Harrimans Frequently Asked Questions about Solar Heating

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why heat my pool?
What type of heater?
How will solar energy heat my pool?
Is a solar pool heating system simple to operate?
What about the environment?
Do the solar collectors have to face south?
Do the solar collectors have to be mounted on the roof?
What size solar heating system will I need to heat my pool?
How does a solar pool heater work?
How do I control the temperature of my solar heated pool?
Will I need a pool cover?
How are heat pumps rated for efficiency and performance?

Why heat my pool?

You have a significant amount of money invested in your pool and every month you invest more in the way of chemicals, maintenance and electricity for the filter pump. By heating your pool, you will realize the full benefit of pool ownership and maximize your investment. You bought your pool for reasons like family fun, entertaining, exercise or just those quiet relaxing moments floating around in your pool. By heating your pool, you will spend more time enjoying it.
What type of heater?

Both propane and natural gas heaters normally have the lowest cost of installation but the highest cost of operation. Gas heaters have a useful life of 5-8 years. Heat pumps work on the same principle as air conditioners using electric motors, a compressor and refrigerant. The initial cost of installation is more than that of a gas heater, but the cost of operation is 60% to 70% less than that of a gas heater. Heat pumps have a life expectancy of 8-12 years. On those occasions when solar is not feasible, a heat pump may be your best alternative.

Generally the cost of installing a solar pool heating system is comparable to that of a heat pump. Since a solar system uses the sun's free energy, there is not cost of operation. A properly installed quality solar pool heating system will provide FREE solar heat for 10-15 years.
How will solar energy heat my pool?

Solar energy is just another form of fuel used to heat your pool. A properly sized solar pool heating system can more than double your swim season. Using solar energy to heat pools is not a new idea. Hundreds of thousands of pool owners have been enjoying their solar heated pools for more than 30 years.
Is a solar pool heating system simple to operate?

Yes. Most systems are completely automatic and are as easy to operate as any fossil fuel heater.
What about the environment?

Gas heaters directly add pollutants into the air. Heat pumps pollute indirectly as a result of pollution created in the production of the electricity used. Solar pool heating is environmentally friendly. Solar is clean renewable energy source and uses no fossil fuels, which contribute to pollution.
Do the solar collectors have to face south?

Not necessarily. The solar collectors should be installed where they can be in the sun for a good portion of the day. Depending on the angle of the mounting surface, east, west and flat facing systems can function equally as well if sized properly for the pool.
Do the solar collectors have to be mounted on the roof?

Generally the solar collectors are mounted on the roof however, the collectors can be ground mounted or installed on support racks to position the collector orientation toward south. See photo page.
What size solar heating system will I need to heat my pool?

There are many factors, which affect this answer. The three most important factors are the size of your pool, the tilt and orientation of the solar collectors and the efficiency of the solar collector you choose. Other factors include how long you want to extend your swimming season, the wind across the pool and whether a pool cover is used.
How does a solar pool heater work?

A solar heating system uses the existing filter pump to circulate the water. A diverter valve is installed just down stream of the filter. It diverts the water so that it flows through the many small passages of the solar collector where it is warmed by the sun. This warm water then flows back to the pool until the pool has reached the desired comfort level. The water then bypasses the solar collectors and returns directly to the pool. All the solar system plumbing is installed at the pool equipment and uses the existing returns to the pool.
How do I control the temperature of my solar heated pool?

Two ways, a manual diverter valve allows you to turn your solar system on or off depending on whether you want to heat you pool. Another option is an automatic solar control. This works similar to the thermostat you have for your home heating & cooling. This simply sets the thermostat dial on the electronic controller to the desired water temperature. The electronic controller compares the temperatures of your solar system with your pool or spa, the controller turns the motorized valve to allow the pool or spa water to flow through the solar system to absorb the heat. When the pool or spa water reaches approximately the same temperature as the solar system, the controller turns the valve again so the pool or spa water will no longer flow through the solar system.
Will I need a pool cover?

Pools loose energy or heat in a variety of ways, however surface evaporation is by far the largest source of heat loss (approximately 75%) using a pool cover is the single most effective way of reducing pool heat loss and retaining the heat in your pool. The least expensive way to maintain a warmer pool is to use a "bubble" type cover. The cover is cut to the shape of your pool and lays on the surface of the pool. The cover effectively stops heat losses associated with the colder months especially nighttime heat loss, when surface evaporation would otherwise cool the pool down. A pool cover allows your pool to stay at a warmer temperature and reduces your operating costs associated with heating the pool. In addition it reduces water and chemical loss associated with pool surface evaporation and helps to keep the pool cleaner by preventing dirt and other debris from entering the pool.
How are heat pumps rated for efficiency and performance?

Pool/Spa heat pumps are rated by B.T.U. output and coefficient of performance (C.O.P.).
B.T.U. (British Thermal Units) is the measured amount of heat output that the unit will produce. C.O.P. (coefficient of performance) is the measure of efficiency. Just like other heating options, heat pumps can have low BTU outputs or high BTU outputs. Naturally a higher BTU output is better. The C.O.P.'s can range from 3.0-7.0. What this means is that for every unit of electricity that you put in to run the compressor, you get 3-7 units of heat out of the heat pump. The higher the number the more efficient the heat pump.

If you are not totally thrilled with your installation,
you'll receive a full 100% refund of every penny you paid.