Swimming Pool Solar Heating Benefits
Solar extends your swimming season
Whether or not you have an existing swimming pool heater, you can keep your swimming pool warmer and open longer with free energy from the sun.
In most areas of South Africa [and countries abroud], a solar heater used in combination with a Bubble blanket (Thermal blanket) pool cover can add two to four weeks to the beginning and end of the swimming season. You get a longer swimming season for free.
Solar equipment is durable
Solar panels often lasts longer than gas or electric heaters. With proper yearly maintenance, you can expect fuel heaters to last seven to 10 years. Most gas heaters have a two-year warranty, and well-made heat pumps carry a two-year warranty with five-year warranty on the compressors. Solar panels have a minimum 5-10year warranty and generally last 15 to 20 years or longer.
Solar requires less maintenance
Unlike gas and electric pool heaters, which should be serviced by a technician every year, a solar panel system requires very little servicing. Again, that means less cost and less hassle for the swimming pool owner.
Solar energy is good for the environment
These days we hear a lot about the damaging effect that burning fossil fuels is having on the environment. Burning fuels release nitrogen oxides that cause the formation of smog in urban areas. Using solar energy instead of fossil fuels can help reduce this smog.
Burning fuels also releases carbon dioxide, the main cause of climate change. Replacing a natural gas or propane heater with a solar heater could stop three to 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide— about the same amount produced by operating your car for one year!— from entering the atmosphere each season.