Are you the owner of an exercise pool or physical therapy pool? If so, then you’re sure to know how expensive it can be keeping these types of pools heated to the correct temperature. The Timpany Center, which is home to a 100,000-gallon therapeutic pool in San Jose, suggests that therapy pools be kept at a standard temperature of 92 degrees fahrenheit, which can be extremely difficult to do year-round. Maintaining this temperature through traditional pool heating methods, like gas or electric, can drive your monthly bill through the roof– especially during the colder months.
Solar heating, on the other hand, is a cost-efficient alternative to these antiquated types of heating systems. What’s more, heating your hydrotherapy pool with solar energy is also much better for the environment. Read on to learn more about the ins and outs of solar energy and how it can be the best option for heating your therapeutic swimming pool.
How Does Solar Heating Work?
Simply put, solar heating systems harness the energy that is released by the sun for pool heating purposes. Panels are usually installed on the roof of your home so that they can capture solar energy most effectively. These panels then transfer the thermal energy to the pool water that is passed through the panels. This thermal energy transfer of solar pool heaters makes it so your therapy pool can be heated simply by diverting the water of your existing filtration system to a few panels on your roof. Solar pool heating systems are designed to heat your pool in the most cost-effective and efficient way, making use of an abundant and renewable source of energy.
Benefits of Solar Heating for Therapeutic Pools
There are a wide variety of advantages to using solar heating for your hydro pool. The main benefits include:
Energy Cost Savings
Solar heating pulls from a renewable source of energy, which reduces your operational costs over time. Energy from the sun is plentiful and free for the taking. Although initial startup costs may seem steeper than traditional heating systems, solar heating systems allow you to make returns on your investment by eradicating your monthly pool heating bill. Once these monthly savings have covered your investment, you’ll have money freed up to use on other purchases.
Environmental Sustainability
Solar pool heating systems are just as good for the planet as they are for your wallet. Traditional heating methods pull energy from nonrenewable sources, which contribute to carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions are at the root of global warming and climate change. By switching to a solar heating system, you can help do your part to protect mother nature. Solar pool heaters are fully sustainable, as solar energy is produced at a faster rate than it is consumed. A bounty of clean energy is well within your reach.
Enhanced Comfort for Users
Solar pool heaters are designed with cutting edge technology that helps ensure your pool maintains a comfortable and consistent water temperature. Exercise pools should generally be kept around 83-85 degrees fahrenheit, and therapeutic pools need to stay steadily warmed at 92 degrees fahrenheit. Solar heaters help produce a regulated and even temperature through extended periods of the year, and are even capable of sustaining year-round heating in some areas of the country. This makes for a more enjoyable, comfortable, and beneficial exercise or therapeutic pool experience.
Installation and Maintenance of Solar Heating Systems
Although the process may seem daunting, installing and maintaining your solar heating system is fairly easy. Installation and maintenance requirements include:
Choosing the Right Solar Heating System
Before you get started with installing your solar heating system, you need to make sure you get the right one for your unique situation and needs. When choosing a solar heating system, be sure to consider factors like:
- Pool size – May affect the number of solar panels you need.
- Geographic location – Areas that have harsher climates may require sturdier housing and mounting equipment.
- Solar viability – Sunnier locations have higher solar viability, you want to be sure you live in a place that makes solar energy a viable solution.
- Budget – Solar heating systems range in price and can be a costly up front investment.
- Available space for panels – Depending on the number of solar panels you need for your pool size, you need to make sure you have enough roof or ground space to effectively capture an adequate amount of sunlight.
- Energy efficiency ratings – You want to be sure to get a solar heating system that has a high energy efficiency rating. The whole point of switching to solar is to save on energy costs by efficiently and sustainably heating your pool.
At Solar Pool Supply, you can talk with one of our expert customer service representatives to ensure that all of these factors are taken into consideration before you make a purchase. Whether you’re looking to heat a Swimex, Fitmax, Hydroworks, or iPool, Solar Pool Supply can help make sure you get a solar heating system that maximizes your cost-efficiency.
Installation Process
Installing a solar heating system for a pool involves a few key steps. First, a site assessment is conducted to determine the optimal location and orientation for the solar collectors, ensuring maximum sunlight exposure. When installing your own solar pool heater, this assessment can be done on your own or with the help of one of Solar Pool Supply’s expert consultants.
Once optimal location and orientation has been decided on, the equipment, including solar panels and connecting pipes, is strategically placed and securely installed. This can be done through an installation service, or on your own as long as you have basic tools and the ability to get on your roof.
Finally, the system is connected to the pool's existing filtration system, allowing the heated water to circulate through the pool, raising its temperature efficiently.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Solar heating systems are generally designed to be low-maintenance investments. That being said, some simple maintenance tips to ensure your solar heating system stays effective for as long as possible include:
- Regularly cleaning solar panels for maximum efficiency
- Checking for leaks within the piping system and repairing if noted
- Monitoring your system’s overall performance to detect any inefficiencies
- Making sure the panels are drained of all water during harsh weather conditions
Common issues that may arise with your solar heating system include:
- Reduced heating efficiency due to dirt or debris on panels
- Blockage in the pipes
- Wear and tear of components over time
As you can probably surmise, most of these issues can be mitigated by caring for your solar pool heating system and checking up on its efficiency and integrity from time to time. The important thing is that you address any issues you run into promptly so that your system’s longevity and effectiveness is protected. Solar Pool Supply is here to help you with any troubleshooting questions you may have, as we offer a wide variety of solar pool heating replacement parts and tools.
Future Trends in Solar Heating for Therapeutic Pools
Future trends in solar heating for therapeutic pools are likely to focus on increased efficiency and sustainability. Innovations may include advanced solar collectors with higher heat absorption rates, integration of smart technology for energy management, and the use of eco-friendly materials to reduce the environmental impact. Certain therapeutic Fitmax pools, like the Fitmax iPool, already offer built in heating systems. As time progresses and solar heating technology is further refined, we will likely see portable in-home therapy pools fitted with solar heating systems for maximum cost-efficiency.
How to Get Started with Solar Heating for your Therapeutic Pool
Ready to take the first step in sustainable and cost-effective heating for your pool therapy? All of your solar pool heating needs can be satisfied through Solar Pool Supply. As the nation’s largest retailer of solar pool heating systems and supplies, we have everything you need to get started on your solar pool heating project. What’s more, you can call or chat with one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives at any time. We’re here to help you succeed.
Solar heating is cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable. Your therapeutic pool needs to stay at a specific temperature, a solar pool heating system can help ensure that temperature is maintained throughout the year in a way that saves you money and reduces carbon emissions for the environment. There’s no reason not to switch to solar energy when it comes to heating your therapeutic pool. Contact Solar Pool Supply today to learn more about how you can get with the times and make the switch to solar.
