The most popular pool solar heating systems devices are solar covers or solar blankets that float on top of pools. They transfer the sun’s warmth into pool water through small air sacs. But solar pool heater systems are also available that use the sun’s power to generate electricity to run costly pool machines like heaters.
Small solar panels have been used for thirty years or more to power small electronics like fence chargers. Capturing the sun’s rays to power a pool solar heater is ideal. Pools are already located in areas of maximum sun exposure. Heating optional accessories like pool heaters with solar power helps reduce electricity consumption and helps save the environment from the mal-effects of global warming.. Pool heater manufacturers are recognizing this and developing new and more economical ways to produce an affordable pool solar heater. Pool solar heaters will continue to reduce in cost as the technology is refined and becomes a more popular choice.
Some pool owners, however, don’t want to wait for the industry to catch up. They still want a pool heater but don’t want the associated spike in their electric bills. Inventive pool owners are finding their own ways to make a solar pool heater.
People are buying cheap pool heater and solar energy capture panels at local home centers, pool supplies, and online. Some are searching online and finding instructions for how to make a solar pool heater. Others are buying books and e-books for plans for a homemade solar pool heater, and still others are finding free solar pool heater plans posted online by inventive pool owners sharing their knowledge, garnering a little glory.
Whatever your source, make sure paid or free plans include instructions for installing and mounting. Often, plans will make a pool solar heater fence mounting, ensuring the unit gets adequate, full sun exposure. Fence mountings are ideal for solar heater inground pool units where there is little else standing near the pool to securely attach the solar pool heater to.
A note of caution, however, for anyone attempting to build a solar pool heater - you need a basic understanding of electrical systems, or at the very least, the help of a knowledgeable friend. Free plans for a solar pool heater can be somewhat unreliable; you have no real way of knowing if the inventor knows what they are talking about or if the system worked. It might be worthwhile to make a small investment into buying plans for your home made solar pool heater. At the very least, run the plans by an electrically inclined friend to see if they will work.
And remember - just because you build it doesn’t mean the job is finished. You’ll also need to know how to hook up your inground or above ground pool heater.. Solar heater plans might not tell you how to do that for your pool. You’ll want to read your pool’s instructions for all heater installation, talk to your pool’s dealer and anyone else who is a knowledgeable resource in these regards.
Before you begin any home made solar heater project, do your homework. Research your plans thoroughly, and do the math to make sure buying a unit isn’t just as economical..
