In summer, having a pool in your backyard will make you feel cooler and more popular with your family and friends. Nevertheless, when the temperature drops and the cold weather comes, you might not want to take a dip anymore. Have you ever thought of solar heating your pool? Solar energy generation is expected to increase from 11% in 2017 to 48% in 2050 in the US, making solar energy use to heat your pool more promising.
Let’s find out more about this and figure out how much solar pool heating costs on average.
What is Solar Pool Heating?
Solar pool heating is a way of making your pool water warm by getting and moving sun energy into the water. Some manufacturers do it by leaving a hose full of water under the sun. In this case, the hose and the water will become somewhat warm when exposed to the sun for a long period.
How Much Is Solar Pool Heating?
Typically, the expenses can be between $3,000 and $6,000, depending on the system you prefer and the pool size. You might need to pay around $1,000 and $5,000 for the system itself. For the installation, you might need to pay around $600 to $2,500. The total costs can be around $6,250 for the solar panels and installation.
You will need to have a pump to move the water around in your system. It is suggested that you use your current pool pump if it has the right flow rate, water pressure, and capacity. Moreover, a temperature sensor is recommended so that the pump only works when the solar heating system is gathering heat. Coldwater going around the collectors will lessen the pool’s temperature.
A booster pump is normally priced at around $300, while a temperature sensor can cost you around $300 as well. Installation should be completed in 1 or 2 days. Nevertheless, the duration depends on the difficulty of the installation, the current weather, the type of system you prefer, and several other factors.
After installing the solar pool heating, it can cost less than $1 each day to operate it. Therefore, it is more affordable compared to gas or electricity. You are making a better economic decision since using an electric or gas heat pump can cost you $750 each year to operate. It is estimated that an average solar pool heating can pay for itself in 2 years.
Last Words
Solar pool heating is a great choice for pool owners who want to enjoy swimming comfortably throughout the year. Knowing the cost of a solar pool heater, you need to consider other factors before getting it.
You might find the upfront costs a bit hefty, but you’ll be able to enjoy benefits such as extending the pool season, being able to swim regardless of the water, and water heating quickly. Moreover, compared with electric or gas heaters, you can save more with solar pool heating in the long run.