Idea - outdoor shower off the solar heater return?

[sportacus]

Ok, am I crazy or would this be an ok idea? Basic purpose to shower off with warmer water before hopping into the pool, especially if sweaty from a workout or something.

Thinking something like tapping into the warm return line with a 3 way valve to control water to the shower head, as shown in this diagram. Thoughts?


Obviously the limiting factors are 1. that the pump be running for this to work, but I have a manual switch right there, and 2. that the heater be warm enough for the water to not be frigid, but in norther California area (Sacramento) shouldn't be a problem very often.
Any advice or feedback appreciated! I'm planning on installing the entire system this weekend relatively following this diagram, but no smart sensors or additional gas/electric heater, solar only.

 

[mas985]

Welcome to TFP!

Temperature rise through most solar systems at design temperature would be only about 3F above pool water so not much warmer than the pool water.

Also, assuming that water goes down the drain, you would be losing chemicals that would require replacing (CYA, Chlorine, Salt for SWG) not to mention that the water would need to be replaced which is not something I would recommend in area such as ours that have water restrictions.

Not something I would ever do as it would be pretty wasteful.

 

[JJ_Tex]

I think it's an interesting setup. I use my outdoor shower quite often to rinse off after yard work.

Mine is not tied into the pool so I don't worry about replacing chemicals, but honestly I probably use it for 30 seconds to 1 minute at a time. Since most showerheads are ~2.0 gallons per minute, I would not lose much sleep over losing a gallon of water here and there.

With that said, I'm assuming adults would use it. If you have little kids that will "play" in the shower for long periods of time, I would re-think your strategy

 

[wayner]

I have a small 120V electric water heater in my pool cabana to give a bit of hot water. Maybe something like that would be easier than this.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Why would you want to shower off with pool water? Granted, TFP pool water is probably nicer than most other pool waters, but that’s still not optimal. You’ll smell like a pool …

 

[sportacus]

I think it's an interesting setup. I use my outdoor shower quite often to rinse off after yard work.

Mine is not tied into the pool so I don't worry about replacing chemicals, but honestly I probably use it for 30 seconds to 1 minute at a time. Since most showerheads are ~2.0 gallons per minute, I would not lose much sleep over losing a gallon of water here and there.

With that said, I'm assuming adults would use it. If you have little kids that will "play" in the shower for long periods of time, I would re-think your strategy

I agree, I like these pros and the cons seem minimal. Taking a quick shower after yard work or a workout/run before pool time with minimal setup sounds nice. I'll give it a try. probably only 30 extra bucks to plumb a shut off valve and shower head really.

 

[sportacus]

I have a small 120V electric water heater in my pool cabana to give a bit of hot water. Maybe something like that would be easier than this.

I had considered that, but seems excessive for quick showers, not intending a true full outdoor shower I suppose.

 

[sportacus]

Welcome to TFP!

Temperature rise through most solar systems at design temperature would be only about 3F above pool water so not much warmer than the pool water.

Also, assuming that water goes down the drain, you would be losing chemicals that would require replacing (CYA, Chlorine, Salt for SWG) not to mention that the water would need to be replaced which is not something I would recommend in area such as ours that have water restrictions.

Not something I would ever do as it would be pretty wasteful.

Thanks! The temp rise is a fair point, though 78+3 degrees (82) will be great compared to the colder 65 degree tap. I also have naturally climbing CYA and hardness so a little depletion might be nice. The bit of water spend would probably be less than taking a true shower before entering the pool as well, good consideration though.

 

[sportacus]

Thanks to all for the tips different perspective, really helped! I think I'll move forward and will report back once I have something.

 

[wayner]

I had considered that, but seems excessive for quick showers, not intending a true full outdoor shower I suppose.

If you have an outdoor sink then hook it up to that. That is why I got my water heater. I have a pool cabana with a fridge, microwave and a bbq nearby. When cleaning up you want warm/hot water. I have the water heater on a smart timer that by default is on from 10-10 only on weekends. I can manually turn it on as well on other days.