Solar Heat?

[tcat]

My pump area is a slab with stucco wall surround (about 5' high), 10' x 12' (10' x 16" if you include the AC unit on the other side of one wall). South and West sun from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. I was thinking of adding a roof above at 7' or 8' for solar panels. Could probably do 12' x 16' and still look "normal". 192' for about 350' pool surface area. Pool is mostly shaded (no cover, yet). Highest temp was 84 this summer. Will solar keep it above 80 degrees an extra few months? (Austin, TX). Just trying to figure out if it's a worthwhile project.

 

[JohnT]

Whether it will keep it warm for extra time depends on air temperature. If you have sunny days in the 80s, I'd say you won't have trouble getting enough heat into the pool with that panel area, especially if you use a solar blanket.

I have 192ft-sq of panels on my roof and never have trouble keeping it over 87 in June, July and August

 

[tcat]

I'm happy with 84 June, July August (which it was). I'm thinking 84-85 April, May Sept, Oct.

 

[Christian]

That might be a bit optimistic. Normally you can tack on about one month on each end by adding solar heating. Also a solar cover is a must to retain the heat by preventing evaporation.