Everything You Wanted to Know About Solar Panels For Your Above Ground Swimming Pool
We’re big fans of solar energy here at Linerworld. It’s free, it’s effective, and it’s natural. What can be better than that, right? Solar panels, in particular, are a great way to harness the power of the sun to help heat your swimming pool. If you’re considering investing in solar energy, check out these tips and tricks to get the most out of solar panels for your pool.
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need to Heat My Pool?
Of course, the first trick is getting the right number of panels to heat your above ground pool. The solar panels we sell at LinerWorld are 2’ x 20’, which is approximately 40 square feet. This is a pretty common size. The more surface area the solar panels have, the more heat is generated. Use the following guide.
For other specific sizes or pool shapes, be sure to contact us for additional information and insights. Our pool experts are always happy to help.
Need help measuring your pool? Check out our handy measurement guide.
How Do Swimming Pool Solar Panels Work?
While it may vary slightly depending on your pool and the panels you select, solar panels generally work like this:
- Waters is pumped through the filter.
- It then goes through the solar collector(s), where it is heated by the sun.
- The warmed water is then returned to the pool.
- Some systems use a control valve that helps direct water through the solar collector.
Generally, you can expect to see a 10 to 20-degree increase in temperature in your pool water and be able to extend your swimming season. Since you’re not using electricity or adding other operational costs, it’s definitely a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to heat your pool.
Other Solar Panel Tips & Tricks
- Install your solar panels where they can receive direct sun most of the day. If that’s not an option, solar panels may not be as effective.
- You should still use a pool cover at night and during cooler days. This is when most heat loss occurs.
- Keep an eye out for severe weather. You may want to remove the panels to avoid damage.
- Windy coastal areas and shaded areas may need additional panels to compensate for heat loss.
- Fences and hedges can help block wind and other weather to increase the solar panel’s effectiveness and protect the panels from damage.
- The great thing about solar is that you can always add more panels if you need to.
If you’re looking to save money on pool heating costs and find eco-friendly solutions for your home, then solar panels — and other great solar products like solar ionizers, solar pool covers, and solar water heaters — are definitely something to consider.
