How to Make a Solar Pool Heater & How It Works?

We all want our pool perfectly heated unless you are one of those cold-blooded mammals or fishes that prefer to cold water while living on the ice itself.

It can be a way to spice up your relaxation process after a day of work as it soothes your body with the heated water you long for the day.

However, what if you can use the sunlight to your benefit in the process? It can be a win-win situation to your cost, and can also be a step up to live an eco-friendly life.

In that regard, solar pool heater may be a preference that you did not expect, especially if you like to use heaters in your pool. You can make one your own! In this text, we will provide you steps with information in making your first solar pool heater.

Solar Pool Heater: What is it and How Does it Function?

From the sun, the thermal energy is used to generate heat given by the solar pool heater. The energy connectors are usually mounted to your roof, where the sun mostly directs its rays. The water is pumped to a filter, then its solar collector transfers the heat.

It includes tubing so that the water can transport to the collector by heating up in the process.

Various automated sensors and flow control valves are needed. That will help to know the set temperature of the pool water from the connectors of the solar heater, and then take into comparison regarding the preferred temperature that is wanted.

This way the heater will ensure not to allow the access of excess hot water than desired, especially on a hot day.

In using a solar pool heater, not only does it advertise an eco-friendly life but also includes the cost efficiency in its benefit. If you are already contented with how warm the water can be, you would not need any additional fuel to heat the pool.

Most likely, the cost will be based on the system-efficiency, upfront cost, and the source of heat that is available.

A Step-By-Step Guide on Making Your Solar Pool Heater

Instead of buying a solar pool heater, you can make one of your own! This can assure that it meets up to your standard, and can also lessen the initial set-up cost depending on preference.

Doing so does not depreciate its function, but let you set up however you like it! To know how, here are the following steps:

Step 1: Set-Up Solar Collector

You should keep in mind that the dimension will be based on how efficient and fast you want your solar collector to be. To set an initial dimension, you can use a 5x5 inch sized plywood as a base.

Then, use 200 feet of 1/2 inch of irrigation hose, and coil it to the plywood tightly. You can do so by using zip ties that are ensured to be UV resistant.

This can secure the hose by drilling and looping the holes through the base. You can set up either a circular or rectangular base depending on how you can coil the tube better.

Step 2: Assembly of the Valve

The valves and Y adapters are needed to direct the water into the heater, then back into the pool. This allows the transportation process, which is crucial for your pool water to receive the heat that you desire.

It uses the flow and pressure of an existing pool filter pump that you own instead of another separate pump. The 1/2 inch ball valves allow the manual shutting off the water in the solar heater when the time is not suitable for solar harnessing.

Step 3: Setting the Water to the Solar Heater

Clamps can be used to the hose fitting to avoid leaks, and in this case, you can use at least two. In the process of set-up, you can apply an 1/2 inch of Y adapter at the top with a 1/2 inch male to the male threaded nipple.

Then connect to a 1/2 inch ball valve and to a 1/2 inch thread to rib adapter where the hose slides itself. After the process, make sure to sand for a smooth finish and glue those that needs a seal.

However, it is important to keep in mind of not gluing any threaded parts. It is because there is a high possibility that it will set long before the threads are tight.

Step 4: Setting the Regulator Valve

Accordingly, the middle is a 1 half inch ball valve connected and glued to a 1 half inch short piece PVC pipe on both sides. In the process of closing it, the pressure may divert some of the pool water out of the Y adapter, which is on the top to the solar heater.

Step 5: Setting the Return Valve

It can be set up by connecting a ribbed to a half inch threaded adapter, then to a half inch threaded ball valve. Furthermore, join the half inch threaded to a half inch nipple, then connect to a 1 half inch adapter.

Likewise, connecting a 1 half inch smooth Y adapter as well. It appears to be a mirror to what is at top. Moreover, it will direct the water from the heater to the pool itself.

Step 6: Setting Up a Timer (Recommended)

The timer is needed for the heated pool without being overwhelmed by the existing cold pool water. Specifically, it will set a time to heat up fully before getting delivered back into the pool.

Particularly, when the solar panels depend on the sun, an adjustment in the movement is recommended. For example, the pump goes on and off at hours interval in the afternoon to allow more time to heat up before getting delivered into the pool.

A Solar Heater on the Go

If you do not want any intricated hard work applied, but want a somehow warm pool, this is the DIY for you! The only difference is that you cannot control the temperature and it only works on pools that are directly accessible to the sun rays.

To set it up, all you need a few hula hoops or ring-like plastic that float on water to get you started. Then, attach a polyethylene film before laying it on top of your pool.

This is to ensure catching rays and in return, heats the water. It is easily accessible, aesthetic, and easy to remove whenever you want.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

(Starter words)

Q. How Many Solar Collectors are Ideal?

The dimension of the pool heater solely depends on the pool size, how much rays you can access, and the preferred temperature stated. You can install it on an average of 50 percent of your actual pool size for better function.

Q. Where is the Ideal Location of the Solar Heater?

You need to take into consideration the space, exposure of the sun, and the pump proximity before installing a solar pool heater. Plan the best location of sunlight where the solar panels can be placed.

In most houses, the roof is the most ideal one if your roof does not have any bushes or nearby trees that can block the rays needed.

You should be mindful of the difference in the position of the panels that are dependent on the season. On summer, tilt it 10 to 15 degrees. Although you are expecting to use it all year around, the average position is its tilt that is equal to your latitude or altitude.

If your roof has obstructed materials, you can place the panels on the ground, or even hang it on fences. Since you can mount the panels, its location is diverse.

Conclusion: A Solar Heater for a Better Swimming Experience!

Aiming to have a solar heater is easily accessible since you can choose to make one of your own or buy it at your local pool accessory shop or hardware stores.

The cosmic way of heating allows you to lessen your cost on the maintenance of the pool by taking advantage of the sun itself. Besides, it is the eco-friendly way of retaining the heat on your water, which implies its win-win situation in another perspective.

In today’s technological advancement, solar energy is the way to go! Not only it can provide you a better alternative but also retains the function that you need for your pool. Now, do you feel your pool water getting cold? Then make a solar pool heater immediately!