A pool cover prevents evaporation loss, particularly at night. The cover traps the solar heat that has been added during the day. This is very complementary to the solar system. The solar system can be viewed as actively adding heat. The cover retains that heat passively. [Top]

Many households in the Western Cape enjoy solar heated swimming pools. Solar pool heating is the largest use of solar energy in the world today, for many good reasons. The initial capital outlay of a solar pool heating system saves you 50% of a conventional heating system ie. Heat pumps, not to mention running costs. A solar heated swimming pool is extremely reliable, safe and durable year after year. These systems are not subject to the common downfall of conventional systems for example;

No. A Solar Heating System for your pool is a closed system that re-circulates the water in your pool. Solar Systems for domestic hot water needs are completely different and separate.

Currently approved solar heating systems for pools are trellis structures incorporating pipes or flat laying panels. Committee approval must be granted for all solar installations.

A solar pool 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.

The initial capital outlay for an electric heat pump is generally double the cost of a solar heating system. Over and above that, it requires electricity to operate. The unit also needs to be serviced on a regular basis which could be quite costly.

FSEC publishes a directory of solar contractors, which may be obtained from the Public Information Office, or simply click here.

The best and most concise info we found on the web is at http://www.epsea.org/mass.html And, yes it can be incorporated into the PyramoduleTM as the sketch on this website will show.

If you live in a region that has long cloudy spells, a backup heater will be needed. The system could still be economically practical if it is reasonable in price. A quality solar heating system will pay for itself many times in energy savings and tax credits may apply. A solar system must not detract from the architecture of the building or it will lower real estate value. Click here for more information.

middot; It has been engineered as a completely integrated system to exacting specifications and quality control to provide you with extended trouble-free performance. middot; The Solar Industries solar pool heating system has been tested and its performance certified by accredited independent laboratories and approval agencies.

That's easy! Click on www.thesolarenergycompany.com and fill out the "Contact Us" Form and email it to us today for more information. Are you thinking about generating your own electricity? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions that can help you decide if investing in a solar electric system is right for you.

The three main contributers to the deteriation of Solar Pool Covers are Chlorine, UV Rays from the sun and the temperature of the pool water.

Using the pump that circulates pool water through the filter, the water is diverted so that it flows though the many small passages of the solar collector, it's warmed by the sun. This warm water then flows directly back into the pool. When the pool is has reached your desirable comfort level, the water then by-passes the solar collector and returns directly to the pool.

A typical solar heating system costs from $3,000 to $5,000 installed. Compared with average fossil fuel heating, a solar pool heater offers a most favorable payback of 1.5 to 7 years. Please note that the actual cost of solar pool heating systems depends upon many factors — ease of installation, type of financing, location of pool in north or south, length of pool season desired and building code requirements.

Install the blanket on the pool bubble side down. If your cover needs trimming, spread it out on the pool and let it settle down for a day or two. This allows wrinkles and folds to disappear and the cover to lie flat. Trim the blanket so the edges are flush with the side walls of your pool. Gaps will allow the heat to escape or the wind the get up underneath your cover and blow off. If you have a solar reel, attach it via a solar reel strap kit.

We will refer your enquiry to a one of our installation engineers who will contact you to offer you a no-obligation quotation after surveying your home. The engineer is not a salesman and will not seek to pressure you into buying. We do hope, however, that you will only ask the engineer to call if you are seriously interested in our solar power systems.

Yes, Cascade recommends heating your pool for extended use. The use of a Heat Pump to heat the pool water which uses the "FREE HEAT" that is present in the atmosphere is recommended, and it costs less than Gas heater to operate. Other interesting systems include Solar Heating but solar energy is not generally available when you want it - in late Autumn or early Spring. With Gas or Heat Pump you can always "dial a temperature".

Oz-Bubble is a wholly Australian owned company, specialising in the manufacture of UV stabilized plastics products. Drawing on more than 30 years of plastics manufacturing experience through our founder, Tim Murray, Oz-Bubble was initially set up to manufacture bubble plastics with our own UV stabilising systems. Combined with the highest quality polythene resins, the extruded rolls of high-grade bubble material are fabricated into solar pool covers suited to harsh Australian conditions.

While it is true that solar energy is "free" - the cost of heating a swimming pool by this method is not free! There are several issues which must be considered. The solar panel location should be North facing with approximately 25 degree inclination. The panel area should equal the pool area. A Pump is necessary to raise the pool water to the panel system, and ideally a temperature differential set-up to tell the pump when to start (and stop).

Buy a system that has been tested and certified by either the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation or the Florida Solar Energy Center. Get details from the contractor on the warranty for the system - what it covers, how long it is in effect and where you can get parts and support. Be sure the installers are licensed solar contractors with good references. Contact some of their customers and make an appointment to look at the installations.

With the increasing costs of energy and a desire for environmental friendliness, some customers are turning to the sun as a way to heat their domestic water. While Bradford White Corp. does not manufacture complete solar heating systems, Bradford White does manufacture a solar water heating storage tank for use with solar systems. This tank takes the heated water from the solar panels and uses it as a heat source instead of conventional gas, oil or electric heat sources.

Whether the connecting pipes are properly and adequately insulated, otherwise the hot water will cool as it travels along the un-insulated pipes. The insulated pipes must be covered with aluminum cladding. If there is any denting or damage, attend to it. For leakage in the storage tank, collector, distribution pipeline and the hot water faucets in the home. This may be the cause for inadequate hot water. Contact the manufacturer, as all leakages must be stopped immediately.

Yes, under normal circumstances. An additional storage tank will be required to be installed to pre-heat the cold water prior to entering the existing tank.

We strongly recommend using a pool cover to keep the heat in your pool. For irregular pools, covering some of the pool is better than covering none at all. Heating an uncovered pool is like heating a house without a roof, or boiling a pot of water without a lid - it can be done, but it takes significantly more time and energy. Talk with your pool dealer to find a solution that works for you.

No. Swimming pool heaters used in Florida do not have covers (glazing) and are designed to heat a large volume of water (thousands of gallons) to relatively low temperatures (around 80°F), while hot water systems raise less than a hundred gallons to about 130°F. The energy used to heat 100 gallons of water to 130°F daily is a "drop in the bucket" compared to that needed to heat a pool.

A swimming pool cover may be used if it is completely removed from the swimming pool/spa area during pool hours. When the cover is in place, the pool area must be secured to prevent entry by bathers. Refer to the swimming pool cover guidelines for further information.

You will probably use your pool more if you have an automatic pool cover. Your pool will be warmer, cleaner and more inviting. Besides that, nothing could be easier than the key switch operation of an automatic pool cover.

A specially designed tool is required to unlock your pool safety cover. The mesh pool cover can be removed in 20 minutes or less. Replacement of the mesh pool cover usually requires less than 30 minutes. Experience using the mesh pool cover reduces the time required and two people working together can make the job easier. It is important to always remove the mesh pool cover completely while the pool is in use and to replace it after each use.

Because-- Solar water heaters save electricity and thus money; electricity is becoming more and more expensive; they could even turnout to be more reliable than electric power supply (at least in many parts of our country); they are clean and green and thus reflect one's commitment for preservation of environment; they are safer than electric geysers as they are located on the roof; and, if well designed, may even look good on the house top.