This will be the second year of having a pool. Last year made all the difference in surviving the covid madness here in CA. Good family time! We used a solar cover and I'm surprised how well that worked, we had 85+ water during most of the swimming months until the ash/smoke haze from the fires killed our swim season in September.
While I've read a few posts, I have a few solar questions for anyone that has expertise and experience.
1. We have two bids, Heliocol and FAFCO panels. Our only choice is a North facing roof, but at least there are no trees or building structures in the way (south roof has PV, west and east roofs are smaller/odd angled). One company says that we need 9 4x12 panels and uses a 100% of pool SF due to the north facing roof. One company says we need 7 4x12 panels, they use an 85% figure for E and N facing roofs. The 85% calc is actually 7.5 panels so I'd probably kick that one up to 8 panels. But these are basically the same products with slight differences in engineering design and mounting hardware used. I already did a deep dive on Heliocol vs FAFCO and both sides have their sales pitches. Not sure it matters in real life usage. The Heliocol looks to be a neater install in terms of the look and connections. Other than cost, is there any downside to 9 panels versus 7 or 8 in terms of pump requirements or other issues?
2. While we are used to using a cover, I'm hoping we won't have to use one for the prime summer months. Wifey likes 85 degree water or higher, as a reference.
3. My understanding is that the solar install will hook into my Pentair EasyTouch and I don't need a separate solar controller. Is it true that if properly set up, the system basically works hands-free and only operates when the water temperature through the solar panels is optimal/beneficial (meaning, the system won't be on when conditions would actually cool the pool).
I debated adding more PV and using a heat pump, but it doesn't appear my location in conducive to that - no real benefit and definitely a higher cost.
I appreciate any input so we do all that we should with this solar install. Trying to get it done this winter so we'll have full usage this year. My only fear is that I spend 6k on a system that only marginally improves heating due to the north facing roof.
Doug
While I've read a few posts, I have a few solar questions for anyone that has expertise and experience.
1. We have two bids, Heliocol and FAFCO panels. Our only choice is a North facing roof, but at least there are no trees or building structures in the way (south roof has PV, west and east roofs are smaller/odd angled). One company says that we need 9 4x12 panels and uses a 100% of pool SF due to the north facing roof. One company says we need 7 4x12 panels, they use an 85% figure for E and N facing roofs. The 85% calc is actually 7.5 panels so I'd probably kick that one up to 8 panels. But these are basically the same products with slight differences in engineering design and mounting hardware used. I already did a deep dive on Heliocol vs FAFCO and both sides have their sales pitches. Not sure it matters in real life usage. The Heliocol looks to be a neater install in terms of the look and connections. Other than cost, is there any downside to 9 panels versus 7 or 8 in terms of pump requirements or other issues?
2. While we are used to using a cover, I'm hoping we won't have to use one for the prime summer months. Wifey likes 85 degree water or higher, as a reference.
3. My understanding is that the solar install will hook into my Pentair EasyTouch and I don't need a separate solar controller. Is it true that if properly set up, the system basically works hands-free and only operates when the water temperature through the solar panels is optimal/beneficial (meaning, the system won't be on when conditions would actually cool the pool).
I debated adding more PV and using a heat pump, but it doesn't appear my location in conducive to that - no real benefit and definitely a higher cost.
I appreciate any input so we do all that we should with this solar install. Trying to get it done this winter so we'll have full usage this year. My only fear is that I spend 6k on a system that only marginally improves heating due to the north facing roof.
Doug
