| A solar pool heater means more enjoyment, | | | | Is a DIY solar pool heater not incredibly complex |
| more fun out of your swimming pool. After all, | | | | and expensive to put together? No, it only |
| why do you have one? It's an expensive asset on | | | | requires a good set of instructions and basic |
| which you also spend valuable time and money, | | | | handyman's skills to build one yourself. |
| maintaining it. | | | | And the cost? It can actually be done for as little |
| There are four ways to heat your pool | | | | as under US$100. |
| - electric heater | | | | Yes, of course you do need a circulation pump |
| - gas, usually a propane heater | | | | and if that runs on mains power it will take a |
| - using a pool cover | | | | measly 15 to 20 Watts only for a 30,000 litre |
| - solar pool heating | | | | pool. But of course, using a solar powered pump |
| You would know already that heating a swimming | | | | will not even require this use of mains power. |
| pool electrically or with gas is very expensive. | | | | There are solar pool heaters for different |
| Consequently many people make a choice - not | | | | situations, and they come in any size. Rooftop |
| to heat the pool at all at cooler times of the year | | | | systems lay flat on your roof and are best for |
| or day. | | | | the very large pools, or you may like to consider |
| But this means wasting your asset just because it | | | | an on the ground system. The on the ground |
| is expensive to heat. Why have a pool and then | | | | system is installed right next to your pool with a |
| not swim in it? Use solar power energy and make | | | | maximum exposure to the sun's warmth. |
| your pool or outdoor spa an hospitable | | | | It is the on the ground system that could be built |
| environment to enjoy at any time. A solar pool | | | | for under US$100. |
| heater - or spa heater - allows you to extend the | | | | So, in selecting your solar pool heater system you |
| use of your pool or outdoor spa into spring and | | | | need to know the size of your pool and your local |
| autumn, cool evenings and mornings. | | | | weather conditions (you do need sunshine!). |
| Further advantages of solar pool heating include: | | | | Just remember that heated pool water is a good |
| - You save on energy, gas or electricity, running a | | | | environment for bacterial and algae growth so |
| conventional pool heater | | | | must monitor correct chlorine or salt levels to the |
| - Solar energy is free! | | | | water. You should get expert advice about that |
| - You reduce greenhouse gas emissions | | | | from your local pool supplier. |
| You can buy a solar pool heater, up to a cost of | | | | Oh, and the pool cover. Yes, by all means use it |
| $2000. Or you can build one yourself. For much | | | | as a passive solar top-up of your pool enjoyment. |
| less. | | | | Now enjoy your swim! |