Solar Heating

Do I need a separate boost pump?

a) New Pool

Your solar swimming pool heating system may operate completely independently from your filtration system, no matter what time your filtration system operates. Your solar heating controller will operate your solar boost pump irrespective of your filter requirements. This system requires a separate suction line from the deep end of your pool which takes the unheated water to the boost pump. The return is located in the shallow end of your pool, with an eyeball pointing downwards. This situation will ensure good circulation of the heated water.

b) Existing Pool

Many pools (particularly older style) may not have a separate suction line for a solar water heating system. This does not mean that a solar water heating system can not be added to the pool. Your filtration system will be drawing water from the skimmer box into the pump and then pushing this water through your filtration and returning this water to the pool. In this situation we draw water after the filtration with a "T" piece down to a small boost pump, which is operated by the solar water heating controller. This small pump will direct some of the filtered water up to the solar heating system when the conditions are correct. This system can only operate whilst the filtration is on.

What are the swimming periods that solar heating will achieve?

Depending on the location, a properly designed solar system will allow you to swim one month either side of when you would normally be swimming. In addition to this, the time that you swim will be a lot more pleasurable.

How much Solar do I need?

A general rule of thumb would be 80% of surface of the pool - 9m x 4.5m = 40m2 x 80% = 32m2 of solar panel.

Variations to this may be acceptable but the percentage of cover will change and performance will alter. Other factors will also be calculated in this. Please contact us for more detailed information.

Which roof do I put solar water heating panels on?

Solar water heating systems can be installed on tiles, iron and cliplock roofs. The pitch of the roof should be no more than 32° for safety, installation and performance reasons.

The solar panel must face north to north west or be placed on a flat roof.