To properly size a solar pool heating system, the following are a number of the factors that must be considered.
1.) | Desired pool temperature. |
2.) | Length of swimming season. |
3.) | Pool shading. |
4.) | Use of a solar pool cover. |
5.) | Pool exposure to wind. |
6.) | Ground water around or near the pool. |
7.) | Collector shading. |
8.) | Collector direction. |
9.) | Collector angle. |
10.) | Brand of solar collector (they are not all the same). |
11.) | Size of pool. |
Sizing a solar pool heating system to provide ideal results is not a simple matter of saying 'your pool is x big ~ therefore a solar system of x size is required'. Anyone who tells you that it is that simple either does not know what they are doing, or worse - is trying to con you. We recommend that you speak to a solar pool heating specialist at Solar Ontario. If approrpriate, they will arrange a visit to provide a thorough on-site solar feasibiltiy study and quotation.
Note: Solar pool heating systems are always large. Even with the best, most efficient solar collectors in the world, you need at least 50% of the pool's surface area in solar collector area. The factors above determine how much MORE collector area will be required to properly heat the pool!
To get a detailed explaination of how the 11 factors apply, send us an email or call us.
Next: Installing a Solar Pool Heating System