTORS, HOME BUILDERS AND DEVELOPERS. Jen, no these panels will not float, the are installed adjacent to the pool, on the ground, roof, rack or fence. You can fashion your own straps out of nylon webbing, or you can use plumbing brackets from HD/Lowes, with long screws that go thru the roof (use a dab of silicone under the screw head to seal). When I first put the panels on the roof I tested them with 1 (OD) black poly irrigation line and got a 20 degree temperature lift. You want the straps to overlap each panel and hold it down. If you are looking to add a solar heating system to your swimming pool and have questions about how to install solar panels, read on. Email Us. Water is drawn from pool by pump and is set to filter. Oval above ground pools lend themselves well to these systems as you can place them along the length of the pool, on a small rack attached to the braces or kickers. Any ideas on how to keep the water cool in the summer? That may or may not happen, depending on the flow, and how it is installed. Also, by mid July, all our pools are too warm to enjoy, the reverse problem. SunCoil heaters should not be roof mounted, but the EcoSaver panels can be installed on a roof top (see below). The Universal Solar pool panels can be installed flat on the ground, but if you can build a small rack from wood, to mount them at an angle, your solar panel(s) will absorb more sunlight. As illustrated in the pictures on top of the page, you dont have to mount these solar panels on the roof of your house, if you dont have a suitable roof location that receives at least 6 hours per day of direct sun. Large Pools: For larger, steel-sided above ground pools, there are a variety of manufacturers of much larger solar panels. Choose the location for the panel(s), where they will receive at least 6 hrs of sun per day. 4. These are long and flat, rigid yet bendable, and typically 2W x 20L or 4W x 20L so you will need a long space to put them. Do you think I need a solar system? You can build a rack somewhere in the yard, or even on the back of your fence. Connect another pipe on the opposite corner of your solar panel array. When heavy clouds pass, rain begins to fall or at dusk each night, the actuator will turn again, bypassing the solar panels. Like a floating solar powered ball that just give me a few degrees of heat? They can even be installed in different locations, or you can pipe your water to a remote location, it neednt be up against the pool as shown in the pictures. Hi Robin, you dont need much to hold them on the roof, but you do want to protect the panels from high winds. Experiment to see what gives more heat gain, but in general a flow rate of 3-5 gpm is best for heat absorption. Our customers in Florida will often find that mounting solar panels directly to a sloping roof provides for the most satisfying results. charge After the check valve, connect the exit pipe back into the return line. Casey, Hi Casey, it depends how warm you want the water. Solar panels are an eco-friendly way to heat your pool 10-20 degrees warmer, with do-it-yourself installation, zero emissions and with zero operational costs. We have been installing FAFCO Solar Pool Heaters for over 35 years. It all depends on how much sun you get, if you have 6-hours of unobstructed sun, and the SunCoil is set-up facing south to absorb the heat correctly, it will produce a good amount of heat, just one can add up to 10 degrees, when used in the best sun conditions, which is rare for every day, some days are cloudy or rainy, unless you are in south Florida. Customers we work with are often thrilled to find that they have many options when it comes to solar panel placement for a pool. Installation kits include roof mounting straps and hardware to secure them. A by-pass valve kit is included to shut-off the solar system during night or rainy days. Sitemap. Hi Tenisha, one will add some heat, and two will double the heat, and a solar cover will help keep the heat in at night. Slow flow is better than high flow. 2. Hi Mike. My do it yourself solar heater has failed, and I am looking into buying (2x) 2ft x 10ft solar heaters to mount onto my shed. As you add more panels you will want to line these up so the water flows in, back and forth, and then out. Pools that remain open for the entire year will require larger solar collectors. For snowbelt installations, it is recommended to install an array of solar panels with a slight pitch or angle, to facilitate drain down, for winterization purposes. Run the exit pipe off of the roof or rack towards the return line that was cut in step 3. We are setting up our above ground pool for summer. A Solar Controller allows you to set a temperature dial, and includes temperature sensors, a 3-way Valve and Valve Actuator (automatic valve turner), to send water up to the solar panels only when conditions are optimum for gaining solar heat. However, you can always start with one or two and add more on later; just be sure to plan for space. You will notice that the filter pressure will rise 2-4 lbs on the pressure gauge, but most pumps can handle the extra resistance without a problem. Next, disconnect the hose to the return and plumb it to the solar heater intake, then add another hose, fitting, and clamp from the solar heater output to the return fitting on the pool wall. As long as you have a 1 hp pump or greater, you should have no problem, even pushing the water up 2 stories. Over top of this triangular frame, attach plywood and mount your solar panels. Q: What If I need to remove the solar panels to replace my roof? And, depending on the type of roof you have, there may be other alternative methods to secure solar panels. Can you suggest a way to install without drilling holes. Filter, Circulation. UNIT 102, CAPE CORAL, FL 33904. Mounts to the roof. I cannot find a photo or diagram on how exactly to hook up my panels. Attach the cross straps to hold down panels in high winds. High quality, long-lasting heat for your pool, courtesy of solar panels and the sun. I just put new roof and dont want to drill holes in it. } 4. Once they are flat and warm they will be soft, so handle them carefully to avoid damaging the panels. They can also be used in conjunction with solar pool heaters, for the times that there just isn't enough sun to do the job. To install, all you need to do is turn off your pump and isolate your system by blocking off your skimmer and return or closing your shut-off valves. The filter is set to normal filter setting, and the water runs thru the panel on the way back to the pool. Setting the 3-way to partial flow to roof and bypass? Q: What about winterizing my solar panels? Both are extremely simple to install; you can set up your own above ground solar panels in under an hour.
A garage or pool house roof or side of a hill is a good place or you might consider building an A-frame from treated lumber and plywood near the pump and filter area. Those aiming to heat their pool in the winter will need solar panels tilted at a specific latitude or angle, with an additional 15 degrees factored in. Set the temperature dial and test the system. A: Solar panels are installed with a slight pitch toward the exit pipe, with a air-lock valve on the opposite corner, to allow complete drain down during fall closing. On the other end are no baffles, so Ive capped every two sections to stop the water from skipping the middle panels. Ends that are not connected to the water supply or an adjoining panel get capped. For over 40 years, Climatic Solar has services both residents and commercial customers throughout Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, Jensen Beach, Stuart and the surrounding South Florida areas. The panels can be laid flat on the ground, mounted to a fence, or you can build your own solar panel rack from angle iron, 2 x 4s, PVC, or other frame materials. Connect the line gong to the panels to a bypass valve after your filter for the water supply and tie the bypass line and returning solar heated water line into your return line with a tee fitting. After unboxing them you cut the securing strap carefully and unroll and lay them in the sun so they flatten out. SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM AND SOLAR SYSTEMS SUBCONTRACTORS, SOLAR POOL HEATING PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR GENERAL CONTRACTORS, HOME BUILDERS AND DEVELOPERS. Jen, no these panels will not float, the are installed adjacent to the pool, on the ground, roof, rack or fence. You can fashion your own straps out of nylon webbing, or you can use plumbing brackets from HD/Lowes, with long screws that go thru the roof (use a dab of silicone under the screw head to seal). When I first put the panels on the roof I tested them with 1 (OD) black poly irrigation line and got a 20 degree temperature lift. You want the straps to overlap each panel and hold it down. If you are looking to add a solar heating system to your swimming pool and have questions about how to install solar panels, read on. Email Us. Water is drawn from pool by pump and is set to filter. Oval above ground pools lend themselves well to these systems as you can place them along the length of the pool, on a small rack attached to the braces or kickers. Any ideas on how to keep the water cool in the summer? That may or may not happen, depending on the flow, and how it is installed. Also, by mid July, all our pools are too warm to enjoy, the reverse problem. SunCoil heaters should not be roof mounted, but the EcoSaver panels can be installed on a roof top (see below). The Universal Solar pool panels can be installed flat on the ground, but if you can build a small rack from wood, to mount them at an angle, your solar panel(s) will absorb more sunlight. As illustrated in the pictures on top of the page, you dont have to mount these solar panels on the roof of your house, if you dont have a suitable roof location that receives at least 6 hours per day of direct sun. Large Pools: For larger, steel-sided above ground pools, there are a variety of manufacturers of much larger solar panels. Choose the location for the panel(s), where they will receive at least 6 hrs of sun per day. 4. These are long and flat, rigid yet bendable, and typically 2W x 20L or 4W x 20L so you will need a long space to put them. Do you think I need a solar system? You can build a rack somewhere in the yard, or even on the back of your fence. Connect another pipe on the opposite corner of your solar panel array. When heavy clouds pass, rain begins to fall or at dusk each night, the actuator will turn again, bypassing the solar panels. Like a floating solar powered ball that just give me a few degrees of heat? They can even be installed in different locations, or you can pipe your water to a remote location, it neednt be up against the pool as shown in the pictures. Hi Robin, you dont need much to hold them on the roof, but you do want to protect the panels from high winds. Experiment to see what gives more heat gain, but in general a flow rate of 3-5 gpm is best for heat absorption. Our customers in Florida will often find that mounting solar panels directly to a sloping roof provides for the most satisfying results. charge After the check valve, connect the exit pipe back into the return line. Casey, Hi Casey, it depends how warm you want the water. Solar panels are an eco-friendly way to heat your pool 10-20 degrees warmer, with do-it-yourself installation, zero emissions and with zero operational costs. We have been installing FAFCO Solar Pool Heaters for over 35 years. It all depends on how much sun you get, if you have 6-hours of unobstructed sun, and the SunCoil is set-up facing south to absorb the heat correctly, it will produce a good amount of heat, just one can add up to 10 degrees, when used in the best sun conditions, which is rare for every day, some days are cloudy or rainy, unless you are in south Florida. Customers we work with are often thrilled to find that they have many options when it comes to solar panel placement for a pool. Installation kits include roof mounting straps and hardware to secure them. A by-pass valve kit is included to shut-off the solar system during night or rainy days. Sitemap. Hi Tenisha, one will add some heat, and two will double the heat, and a solar cover will help keep the heat in at night. Slow flow is better than high flow. 2. Hi Mike. My do it yourself solar heater has failed, and I am looking into buying (2x) 2ft x 10ft solar heaters to mount onto my shed. As you add more panels you will want to line these up so the water flows in, back and forth, and then out. Pools that remain open for the entire year will require larger solar collectors. For snowbelt installations, it is recommended to install an array of solar panels with a slight pitch or angle, to facilitate drain down, for winterization purposes. Run the exit pipe off of the roof or rack towards the return line that was cut in step 3. We are setting up our above ground pool for summer. A Solar Controller allows you to set a temperature dial, and includes temperature sensors, a 3-way Valve and Valve Actuator (automatic valve turner), to send water up to the solar panels only when conditions are optimum for gaining solar heat. However, you can always start with one or two and add more on later; just be sure to plan for space. You will notice that the filter pressure will rise 2-4 lbs on the pressure gauge, but most pumps can handle the extra resistance without a problem. Next, disconnect the hose to the return and plumb it to the solar heater intake, then add another hose, fitting, and clamp from the solar heater output to the return fitting on the pool wall. As long as you have a 1 hp pump or greater, you should have no problem, even pushing the water up 2 stories. Over top of this triangular frame, attach plywood and mount your solar panels. Q: What If I need to remove the solar panels to replace my roof? And, depending on the type of roof you have, there may be other alternative methods to secure solar panels. Can you suggest a way to install without drilling holes. Filter, Circulation. UNIT 102, CAPE CORAL, FL 33904. Mounts to the roof. I cannot find a photo or diagram on how exactly to hook up my panels. Attach the cross straps to hold down panels in high winds. High quality, long-lasting heat for your pool, courtesy of solar panels and the sun. I just put new roof and dont want to drill holes in it. } 4. Once they are flat and warm they will be soft, so handle them carefully to avoid damaging the panels. They can also be used in conjunction with solar pool heaters, for the times that there just isn't enough sun to do the job. To install, all you need to do is turn off your pump and isolate your system by blocking off your skimmer and return or closing your shut-off valves. The filter is set to normal filter setting, and the water runs thru the panel on the way back to the pool. Setting the 3-way to partial flow to roof and bypass? Q: What about winterizing my solar panels? Both are extremely simple to install; you can set up your own above ground solar panels in under an hour.
