Solar pool heating systems are sized based on the square foot surface area or volume of the pool. For inground pools we recommend a solar offset of 50%-100%. For example, if the pool is 16’x32’ (512 sq ft) we would recommend a total system size of 250-500 sq ft depending on variables such as your location, climate/weather conditions, panel orientation, daily solar exposure time, etc. Looking at pool volume, for a 20,000 gallon pool the recommendation would be 300-400 sq ft total system size, so recommended flow rate would be 30-40 GPM cycling and heating 50%-100% of the water volume in 6-8 hours (30 GPM @ 6 Hours = 10,800 gallons or 54% volume turnover or 40 GPM @ 8 Hours = 19,200 gallons or 96% of water volume) depending on final system size, orientation, run time, etc.
A solar bypass is installed to turn the system on and off. A solar bypass is a series of valves located after the filter, but before any other accessories such as gas heaters, heat pumps, chlorinators, etc. This solar bypass allows you to divert water to the solar panels or bypass the solar and just filter water like you normally do without heating. When diverting water to the solar panels the panels are heated by direct sunlight and as the diverted water flows them that thermal heat is transferred to the pool water and sent back to the pool.
A properly sized solar pool heating system can increase your water temperature by 6-15 degrees depending on system size, orientation, solar run time, location/weather climate, and seasonal weather conditions.
Yes, there are some limitations, but if you plumb the system correctly to balance flow through all panels it’s no problem. We can help with plumbing diagrams!
Yes! Our GeoBubble covers are easily trimmed to any shape or size with a good pair of scissors. You can find our trimming video here.
All the products we carry are of the highest quality from the top manufacturers, so you can’t make a wrong choice, but there are different panels recommended based on weather conditions. The SwimJoy (separated tube design) system is the most durable, longest lasting, lowest maintenance, and most secure. However, the installation is a bit more technical and in daily windy conditions some heat can be stripped out due to the separated tube design. The SwimEasy (solid body design) panels are another extremely popular option as they are very simple to install, reduce heat loss in windy environments, and retain more heat due to the solid body design. However, they do require a bit more maintenance and will have more wind lift stress in high-wind or hurricane scenarios. The Boss NanoTek product is an ideal choice for “undersized” systems due to space limitations as the higher efficiency will ensure as much heat as possible is transferred to the water.
All the products we carry are of the highest quality and are designed to last 15-20 years or more. Proper installation and maintenance procedures are critical to the lifespan of the system.
Generally, no. Pools in harsher winter environments are shut down for the winter. And even pools in warmer southern climates are stripped of heat due to nightly low temperatures. It will heat the water, but there is typically too large of a temperature gap to get the pool up to a swimmable water temp. Central to South Florida would be an exception where an 11-12 month swim season is achievable. For all other regions a solar pool heating system is perfect for spring through fall swim season extension.
There are a lot of variables to this. Typically, your existing equipment should be ok, but larger systems, longer plumbing runs, and higher rises may require an upgrade. The 1.5-3 HP variable speed pumps are typically the best for most systems however, may not be necessary given your scenario. We would be happy to help with an evaluation to ensure you have the right equipment.
Absolutely! In comparison to running a traditional gas heater or heat pump, solar will pay for itself within 3-5 years, and then you get 10-15 years of free heating after that.
