Heating and maintaining a pool can be very expensive; however, you can significantly reduce your overall expenditure by exploiting solar energy. There are many systems of this type, the effectiveness of which depends on the climate of the area you live in, the size of the pool and the method you choose to heat the water. If it is not possible to install a complete solar-powered heating system, there are many other solutions you can implement, which are considerably less expensive and easier to assemble.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Fill the Pool
Step 1. Use a long black hose to fill the pool
The longer it takes the water to travel down the pipe to the pool, the warmer the water will be. Although a 4-5 m hose is often sufficient, adding a few meters translates into more time available for the water to heat up; the additional surface also allows to absorb more heat. If you use a dark colored material, the water becomes even warmer, because the tones of this type absorb more solar energy.
- The ideal is a black rubber hose, which is also relatively inexpensive. You can eventually use that to water the garden, as long as it is black, because its thin walls allow for rapid heat transfer. While this is an inexpensive solution, remember that this type of tube tends to bend easily.
- You can find both products in most hardware stores.
Step 2. Verify that the hose is exposed to direct sunlight
When filling the pool, make sure that the hose receives as much solar energy as possible; direct it towards the sun or mount it on a panel that you can tilt towards the sun's rays for maximum benefit.
You can consider clamping the pipe to a plank and fixing everything on the side of the roof that is exposed to the sun. This solution is not recommended, unless you have a low roof, like that of a shed, or you are not experienced in this kind of "height" work
Step 3. Slowly fill the pool through a thin tube
A thin stream of water heats up more quickly as it fills the pool; uses a tube of 1.5-2 cm in diameter for this purpose. Having the flow run in a diameter of 2 cm allows the water to heat up, while still filling the pool at an acceptable rate.
Always fill the pool on a sunny day to make the most of the sun's energy
Part 2 of 3: Heat the Pool
Step 1. Use a solar cover
It consists of a pool cover specially designed to absorb and transfer solar energy directly to the water; it is able to raise the temperature by about 9 ° C every 12 hours of use. The solar covers also insulate the surface of the pool, preventing the heat from dissipating. A transparent or almost completely transparent model offers the best results.
- Just like a normal cover, the solar one reduces the evaporation of water and allows you to conserve energy.
- It also prevents debris from falling into the water, minimizing the amount of chemicals you need to use to treat it.
Step 2. Use the sun rings
These are transparent and inflatable discs that float on the surface of the water, heating it. One ring is capable of transferring up to 22,260 kJ per day and has a diameter of about 1.5m; therefore purchase a sufficient number to cover 80% of the pool surface. The rings last an average of 5 years and cost around 20 euros each. However, considering that they do not use electricity, their cost is moderate.
- Another advantage of these devices is that they are easy to remove and take apart for storage during the winter.
- You can leave them in the pool at the same time as the cover.
Step 3. Install solar panels on the roof of the house
These elements accumulate the heat of the sun and use it to heat the pool water; they are easy to assemble and prove to be quite resistant in all climatic situations. You can choose glazed or non-glazed collectors; these latter are less expensive, but also slightly less efficient in producing heat.
- However, the non-glazed versions are effective as long as you don't want to use the pool during the months when temperatures drop below freezing.
- If you live in a warm and sunny climate, these panels are the ideal solution.
Step 4. Install a solar-powered heating system
This system includes a solar collector, a filter, a pump and a valve for flow control. The water is pumped through the filter and then towards the collector, where it heats up before returning to the pool; this is an excellent but expensive solution. The purchase and assembly of the system can require between 3000 and 4000 euros.
- The solar installation is expected to last up to 7 years.
- It is generally more effective than gas and heat pump systems and has a longer life.
Part 3 of 3: Avoiding Energy Loss
Step 1. Keep your pool in good condition
The pump and the circulation systems must be kept in perfect condition to make the most of the potential of the solar collectors. Check the filter periodically to make sure it effectively removes debris from the pool. Keep the drain system free from clogging, so that the water can flow freely and smoothly. Inspect the pump often to ensure proper water circulation.
- Use a kit to test the chemical composition of the water and measure the pH and chlorine level.
- When you need to add chemicals, pour them farthest from the collector inlet pipes.
Step 2. Monitor the water temperature
The correct range for recreational use of a private pool is between 27 and 29 ° C, while for sports it should be between 25 and 27 ° C. If the temperature is far from these values, you are probably wasting energy. Purchase a pool thermometer to help you check this and reduce the pump speed when the water gets too hot.
Step 3. Use a solar cover whenever the pool is not in use
Evaporation is responsible for the greatest loss of energy; to avoid this phenomenon, keep the cover on the surface of the water when you are not using the pool. The material it is made of continues to absorb energy from the sun and transmit it to the water, while at the same time preventing the heat from dissipating.
