Hi TFP members,
My thermal solar finally failed. Two panels split. It is an old system that was installed many previous owners back, but it worked well. Total of approx. 288 sq ft of coverage, 5 panels facing South, 1 panel facing West. We have a large 27 panel photo voltaic system that covers our Tesla Model 3. Less than a year ago, the pump on our above-ground spa failed, and I have not replaced it. So, that will be energy savings b/c that was an energy hog. Also, I do use a thermal solar blanket. We may not replace the spa, so as such we have that energy savings which could go towards the electric pool heater. My system is quite basic. I have a variable speed MaxFlo 1.5 hp pump, but I don't have a smart system.
The dilimena now is that I am not sure if I should replace my thermal solar or get an electric pool heater. My 9 year old sons play year-round water polo, so we'd like to help along that journey. If that means more swim time intermittently in the winter using an electric pool heater, than that may be the better option. The combination of the thermal solar and thermal solar blanket seemed to allow us to be the first pool swimming in the Spring, and last pool swimming in the Fall. Generally, the pool water is already up in the high 70s in March, and maintaining swimmable temps through October.
I am not too mechanically involved. I would not be installing either the thermal solar panels or the electric pool heater. For reference, in 2018 I got some quotes for replacing the thermal solar. One estimate was $5,880 for 6 FAFCO Sunsaver Panels, and the other quote for $6,525 for 6 Solar Industries panels (not sure what model).
What complicates the matter is that I have a metal shingle roof. So, we definitely want the most trusted installer on the roof b/c these shingles dent easily.
1) What would be the more efficient long lasting product - thermal solar panels or an electric pool heater?
2) If an electric pool heater is installed, do I have to install a smart system. I am not sure what that name for that Pentair system is.
3) Would I have to upsize my pool pump from the MaxFlo 1.5 hp vsp?
4) What would cost more to install and ongoing operation - thermal solar vs. an electric pool heater?
5) What panels are best - FAFCO Sunsaver panels, or Solar industries?
Thanks for your assistance.
My thermal solar finally failed. Two panels split. It is an old system that was installed many previous owners back, but it worked well. Total of approx. 288 sq ft of coverage, 5 panels facing South, 1 panel facing West. We have a large 27 panel photo voltaic system that covers our Tesla Model 3. Less than a year ago, the pump on our above-ground spa failed, and I have not replaced it. So, that will be energy savings b/c that was an energy hog. Also, I do use a thermal solar blanket. We may not replace the spa, so as such we have that energy savings which could go towards the electric pool heater. My system is quite basic. I have a variable speed MaxFlo 1.5 hp pump, but I don't have a smart system.
The dilimena now is that I am not sure if I should replace my thermal solar or get an electric pool heater. My 9 year old sons play year-round water polo, so we'd like to help along that journey. If that means more swim time intermittently in the winter using an electric pool heater, than that may be the better option. The combination of the thermal solar and thermal solar blanket seemed to allow us to be the first pool swimming in the Spring, and last pool swimming in the Fall. Generally, the pool water is already up in the high 70s in March, and maintaining swimmable temps through October.
I am not too mechanically involved. I would not be installing either the thermal solar panels or the electric pool heater. For reference, in 2018 I got some quotes for replacing the thermal solar. One estimate was $5,880 for 6 FAFCO Sunsaver Panels, and the other quote for $6,525 for 6 Solar Industries panels (not sure what model).
What complicates the matter is that I have a metal shingle roof. So, we definitely want the most trusted installer on the roof b/c these shingles dent easily.
1) What would be the more efficient long lasting product - thermal solar panels or an electric pool heater?
2) If an electric pool heater is installed, do I have to install a smart system. I am not sure what that name for that Pentair system is.
3) Would I have to upsize my pool pump from the MaxFlo 1.5 hp vsp?
4) What would cost more to install and ongoing operation - thermal solar vs. an electric pool heater?
5) What panels are best - FAFCO Sunsaver panels, or Solar industries?
Thanks for your assistance.
Last edited: