I tried searching and couldn’t find what I want. I’m in west central Florida and looking to extend my season by a month or two. Any recommendations or ones to avoid? Not looking for solar covers.
Solar heater recommendations for 18’ round AGP
- Thread starter Acmfl
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CJadamec
TFP Expert
There aren't any good ways to get around needing a large flat surface for solar panels for a pool. The more square feet of panels you have the more heat you will get. Avoid the ones that look like little domes with plexiglass covers they simply will not make enough heat for your size pool. You want the ones that look like big black rectangles that go on the roof or a rack mounted to the ground. It can be very difficult to make solar panels aesthetic pleasing and functional at the same time. And seeing as you have put as much effort as you have into making your backyard look very nice you may need to get creative on solar panels.
If you are really looking to extend the season a solar cover will go a very long way in keeping your pool warmer. Overnight your pool can easily loose as much heat or more than a solar panel system can provide on a daily basis from evaporation. Solar covers stop the majority of the evaporation and even if you just put it on for the night time its better than no cover at all.
If you are really looking to extend the season a solar cover will go a very long way in keeping your pool warmer. Overnight your pool can easily loose as much heat or more than a solar panel system can provide on a daily basis from evaporation. Solar covers stop the majority of the evaporation and even if you just put it on for the night time its better than no cover at all.
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Chuck, thanks for the reply. I have an 8’x8’ flat surface on top of my pool shed I thought I could use. I will have to look at weight etc, but maybe that would work. I can use a solar cover at night to keep the heat in, I just didn’t want that as primary. I love your pool and yard btw. I see you have 6x20 solar panels, but also a heat pump?
CJadamec
TFP Expert
Had the heat pump first actually then added solar panels. I couldn't stand seeing all the sun that hits the pool area wasted on the grass. Well that and once the family and in laws got a taste of a heated pool they wanted more heat and the solar keeps the utility bill down. Having the two sources of heat really works to balance the strengths and weaknesses of each individual heater.
If I had to choose one or the other it would be the heat pump over the solar. Being in the Northeast I can't count on the sun everyday.
If I had to choose one or the other it would be the heat pump over the solar. Being in the Northeast I can't count on the sun everyday.
