- Apr 26, 2021
- 83
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
We are building a pool and have our PB add plumbing for future pool solar (and automation). Pool size is 16 x 35 (with a 8x7 spa and 400kBTU heater). We live in Northern California and have significantly warm days from May-Sept (90s-100s). Most of our neighbors pools warm up sufficiently without any heating to mid to upper 80s by July.
I'm handy and plan on installing plumbing and pool solar myself, the problem is most of my desired roof space is already slated for future "electric solar". Is it worth installing (2) 4'-10' panels on a roof that gets high exposure in the afternoon and early evening (when temps and sun exposure are the hottest)? That is only 7% surface area exposure (absolute minimum recommended by installers is generally 20-25%). I would also couple this with a cheap solar pool cover for spring and fall (to minimize heat loss through the night).
My thoughts are it would only cost be a few hundred dollars and a weekend worth of work. I have to believe any solar heat is better than no solar heat....to help extend my pool season. Currently my neighbor is averaging a 8°F drop through the evening without a cover.
Would you recommend going forward with an undersized system, or just scrap the idea?
I'm handy and plan on installing plumbing and pool solar myself, the problem is most of my desired roof space is already slated for future "electric solar". Is it worth installing (2) 4'-10' panels on a roof that gets high exposure in the afternoon and early evening (when temps and sun exposure are the hottest)? That is only 7% surface area exposure (absolute minimum recommended by installers is generally 20-25%). I would also couple this with a cheap solar pool cover for spring and fall (to minimize heat loss through the night).
My thoughts are it would only cost be a few hundred dollars and a weekend worth of work. I have to believe any solar heat is better than no solar heat....to help extend my pool season. Currently my neighbor is averaging a 8°F drop through the evening without a cover.
Would you recommend going forward with an undersized system, or just scrap the idea?