Heater vs Solar
Solar Panels
In most parts of South Africa we are very fortunate to have a lot of sunshine. This bodes well for swimming. But unfortunately we only get to use our pools for about three months of the year. As in winter the water is just not warm enough.
There is an argument between using solar panels or heat pumps to heat your pool. In our opinion the heat pump is the solution, let us tell you why.
The pros of solar panels are far less than heat pumps. The main argument for solar panels is that there is no running costs. This is not true as they need your pool filter motor to run or else there is no heating taking place.
The other negative factors in play are as follows:
Collector panel size.
The area required on your roof is as much as 80% of the area of your pool.
They can only heat water in the day.
Are affected by shade.
Will leak and perish over time.
Put excessive pressure on your pool pump.
Can cause mould to grow on your tiles.
Only work in Summer.
Take longer to heat than other heating methods.
All panel must face North.
When installed, paving and grass may have to be lifted.
There is normally a big heat loss due to the distance from panels to pool.
Pool Heaters
Heat pumps are more costly than solar panels and the reason is simple. They work all year round and they really do heat your pool.
The heat pump is installed next to your pool filter so little space is required for the unit. There is no digging up of your garden to install the pipe work and there is very little heat energy loss to the pool.
They do cost money to run but they are efficient in the sense that they work on a COP of 5-1. (Co-efficient of Performance). Fore example: for every one kw you purchase the heat exchanger will convert this to 5kw’s of heat energy. Pay for one get five!
Heat pumps can heat all year round, they do not rely directly on sunlight. They take the heat from the atmosphere. So even at night or when it is overcast they will still produce heat into your water.
They are controlled by a thermostat so will switch off when the required set temperature is reached. And then turn back on when the water temperature drops below the set temperature.
Your heat pump can be switched off at anytime if you choose not to use it. It will have no effect on the normal daily running and cleaning of your pool.