Which Solar Solution is the
"Right Fit" For Me?

California Solar Pool Heating Systems

How it works

A solar pool heater is simple to operate and doesn’t change the way you operate standard pool equipment. Water is pumped into the solar collector using the existing pool pump. The solar collector is made up of black plastic tubes that heat up as the sun shines on them. Cool water from your pool enters the warm tubing of the solar collector and heats up. The warm water is then pumped back into the pool. This Figure shows the components of a typical solar heater.

Solar Collector

Solar collectors are usually mounted on the roof of your home or other structure such as a shed or garage. This is the least expensive option and doesn’t take up extra space on the property. When suitable roof space is not available, collectors can be ground-mounted on a rack.

Pump, Controller, Check Valves

The existing pool pump is used to circulate water from the pool through the solar collectors and back to the pool. On sunny days, an automatic controller diverts the water to the roof by a motorized valve. The automatic valve uses special temperature sensors to determine when the solar collectors should be used.

For those on a budget, a manual valve can be used. However, this tends to be an impractical option for most people because the valve must be turned at least twice a day at exactly the right time. Automatic and manual valves and controllers are discussed in the section on installing and maintaining a solar water heater.

Water is pumped through the filter, typically 6 to 8 hours a day. If the water is cooler than the desired temperature the controller turns the solar valve to direct water to the solar panels. The solar panels heat the water 3º to 5º per circulation. The check valves hinder the water to flow in the wrong direction. Without using the heater a solar pool system can heat the water to 75º and more for 8 months.