| A solar pool heater really comes into its own in | | | | - No bills for solar energy - it is free! |
| spring and autumn. It can greatly extend the | | | | - You cut down on greenhouse gas emissions |
| pleasure that you and your family get from your | | | | Of course you could still go out and buy yourself |
| swimming pool or spa. | | | | a pool heater for up to $2,000 and be done with |
| When evenings and mornings are getting too cool | | | | it. Or you can build a solar one yourself for much |
| for other pool users your solar heater swimming | | | | less. Perhaps as little as $100. Your very own |
| pool will still allow you maximum use of your | | | | homemade solar pool heater. |
| valuable asset. | | | | All you need is a decent set of solar pool heater |
| What is a pool heater? | | | | plans and basic DIY skills to achieve this. A caution |
| Basically of course it is a means to warm the | | | | though! Revealing your inner Superman by |
| water in your pool or spa. Depending somewhat | | | | completing such a project will be somewhat |
| on the size of your pool, you have a number of | | | | tarnished by the fact that a 14-year old might be |
| options. The solar option uses the free energy of | | | | able to build one of these. Just don't tell anyone... |
| the sun. | | | | So, besides instructions, what do you need for |
| You could: | | | | your solar swimming pool heater , whether above |
| - use an electric heater | | | | ground pool solar heater or otherwise? Firstly, a |
| - use gas, usually a propane heater | | | | circulation pump, using 15 to 20 Watt on mains |
| - use a pool cover | | | | power for a 30,000 liter pool. With a solar pump |
| - or use solar pool heating | | | | you won't have even this small expense. Secondly |
| Why solar? | | | | you need a circulation system. |
| Disadvantages of using fossil fuels, eg electricity | | | | Types of solar systems |
| and some types of gas, include their fast rising | | | | A rooftop system lies flat on your roof. So now |
| costs in our carbon constrained world. And if you | | | | you know what those large black areas of tubing |
| want to do something about reducing emissions a | | | | are on some folks roofs. These are best for |
| solar pool heater is one, small, but enjoyable | | | | larger pools, requiring large surfaces to catch solar |
| means of doing so. Anything you can do helps! | | | | heat. |
| "But electricity has no emissions" you say? Not at | | | | An on the ground system, as you would expect, |
| the consumer end, no. But think of all that coal, oil | | | | sits on the ground, closer to your pool. It is usually |
| and gas generating electricity in most countries' | | | | mounted vertically, oriented towards the sun and |
| power plants, bellowing greenhouse gasses and | | | | blended in with existing fencing or walls, so it |
| other pollution? | | | | requires no extra space. |
| We are now standing at a time in human history | | | | And "no", a good solar pool heater is not |
| where fossil fuel prices are rising dramatically. | | | | dysfunctional on cloudy days! It will still keep your |
| What you have seen so far is only the start. Just | | | | pool water warm. As an extra measure, when |
| wait till emissions trading takes off, somewhere | | | | conserving that heat overnight with a passive |
| near you! As it will! | | | | solar pool cover you can surely be snug and |
| Advantages | | | | warm in your pool while others are freezing. |
| In this changing world some sacrifices will have to | | | | Assessing your system needs |
| be made. But should your pool be one of them? I | | | | If you're ready to go the solar option, first assess |
| don't know the answer when water shortages | | | | what system you need by knowing your local |
| are also a part of climate change. | | | | weather patterns and the size of your pool. DIY |
| But you can enjoy your pool now in the | | | | or off-the-shelf solar pool heaters are available for |
| knowledge of having done something solar and | | | | various scenarios. And an above ground pool solar |
| practical about heating it. These are the rewards: | | | | heater is no different. |
| - You enjoy your pool into cooler seasons and | | | | Building your diy solar pool heater saves money |
| cooler day times; | | | | and emissions. Your home made solar pool heater |
| - You're saving money on utility bills, charged for | | | | will also mean lots more fun for your family in |
| running a conventional pool heater | | | | your heated pool - for years to come! |