Pool heating with solar collectors – device and principle of operation

Envision taking a cool dip in your pool, heated by solar radiation, without having to worry about paying high utility costs. Pool heating systems that run on solar power can make this dream come true. This post will discuss how solar collectors, a more affordable and environmentally responsible option to traditional heating techniques, can effectively heat your pool.

Your pool’s water temperature can be raised with solar pool heating by utilizing the energy of the sun. The fundamental idea is to use solar collectors, which are essentially panels that are placed on a roof or adjacent ground. The heat from the sun is transferred to the pool water that circulates through these collectors. It’s an easy, environmentally friendly method of extending your swimming season without using gas or electricity.

The solar collectors that are used to heat pools are made especially to efficiently capture and hold solar energy. The materials used to make these panels are strong and resistant to outdoor elements. The majority of solar pool heating systems use collectors that are either glazed or unglazed. Unglazed collectors are less complicated and more affordable; they are usually constructed from durable rubber or plastic that has been treated with an ultraviolet (UV) light inhibitor to increase its longevity.

In contrast, glazed collectors have a glass covering over the absorber plate, which helps to retain more heat and shields the parts from the elements. Pool water circulates via tubes or channels inside these collectors. Before returning to the pool, the water warms up as it passes through these channels and absorbs the heat that the panels are collecting.

The fact that solar pool heating is environmentally friendly is one of its main benefits. Compared to conventional heating techniques, you have a lower carbon footprint when you use renewable solar energy. Since solar heating systems only use free solar energy, they also have very low operating costs after they are installed. You can use your pool for longer periods of time throughout the year by extending your swimming season with solar pool heating.

Comprehending the functioning of solar pool heating systems and their constituent parts can enable homeowners to make knowledgeable choices regarding their energy consumption. With the development of solar technology and the growing consciousness of sustainability, solar pool heating systems present a strong alternative to individuals looking to cut back on energy use and pool maintenance expenses.

Types of collectors for heating swimming pools

• According to the features of the accumulating element – solar systems are divided into:

• tubular (vacuum);
• panelized;
• pyramidal;
• and flexible collectors.

• By differences in construction – there are open and closed solar systems. Each type has its own advantages. In open collectors, the absorber, made of plastic and rubber, is not placed under the glass. As a rule, solar systems of open type are designed for domestic heating of water in the pool in the summer season.
  Closed collectors, tubular and panel collectors work regardless of the season (time of year). The absorber is enclosed by glass, which significantly reduces heat loss and increases the efficiency of water heating.

Understanding the distinctions between the current solar systems and the benefits of each design is essential before making a decision.

Tubular solar collectors

The internal device of each solar system varies primarily in the accumulating element it uses. Vacuum glass flasks with multiple components are used as an absorber in tubular solar collectors for swimming pools.

• hollow glass tube – depending on the design, the flasks are available in single and double walled versions. During production, oxygen is pumped out of the cavity. Vacuum serves as a natural and effective heat insulator.
• Copper rod – plays the role of a heat exchanger. A liquid or gaseous heat transfer fluid circulates inside.
• Collecting distributor – a number of tubes are connected to the unit. The module redistributes the heated coolant, directing it to the storage tank (pool bowl).

Open water reservoirs can extend their swimming season by several months (from April to October) because vacuum collectors are still effective in colder months and overcast skies. The tubular water heater will offset roughly 20% of the heat energy after deep fall.

Panel solar collectors

An additional kind of solar system used in homes and businesses. Panel collectors operate on a similar principle to other solar water heaters, but their internal construction is different, comprising:

• Aluminum box;
• top transparent panel made of thick-walled glass;
• absorber – a metal plate with a selective layer applied;
• A heat exchanger made of copper or aluminum tubing.

The tubes that the coolant flows through are in close proximity to the absorber. The heated water is then poured into a man-made reservoir. In clear, sunny weather, flat solar collectors for swimming pools work especially well. The solar panel system produces less heat in the winter and after fall. It is advised to use flat water heaters in areas with hot, temperate climates.

Pyramidal collectors

Utilized in the home. Pyramidal solar installations provide enough thermal energy in the summer to warm the water to a comfortable 23–25°C. Pyramidal solar water heaters are rarely used for pool heating because of their poor thermal efficiency.

The heliopyramid works on the following principle:

• the unit is connected to a pumping station;
• The role of absorber is played by hoses with a diameter of 25-40 mm;
• The entire structure is placed on a reflector;
• The water is heated and forced into the pool;
• the solar heater operates in constant mode.

The purpose of pyramidal collectors is for home use. The solar thermal system’s dimensions are small. linking itself to the pump and pool. The collector is not disassembled, which makes transportation very difficult. That is the only drawback.

Flexible collectors

Aesthetically mimic a rubberized mat. See the category of open collectors. There are coolant circulation channels in the rubber solar water heater.

In sunny weather, heliocollectors efficiently heat and maintain the proper temperature of the swimming pool’s water. Coolant circulation is facilitated by a pumping station running continuously.

Transporting flexible solar collectors for swimming pools is a breeze. They are simply rolled up like a mat when needed. The size of each rubber manifold is chosen specifically for the pool.

How a solar collector heats a swimming pool

All solar systems operate on the same principle, despite current variations in their internal structures. The operation of a solar collector to heat pool water is as follows:

• heat is absorbed;
• With the help of stored thermal energy, the water, which plays the role of a heat carrier, is heated;
• hot liquid is not discharged into a storage tank, but into the bowl of an artificial reservoir (swimming pool);
• circulation of the heat-carrier is forced (by a pump) for greater efficiency.

Installing a solar tube type water heater is the better option when it comes to heating the water in a commercial pool. In particular, the use of a vacuum solar collector makes sense if the artificial water reservoir is intended to be used year-round. Although it is not possible to fully heat the pool with solar panels, it is possible to offset up to 40% of the costs with a vacuum-type solar system.

Installing panel water heaters makes sense if the water will only be heated during the summer months when people take baths. Solar panels cannot be used to heat a swimming pool because, as winter approaches, their thermal efficiency drastically drops.

Pyramidal and flexible collectors work best for small outdoor pools.

Testimonials indicate that using a special coating at night or when the pool is not in use can reduce heat loss by almost twice when heating the water in an artificial reservoir.

Factory-made collectors for swimming pools

The selection includes solar systems made for both commercial and residential use. The most well-liked manufacturers are as follows:

• Intex – a company that produces accessories for swimming in the pool and open water, and water heating. In particular, the production of solar flexible collectors has been established.
• Azuro – Czech company that manufactures swimming pools and everything necessary for their operation. In the product range, there are two ranges of water heaters:
• Azuro Shelter – flexible solar collectors, with the possibility of installing both a straight unfolded canvas and an arch. Absorbable area of 1.84 m².
• Azuro Spiral – pyramidal collectors, with a total absorption area of 0.96 m²;
• Kokido Keops is a dome collector designed for heating water in frame and prefabricated pools. It is allowed to connect 4 separate modules into a single system. Heliosystem copes with heating 40 m³ of water.
• Sunheater is a brand of the American company SmartPool Inc. Flexible solar heater can be installed on the roof or mounted on a frame near the pool. Absorbent web length 6 m, width 0.6 m.
• Speck BADU BK – another popular model of flexible solar collector. The solar system increases the heating of the water in the pool by 10-15°C and then automatically maintains the temperature. The products are characterized by good quality of assembly.

The models that are described can be used in a household. Installing fully furnished tubular or panel solar systems from the following manufacturers is advised for commercial use: Atmosfera, Sidite, Vaillant, SunRain, Viessmann, YaSolar.

By using solar collectors to capture solar radiation, you can heat your pool more effectively and sustainably. These gadgets heat your pool’s water by absorbing sunlight and transforming it into thermal energy. The idea behind solar pool heating is straightforward but efficient, utilizing long-term cost-effective technology that is also environmentally friendly.

The solar collectors take in the energy from the sun and transmit it to a heat exchanger. The water that is passing through this exchanger, which is usually constructed of metal or another conductive material, is then heated. Warming occurs as the water absorbs heat as it moves through the heat exchanger. Your pool’s overall temperature is raised by adding the heated water back in without using a lot of gas or electricity.

The sustainability of solar collectors is one of their main benefits when it comes to pool heating. In contrast to conventional heating techniques that depend on electricity or fossil fuels, solar energy is abundant and renewable. Throughout the swimming season, you can enjoy a comfortably heated pool while cutting down on your carbon footprint by using solar collectors.

Moreover, once installed, solar pool heating systems require very little maintenance. Compared to other heating systems, which frequently require routine servicing and fuel replenishment, they usually require less maintenance. Solar collectors can provide years of effective pool heating without incurring large ongoing costs once the initial investment is made.

To sum up, solar collectors offer a practical and sustainable way to heat your swimming pool. These devices use a simple but efficient method to effectively raise the water’s temperature by utilizing solar energy. Adopting solar pool heating provides a sustainable means of enjoying a warm and welcoming pool environment while simultaneously lowering dependency on non-renewable resources. If you want to improve your pool experience while doing your part for the environment, look into solar heating options.

In the article "Pool Heating with Solar Collectors – Device and Principle of Operation," we explore how solar collectors can effectively heat swimming pools. Solar pool heating systems consist of solar panels, usually mounted on a roof or nearby ground, which capture sunlight. These panels contain tubes filled with water or another heat transfer fluid. As sunlight hits the panels, the fluid inside absorbs the solar energy and heats up. This heated fluid is then circulated through the pool"s existing filtration system using a pump. As the warm fluid flows through the pool"s plumbing network, it transfers its heat to the pool water, raising its temperature. This process continues as long as the sun is shining, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to heat a pool. Solar pool heating systems are efficient in sunny climates and can extend the swimming season by several months. They offer a sustainable alternative to traditional pool heaters, utilizing renewable energy to keep your pool comfortably warm.

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