There’s something about a cool dip in the pool that can make the stresses of the day melt away. That is unless the pool isn’t heated and the shock of the water makes it a bit harder to enjoy. Yet, typical pool heating systems can be very expensive. This is due to their need to constantly run on electricity to keep the pool at the ideal temperature. Yet, a solar pool heating system can be a very effective and efficient way of heating your pool just the way you like it.
How Do Solar Pool Heating Systems Really Work?
A solar pool heater is an easy-to-use tool that provides a significant amount of power to heat your pool to the right temperature. And, as its name implies, it uses the sun to do so. Here is a quick breakdown of how a solar pool heating system can work for your needs.
- An automatic control valve in the heating unit pushes water through a solar collector and back into your pool.
- The water circulates through your pool. As it moves from the heater into the pool, it’s warmed just to the level you desire.
- The water comes back into the system to be heated over and over again, much like the way your filter system pulls contaminants out of your pool. Most often, it works right alongside your pool filter to do this.
The entire process operates using solar power. That means the heater is designed to collect solar rays, turning them into usable power for your pool. The entire process is seamless – there is nothing complicated to worry about here. Once installed by a professional, it’s a rather hands-free method for heating your pool.
Are Solar Pool Heating Systems Affordable?
Consider the costs. First, if you were to purchase a traditional, electric-powered pool heater, you would pay for the unit itself. You would then need to pay for the constant cost of powering the system to keep it running. That’s not all that efficient and it increases costs quickly.
By contrast, a solar pool heater does not require the same cost. You will pay for the heating system outright. Like a traditional heater, there is also the need to install it. However, once it is installed, it is no longer costing you money.
What’s more, the cost of a solar pool heating system is not necessarily any more expensive than what you may pay for a traditional model. It’s just designed differently. The actual cost depends on the size of the pool and other options available to you.
The average solar pool heating system will range in price from $3,500 to $5,500 to install (that includes the equipment and the installation) and it assumes that your system will cover between 70 and 100 percent of the pool’s total surface area.
The good news is that these pool heating systems do qualify for discounts. Here in Arizona, you may qualify for the state’s solar tax credit. At this time, that is $1,000 back on your taxes for installing the solar system.
Finally, remember that there’s no additional cost once the system is installed. You do not need to pay for electricity to keep your pool’s water at the perfect temperature. By comparison, the average traditional pool heater can raise your energy costs by 10 to 30 percent depending on the size of your pool and the temperature you desire.
The cost of using solar is often competitive to installing either a gas or a heat pump pool heater. They do not have high annual operating costs, though, making them well worth your investment.
Many times, property owners install these systems when they are installing a new pool. You can also add them to an existing pool. Often, frustrated customers who are unhappy with the cost to heat their pool traditionally want to change out electricity-based systems for the more efficient solar systems to reduce their costs. We work with clients who need new pool heating systems and existing pool heating systems installed.
Are They Difficult to Use and Maintain?
One of the best things about solar pool heating systems is that they are less likely to need your attention than your current filter system. They are well-designed to run efficiently and effectively for years to come. In Arizona, you can use them year-round if you plan to swim. It is wisely to have them inspected, cleaned and maintained professionally once a year. That is the same recommendation that you would have for any other pool heating system, though. It is a minimal cost that allows the system to run efficiently.
Once you have them professionally installed by our team, you do not have to manage them much more than that. Our team will teach you how they work and how to adjust the temperature or function of them. As noted, they work well with your pool’s filtration system, but they tend to be less hands-on than those systems. They are easy to use and simple to maintain.
What Are the Benefits of Installing a Pool Heating System That Runs on Solar?
If you love to swim – and on a hot Arizona day there is nothing better to do – then you need to consider the value of a pool heating system. It can provide you with a range of key benefits from the moment you turn it on. Here are a few of them.
- You are not increasing your home’s electricity budget by installing them. That means you benefit from that warm pool without increasing your energy costs.
- They last for years and come with warranties. That gives you the peace of mind you need. Proper maintenance can extend their life even longer than this.
- They are easy to use and do not require much maintenance. Most of the time, they are a reliable, behind-the-scenes type of investment that works for you reliably.
- They help you reduce your impact on the environment around you. This is one of the best reasons for installing them. You can enjoy the beauty of nature from your pool without having to tax it further with energy consumption.
- They qualify for the tax incentives available in Arizona. That drastically cuts down on the costs you are paying for your new solar pool heating system.
Best of all, when you install your solar pool heating system, your pool goes from being a luxury you can enjoy only during the warm months to one you can use throughout the year. On a cool, fall day, you may love the fact that you can dive into a warm pool. It’s a fantastic way to add more use to your pool throughout the day.
How Do Solar Powered Pool Heating Systems Get Installed?
When you are ready to consider the investment in your pool, contact our team. We will come to your home and talk to you about the options – there is no cost to do this and no obligation to work with us either. Once we take this step, we schedule the installation process for you.
The solar systems can be installed on any type of roof. This includes installing them on any type of shingle, flat, or tile roof. We work with you to ensure the process is as straightforward as possible. This is a customized process to ensure that it is done properly for your home. Every home’s solar panel system will be a bit different.
Once this is done, we will install your solar heating pool system and link it to the solar panel system. Then, we can get it operational and teach you how to use it. The entire process is very straightforward and simple to learn.
Our team works hard to ensure that you know what to expect. We spend a bit more time helping you to learn how to get the most out of your system and how it will impact your home’s energy use. If you do not have a solar system in place just yet, let us talk to you about how a whole-home system may further benefit you, if you would like to do so.
Learn More by Calling Us
The entire process of switching to an alternative energy source for your pool’s heating needs can be easier than you think. It all starts with a consultation. There’s no pressure involved. We’ll show you exactly what to expect, give you options, and provide you with a clear price on the process. It’s easy to see the value they can offer.
Take the time to contact Custom Solar and Leisure today to learn more about installing a solar pool heating system. Call us at 520-247-3060.
