Solar Pool Heating

Question: Why should I use solar energy for swimming pool heating?

Answer: Solar pool heating makes sense for a variety of reasons. If you currently heat your pool with natural gas, you know how much money this can cost. Comparing this to the cost of installing a solar system can determine how long it will take you to recover your initial investment, Generally, in most applications, a solar system pays for itself in less than three years. From then on the pool will be heated for free for the life of the svstem, from 10-20 vears, based on the system type. For those pool owners who currently choose not to heat their pool at all, the decision is whether to heat their pool so it can be used or allow their rather sizable investment to sit unused for the majority of the year because it is too cold to swim in. Installing a solar pool heating system can extend your swimming season to at least 7 months a year in California. Plus, solar pool heaters also produce "clean" energy and do not pollute the environment as many conventional heating sources do.

Question: What are some tips, as a non-technical potential buyer, for selecting the right solar pool heater installation and installer?

Answer: Use the same common sense you would when investing in a roofing job or other home improvement work, such as:

1. Buy only from a licensed contractor and check on their experience and reputation. We encourage you to do business with companies that are members of the California Solar Energy Industries Association.

2. Be aware that several factors should be considered when evaluating various system configurations. More solar panels generally means your pool will be warmer. If you will use a pool cover, if your roof is flat or sloped, and the temperature range you wish to keep your pool at will all affect the sizing of the solar system.

3. Make sure the system is sized properly. An inadequately sized system is guaranteed to make you unhappy. Beware of outrageous claims, such as "90 degree pool temperatures in December with no backup heater." No solar system can do this.

4. The Contractor should produce evidence of adequate Worker's Compensation and Liability Insurance. Insurance certificates should come directly from the insurance company and not from the contractor.

5. Check referrals before buying.

6. Get a written description of the system, including number of solar panels, size of panels, and the make and model number.

7. Get a complete operation and maintenance manual and a start-up demonstration.

8. The price should not be the most important factor. But it should also not be dramatically different from prices of competing bidders for similar equipment. For instance, if you get three bids, and one is much lower, something is wrong.

9. Be sure the contractor obtains a building permit if required.

10. If you need help in finding a qualified solar installer/contractor, call CAL SEIA. Our member companies have agreed to adhere to a Code of Ethics which is designed to ensure high standards of integrity in business practice.