Frequently Asked Questions
That Tell You Solar Pool Heating is the Right Choice

Why would I want my pool heated?
You probably bought your pool for many reasons - family fun, entertaining friends, exercise, those quiet relaxing moments, or even therapeutic reasons. You spent a lot of time making the design to invest in a quality pool, furniture, fencing, and accompanying items that go along with a pool. You are, of course, expecting to get the most out of your pool. But, if your pool is frequently too cold to swim in comfortably, you are not realizing the full benefit of your significant investment. Solar pool heating can effectively.

In simple terms, how does a solar pool heater work?
Solar pool heating works by using the existing pump that circulates water through your filter, pool water is diverted so that it flows through the many small passages of the solar collector (or, "panel"). While passing through the solar collector, water is warmed by the sun, before
returning directly back into the pool. When your pool has reached your desired comfort level, the solar collectors are bypassed and pool water is circulated as usual.

Is a solar pool heater simple to operate?
Yes - most solar pool heating systems are completely automatic and are as easy to operate as any fossil-fuel heater. Simply select your desired high-limit temperature and the solar system will do the rest. Pool water will automatically divert to the solar collectors if there is a) enough solar thermal energy at the location of the collectors and b) when the pool's desired temperature has not been reached. Solar pool heating is compatible with the latest in pool automation technology.

How well does solar energy heat a pool?
Solar energy is just another fuel with which to heat your pool. A properly designed solar pool heating system can achieve the same results as other methods. On days when you can relax comfortably in a bathing suit at poolside, but the water is too cold for swimming, solar energy can heat your pool to a comfortably temperature, raising pool temperature by 10-12 degrees.

What is the best type of collector to use to heat my pool?
Unlike other solar pool heating systems that use tubes "welded" to each other or "loose tubes", Solar Industries Solar Pool Heating Collectors use a patented tube-and-curved-web design that relieves stress caused by expansion and contraction. Solar Industries solar collectors are engineered with a direct-flow manifold that delivers optimal flow without causing harmful back-pressure on your filtration system. Other collectors that use a sub-plenum create back pressure that reduces your filtration system performance and lifespan. Our proven solar pool heaters design has been in continuous operation for more than 35 years, making Solar Industries the number one choice in satisfied swimming pool owners around the world.

Do the solar collectors have to face south and be mounted on my roof?
Not necessarily - though Solar Industries collectors are generally roof-mounted, they should be installed where they can be in the sun a good portion of the day. Depending on the angle of the mounting surface, east- and west-facing systems can function equally as well.

What if I have a gas heater or heat pump?
Your Solar Industries Solar Pool Heater will work alongside your existing fossil-fuel heater. A "hybrid solar pool heater" uses solar as the main source of heat and a gas heater or heat pump as a backup heater, if needed. With a hybrid solar pool heater, you can have the "best of both worlds" when it comes to keeping your pool at a comfortable temperature.

How much does it cost to heat your pool?
You have a considerable investment in owning and maintaining your swimming pool. The question should be - "what is it worth to me to have a warm comfortable pool that I can enjoy all the benefits of, more often?"  Solar Industries Solar Pool Heating can pay for itself in as little as two years. After that, you'll be collecting dividends in the form of free heat year after year by simply choosing to use a solar pool heating system.

Has the cost of solar heating come down?
The use of solar collectors for swimming pool heating has always been the most widely used, cost-effective use of solar energy. Solar pool heating collectors are made from a special copolymer derived from fossil-fuels. As the cost of those fossil-fuels rise, so does the cost of manufacturing and installation of a solar pool heating system. The sooner you invest in a solar pool heating system, the more you will save and the quicker you can enjoy swimming in your own heated pool without the ever-increasing costs of a fossil-fuel heater.

The Installation
The smart pool owner knows a solar pool heating system is an investment; the return on that investment being in the form of a longer, more comfortable swim season. Installation of a solar pool heating system is relatively simple, and takes an average crew about a 2-3 days to complete. Collectors are generally roof mounted, but can be installed anywhere they can receive sunlight a good portion of the day (about 6-8 hours each day). Though easy to install, we strongly recommend hiring Phelps Solar Specialist who has the necessary experience to do the installation. Failure to observe safe practices on a roof or other elevated structure may result in falling, leading to serious injury to you. We know that a satisfied and educated system owner is our best form of advertising. In fact, most of our new customers come by way of word-of-mouth from existing customers. 

Swimming Pool Solar Panels Save You Money- 
​Annual pool expenses can be challenging. One of the quickest ways to cut your annual pool operating costs is to use solar panels and heat your pool with solar heater. Average Annual Cost:
Gas Heat - $2050 per year
Heat Pump - $1106 per year
Solar - $0 per year (cost is running pool pump)
* Data courtesy of the Department of Energy Rather than spending money on fossil fuels extracted from the ground, a solar pool water heater draws the natural warmth from the sun and infuses its heat into your pool. With free solar energy, you can easily maintain your swimming pool temperature at an official olympic 80 F.

Pool Solar Panels Require Less Maintenance Fossil-fuel pool heaters require regular maintenance to continue working efficiently. A solar pool heater is simply dependable – with virtually no moving parts and virtually no maintenance. Which means your solar pool water heater requires no maintenance other than standard pool maintenance..

The results: Less than 0.5% warranty claims in over 30 years of production. Now that's reliability.

Save Money and the Planet Swimming Pool Solar Heating -
As Green as It Gets There's no form of energy that's cleaner than solar, Reduce your carbon footprint by heating your pool with free energy from the sun through the use of a solar pool heating system. Most people think of the transportation industry when they think of environmental pollution caused by fossil fuels. However, if you want to make a positive impact on the environment, look no further than your backyard. Replacing your swimming pool’s fossil fuel based heater with a solar pool heating system can eliminate as much as 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, combining eco-friendly consciousness with summer fun.

Environmentally Friendly Swimming Pools -
The Clean Alternative If you've been thinking about converting to solar heating for your swimming pool, now's a great time to act. We're offering $200 off the purchase of a swimming pool solar heating system. 

Operating Solar During Freezing Conditions -  
In some parts of the country, pool owners operate their pools throughout the winter even though light freezing conditions may occur. If your system is equipped with an isolation valve in the collector feed line and check valve in the collector return line:

1. Turn the circulating system off and allow at least 30 minutes for the solar collectors and piping to drain. If your installation does not allow for gravity drainage, the system must be manually drained from the roof or a dedicated drain line. 

2. Once drained, close the isolation valve in the collector feed line. If your system is automatically controlled, switch the control panel into the "pool" or "off" position. Turn the filtration system back on to protect it from freezing.

3. When freezing conditions have passed, open the isolation valve in the collector feed line, and if your system is automatically controlled return the switch in the control panel to the "auto" position.

If your system is not equipped with isolation valves, or cannot be drained manually, it is recommended to continuously circulate pool water through the solar heating system at any time the outside temperature is 42 degrees F or lower (this method is not recommended where temperature levels may drop severely)







​
​*all provided data is from Solar Industries manufacturing, based on a national level, each city and state may vary. Some data is from the U.S. Department of Energy. If any questions ask a representative and they can help you in your local city or state.