A backyard pool is a great addition during the hottest months of the summer, but what if you want to extend your swimming season? To do that, you will need to find a way to heat your pool water, but an electric heating pump can be expensive to install and run. For those living in sunny states, another option for heating the water is a system that runs on the sun's energy. Solar heated pools have become a popular way to maintain a comfortable temperature in the pool and extend the swimming season by many months. This article will provide the basics of how a solar heated pool works so you can decide if this is the best choice for you.

The Benefits of Using Solar Heating

There are many reasons to consider a solar system for heating your pool. First, despite the fact that there has been a rise in popularity of solar systems, this is not a new idea. Many people have been using solar energy to heat backyard swimming pools for decades. The process is tried and proven. Second, solar energy is a renewable source that doesn't use any fossil fuels to work. This makes solar heating the environmentally friendly option as well. Finally, solar heating systems do not cost anything to run once they are installed. This saves the pool owner serious maintenance costs, especially if the pool is used for a number of swimming seasons.

What is a Solar Collector?

The solar collector is the device used to collect all that energy from the sun so it can be transported to your pool water. These collectors are typically placed on the roof of your home, but they can be installed anywhere that they will receive a lot of sun. In cases where the roof of the home doesn't offer sufficient sun exposure, the solar collector may be installed on the ground or on a rack to reap the full benefits of the sun's rays. The size of the collector will be determined by how much sun it will get and the size of your pool. Specific calculations should be used to determine the precise size of the collector that will bring you the greatest benefit.

How is the Water Heated?

To heat your water using the solar collector, cold water must be pumped from your pool into the collector. The water is then heated using the sun's energy and pumped back into your pool. This system can work with both an above-ground and an in-ground pool and you can set the temperature of the water based on your own preference and the outdoor temperature. Keep in mind that the water will only warm through this system when it is sunny outdoors. You can maximize the warming effect by keeping the pool covered when it is not in use so warm water is trapped underneath.

A solar collector costs a bit to install, but the low maintenance costs usually make it a pretty good value. If you live in an area that sees sunny skies more often than not, a solar heater may be the perfect choice for your backyard pool.