Frequently Asked Questions

-  Why solar?

-  How efficiently will solar heat my pool?

-  What about maintenance?

-  What about a 'solar' pool cover?

-  What are the advantages?

-  How well does solar energy heat a pool?

-  In simple terms, how does a solar pool heater work?

-  Do the solar panels have to face north?

-  Why would I want my pool heated?

-  Will it damage my roof?

-  How much will my solar pool heater cost to operate?

-  How does solar pool heating compare with heat pumps for pool heating?

Why solar?

• Millions of people worldwide have been enjoying solar heated swimming pools for over two decades. Heating swimming pools is today the largest use of solar energy in the world and there are good reasons for this.
  
• Savings: The initial cost of a Solar system for an in-ground pool is about 50% of conventional heating methods. So you always save money with a solar heated pool.
  
• Reliability and safety: Solar heating systems have no heat exchangers that fail from corrosion, no fan motors or compressors to break down. Your investment in a solar heating system is protected by a 10-year all round warranty.
  
• Solnet Solar systems have been in use for many years. Solar systems have no flames or fans, they just keep heating your pool quietly, safely and reliably, year after year.
  
• Protect the environment: You can enjoy the comfort of your solar heated pool, knowing that you are using an environmentally friendly energy source, while you conserve our natural resources.
  
• Remember: Solar heat is FREE HEAT!
  

How efficiently will solar heat my pool?

• When you follow our recommended solar heater sizes and the panels have proper exposure to the sun, your pool should be conservatively 6 to 12 degrees warmer than it was before you heated it, under the same weather conditions.

• Evaporation of water from the surface of the pool causes most of the cooling of the water. The larger the solar collector area, the more of the sun’s energy it will collect and send to the pool. Therefore, the larger the solar collector area is in relation to the surface area of the pool, the warmer the pool water will be.
  

What about maintenance?

• No special maintenance is needed.
  

What about a 'solar' pool cover?

• A solar cover is made from thin plastic formed with air pockets so it can float on the surface. A solar cover cannot heat a pool. It is not totally transparent to sunlight so it blocks out much of the sun’s energy that would otherwise heat the pool. However, it effectively prevents evaporation from the water surface, slowing down cooling of the water at night and in bad weather.  We recommend use of a cover at night near the beginning and end of the season when the nights are long and cool.

What are the advantages?

Unlike conventional heating systems, solar systems do not burn fuel. Therefore, they avoid the creation of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and other air pollutants.

- Reduce your vulnerability to fuel price spikes - Minimize the nation’s dependency on foreign oil.
- Enjoy free pool heating after the system has paid for itself in reduced utility bills.
- Increase the resale value of your property - Quick payback on investment.
- Extends swimming season, maximizing the benefits of a swimming pool investment.
- Provides more comfortable swimming temperatures.