I live in northern ohio and want to build a diy solar pool heater. I have seen the solar systems that you can buy, but they don't seem like they will do the job well or last very long.
Here is my idea:
-Build a 4'x40' "table" stick built with pressure treated plywood for the top.
-Run PEX line throughout the top
-Pour 1inch layer of asphalt over the plywood/pex(I will run cold water through PEX during asphalt pour)
-Insulate underneath plywood with 1/2 inch XPS
My thought is that the asphalt absorbs heat well and will completly surround the PEX for max heat transfer. I want to build something big enough to heat the entire pool. Plan would be to raise it 1 1/2 feet above the ground, completely surrounded by wall block behind the pool running the entire length of the pool+concrete pad. I told my wife it would look like a planting bed...with asphalt instead of mulch
A few questions:
Is this big enough?
How/where do I connect this contraption to the return line?
Any other inexpensive ideas other than plywood that might last longer, hold the weight of the asphalt etc?
Has anyone ever heard of/attempted such a thing?
Would this work, or am I crazy?
This is my first post on this forum, still in the planning phase of my first diy inground pool. Still undecided about pool size, either 16x32, 14x28, or 12x24 all standard hoppers and max of 6foot deep end(High water table).
Here is my idea:
-Build a 4'x40' "table" stick built with pressure treated plywood for the top.
-Run PEX line throughout the top
-Pour 1inch layer of asphalt over the plywood/pex(I will run cold water through PEX during asphalt pour)
-Insulate underneath plywood with 1/2 inch XPS
My thought is that the asphalt absorbs heat well and will completly surround the PEX for max heat transfer. I want to build something big enough to heat the entire pool. Plan would be to raise it 1 1/2 feet above the ground, completely surrounded by wall block behind the pool running the entire length of the pool+concrete pad. I told my wife it would look like a planting bed...with asphalt instead of mulch
A few questions:
Is this big enough?
How/where do I connect this contraption to the return line?
Any other inexpensive ideas other than plywood that might last longer, hold the weight of the asphalt etc?
Has anyone ever heard of/attempted such a thing?
Would this work, or am I crazy?
This is my first post on this forum, still in the planning phase of my first diy inground pool. Still undecided about pool size, either 16x32, 14x28, or 12x24 all standard hoppers and max of 6foot deep end(High water table).