I've read so many threads on this topic! I would appreciate confirmation of the information I have collected so far...
At this point, I have narrowed my options to purchasing a solar bubble cover and maybe adding a solar heating system.
I put together the following information based on the format and links posted by others (Chemgeek?) on this forum.
location: Miami
As I understand it:
1. With only a bubble cover, I can expect to achieve and maintain a pool temperature that is equal to the High temperature for the day. If I want to swim in 85 degree weather, I can swim from May - October. Is this correct?
2. To swim in the other months, I will need to use a heater. To calculate how long it would take to raise my water to the temperature I want, I calculated the number of BTUs I will need to raise my water 15 degrees (the greatest increase needed during the months outside my range). How does this relate to the solar panels? Do they have BTU output equivalents?
Am I on the right track here? My PB is suggesting a 140,000 BTU heat pump for ~$5,000. For solar panels, I'm told it will be roughly the same cost. Seems like solar panels would be the better option.
At this point, I have narrowed my options to purchasing a solar bubble cover and maybe adding a solar heating system.
I put together the following information based on the format and links posted by others (Chemgeek?) on this forum.
location: Miami
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Avg High | 74 | 76 | 78 | 81 | 85 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 87 | 84 | 80 | 76 |
Avg Low | 55 | 57 | 59 | 62 | 68 | 72 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 69 | 63 | 78 |
Avg Rain (inches) | 2.14 | 2.45 | 2.91 | 3.01 | 5.34 | 10.07 | 6.8 | 9.7 | 8.99 | 6.69 | 2.97 | 1.62 |
Solar panel tilt (Kwh/m2/day) | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Gallons in Pool | Pounds | target temp | Total BTUs | FPL cost | heat pump output | hours to heat | ||||||
19152 | 158,962 | 85 F | 2,384,424 | .09 - .11 per Kw | 133,000 / 140,000 | 18 hrs / 17 hrs. |
As I understand it:
1. With only a bubble cover, I can expect to achieve and maintain a pool temperature that is equal to the High temperature for the day. If I want to swim in 85 degree weather, I can swim from May - October. Is this correct?
2. To swim in the other months, I will need to use a heater. To calculate how long it would take to raise my water to the temperature I want, I calculated the number of BTUs I will need to raise my water 15 degrees (the greatest increase needed during the months outside my range). How does this relate to the solar panels? Do they have BTU output equivalents?
Am I on the right track here? My PB is suggesting a 140,000 BTU heat pump for ~$5,000. For solar panels, I'm told it will be roughly the same cost. Seems like solar panels would be the better option.