[xlhig]

Originally Posted by champion6

Thinking about installing a pool and would like some info on solar heat for the pool.
You didn't say if you will have an electric or gas heater. My opinion is you need both to be able to swim every day. January is a cold month. February is, too.

Can you actually swim year round if you have solar heat?
Yes, year round. Based on our pool, I feel you will also need an electric or gas heater in order to swim every day.
You also need a cover to reduce the temperature drop overnight.

What is the average temperature of your pool during the winter months?
High 60s to low 70s when the pump starts in the morning. We shoot for 80-82 by mid-day during the winter.
Frankly your mileage may vary.
I believe you can reach higher temps if you keep the heater going all the time the pump is running. The more hours you run the pump/heater combo, the more warmed water you push though the pool - but as always, "time is money."
It's hard to answer because both our electric heater and our solar system are each controlled by a thermostat. Basically, we have it set so that the solar valve opens as soon as the morning sun warms the solar system to the point that the valve opens. During the winter, that valve stays open all day, as long as the water temperature in the solar system doesn't fall too low. We have some trees that shade the roof in the afternoon.

Have you had any issues with your solar heat?
No - two years of use.

Maintenance for the solar heater?
Occasionally blow leaves/twigs off the roof.

One more factor - size matters. The more square feet of solar panels you have, the more heat the solar system can generate. In our case the size of our solar panels is 100% of the surface of our pool - 12x24= 288 sq. ft. That's all I know, any more advise about this factor needs to come from an installer.
And one more - the direction your panels face can affect the sun's ability to heat the water in the system. Again, installer advice is needed.

Bottom line: I believe a solar system will increase the number of days you can use your pool.

If you don't mind me asking, do you have a gas or electric heater and how much does that add to your utility bill during the winter months?