Solarattic Pool Heater

[aceman]

Is there anyone using this type of heater or have inquired about? It sounds like a great idea. http://www.solarattic.com/pools.htm

[mas985]

I got a quote from one and talked with the rep. A couple of issues resulted in the discussion.

First, it was only slightly cheaper then roof top solar.

Second, having water in the attic is not very appealing despite all of the assurances. What if it did spring a leak. A simple pan to catch the water is not enough given the pressure the water is under.

Third, the rep told me that it was not as efficient with tile roofs since the attic does not get as hot. He only recommends them with composite roofs.

So I went with roof top solar.

[tphaggerty]

I talked to the manufacturer last year. They try very hard to sell you on it once you contact them. I did not buy, went with rooftop solar instead.

I just couldn't find enough info or opinions on the web to make me feel comfortable that it would work. Another reason I didn't was a discussion I saw somewhere about it that talked about the basically finite amount of heat that is actually trapped in your attic compared to the amount of heat available to solar panels. My final reason was that I really wasn't comfortable having a 2" pipe pushing 30 gpm or so into my attic, possibly breaking!

[karrde97]

I would be interested in this too. Electricity in Illinois is going up 40% next year. Gas vs elec is almost becoming moot. I need something for the cooler days to get up to mid 80's. I'd like something that works and is economical.

[karrde97]

Just saw the other posts that went up while I was 2 finger typing. Excellent point about the water line in the attic. Not going to happen in my house. What's the difference between roof top solar and the panels that sit on the ground? What's a good online place to shop for these?

[aceman]

Most houses I know has waterlines running in their attic space. I know it's just another risk. I was hoping someone has one in service because I have any ideal situation for something like this. My water temp is between 82 - 85 in the middle of summer and it would be great to use it for cooling down the attice hence save on running the A/C.

[goosegunner]

Talk to Ken at powermat.com he really knows his stuff and can explain why panels are better.

Its not about heat it is energy. Once your attic cools what is the recovery time? Especially late and early in the day and year.

How about some type of AC unit that uses your pool water to absorb heat, anything like that out there?

Someone on the site uses small heats pump to constantly add cool to house and heat to the pool. Sounds like a good set up but I don't know anything about what they are using for equipment. Anyone?

gg

[CarlD]

I did look at them and they are INSANELY expensive for what you get. I think alternate heating systems are probably in order, like water-cooling a/c condensers rather than air cooling them and using the pool water for the cooling.

I like the idea but the cost and the risk is too high for me.

[karrde97]

We installed Geo-Thermal heating/cooling in our new house. I talked with them about using it to heat the pool. It could be done. For an extra $8,000. Wasn't worth it for a 21' AG. I did see somewhere(here?) where someone put in a small Geo-Thermal like system just for the pool. I have no natural gas supply to my house so my option is electrical or non-electrical. I need something because the water's ~80F when the air is nice enough to swim. We don't get to use the pool enough because of this.

[Macrosill]

What about this (http://cgi.ebay.com/Above-ground-Solar-Pool-Heating-System-2-x-20_W0QQitemZ230020014266QQihZ013QQcategoryZ42239QQ tcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem)

Brian

[Spensar]

What about this (http://cgi.ebay.com/Above-ground-Solar-Pool-Heating-System-2-x-20_W0QQitemZ230020014266QQihZ013QQcategoryZ42239QQ tcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem)

Brian

Yup, those are pretty standard looking solar panels.