The major advantage of these systems is that because sunshine is free, they have no operating cost. Another plus for environmentally concerned pool owners is that solar energy is renewable and non-polluting. The major disadvantage is that solar does not provide heat on demand. In other words, the solar system can only put into the pool the heat which is available from the sun on any given day.
You cannot make more solar energy the way you might burn more gas or use more electricity to maintain your pool's temperature.
A solar heating system used in conjunction with a pool cover can more than double your comfortable swim season, from four months to nine or ten months every year.
So why, you ask, doesn't every pool have a solar heating system? Solar pool heating systems do require an initial investment of $3,000 to $5,000 for a typical 300 to 400 square foot surface area residential al pool with no special installation requirements…but a properly sized system with a life span of 15-20 years can pay for itself with energy savings in 2-to-3 years.
While there are only small differences in the heating performance (Btu per square foot of solar panel) for most of the solar pool heating panels on the market today, a variety of factors can cause significant price variations. One is that solar systems which face south require fewer panels then systems which face east or west. Another factor is desired swimming season. When comfortable swimming is desired during the colder winter months, more panels must be added to the system in order to collect the additional heat needed each day to offset colder air temperatures and reduced solar energy available. Different mounting methods, warranties, esthetic touches, and electronic control systems are other options to be aware of.
Because solar heating technology can be confusing to the average pool owner, it is advisable to contact a state certified solar contractor when you look into solar heating.