Solar Pool Heaters - Solar Swimming Pool Heating System

Will solar pool heating work in the Northeast?
Absolutely! In the past 6 years, we have installed almost 1,000 solar pool heating systems in the Northeast. With this experience to rely on, we know that when properly sized and installed, a solar pool heating system in the Northeast will provide 10 – 20 degrees over an unheated pool from May – September each year. Generally that means our customers are swimming in 80 – 90 degree water for five months. Take a look at our home page to see comments from just a few of the happy customers that are enjoying longer, more comfortable swim seasons using our system!

How does solar pool heating work?
Pool owners have been using solar energy for over 30 years to provide themselves a longer, more comfortable swim season with no operating costs! Solar pool heaters are clean and simple:

1. Using your existing pool pump, the pool water is circulated to the solar collectors. Though usually roof-mounted, the collectors can also be mounted on a rack or flat on the ground.

2. The pool water enters the solar collectors from the bottom and circulates through the individual tubes to the top. While the water passes through the tubes, it is warmed by the sun's radiant energy.

3. Most systems are installed with an automatic temperature controller. Typically the pool owner sets the desired temperature at the beginning of the season. When the pool water is below the desired temperature and there is heat on the panels, an automatic valve will open to allow the water to feed into the solar panels. When the pool water reaches the desired temperature, the automatic valve will close and send the water directly into the pool. The valve will also close on unseasonably cool or cloudy days to prevent undesired cooling.

4. After circulating through the panels, the warm water is fed back to the pool. If a conventional heater (e.g. heat pump/gas/oil) is in place, the water will pass through the heater before returning to the pool. Most of our customers do not use a conventional heater.

How much does it cost and what will I save?
The price of a solar pool heater varies significantly based on the size of the swimming pool. The range is from less than $3,000 for a small above ground pool to $6,000 for a large (e.g. 20'x40') in-ground pool. These prices include all materials, installation, and the 12-year manufacturer's parts and labor warranty.

Savings depend on the type of alternative pool heater against which solar is compared. Conventional heaters (gas/oil/propane) generally cost less upfront but are expensive to operate. Electric heat pumps require about one-third of the fuel cost of conventional heaters, but are generally comparable to solar in upfront price. On average, the payback on solar pool heaters compared to alternative systems is 1.5 – 3 years. See our Compare Heaters chart for a quick snapshot of the typical installation and operating costs of the various pool heating options.

Perhaps more importantly, you will save the environment 6.4 tons of damaging greenhouse gas emissions per year! Right now, solar pool heating is the most cost effective way to use clean, free solar energy. Save money and the environment while enjoying a longer swim season!

Why are Heliocol solar pool panels the best?
Sunshine is an exclusive distributor of Heliocol solar pool heating panels. Heliocol has been manufacturing its panels since 1977, and more Heliocol solar pool heaters have been installed than any competing brand. In fact, Heliocol solar pool collectors were selected to heat the swimming pool at the Summer Olympic games in Atlanta ('96) and Athens ('00)!

Some of the many benefits of Heliocol include:

• Industry leading 12-year FULL parts and labor warranty
• Patented individual tube design is the most roof friendly
• Patented "gator clamp" mounting system creates a clean, solid look
• Manufactured in an ISO-9002 certified robotics production facility

Schedule a free in-home estimate today and let one of our helpful technicians walk you through the many benefits of your new Heliocol solar pool heater!

Please visit our solar pool heating FAQ section for more answers to your questions.