Results 1 to 4 of 4

Thread: Smartpool Solar System?

Threaded View

  1. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 1969
    Location
    Roseville, California USA.
    Age
    64
    Posts
    38

    Default

    The answer is it depends. What is your expectations of your solar system system? How much warmer do you want the pool?

    When I was doing my solar system, I found it is suggested you need enough panels to cover about 75% of the surface area of the pool. (This is for a southern exposure with 25% shade.) So for a 14X30 pool (420 sq ft X 75% = 315 sq ft). You should have 315 sq ft. of solar panels.

    For solar heating, you need to increase the water temp in the panels only a few degrees to make a difference in the pool. Depending on how long you run the system in the heating period affects how much warmth (BTU's) you get into the pool. In your case, if you want to increase the temp of the pool in the warmest part of the swim season, what you have should work fine. If your expecting to extend the swim season by several weeks on each end, you don't have enough.

    Plumb the solar panels AFTER the filter. If you live in a warm area you will also want to plumb in a valve so you can direct the water to bypass the solar panels and go directly into the pool. This is because if you run the filter/solar pump 8-10 hours a days, at some point in the heat of the season you may end up with a spa! (If this happens you can run the solar system at night to cool the pool!)

    I have an IG 575 sq ft. with 650 sq ft of panels (eastern exposure in Northern CA). I expect to extend my swim season by several weeks on each end of the season. I would have gone bigger but I ran out of roof!
    Last edited by RocKKer; 03-30-2006 at 02:14 AM.

Similar Threads

  1. Chlorease / Smartpool SWCG problems
    By jcar27 in forum Salt Generators (SWCG) & other Chlorine Feeders
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 06-27-2012, 10:28 AM
  2. Effect of adding a DIY PVC solar heating system
    By frankinbahia in forum In-Ground Pool Construction and Repair
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-01-2011, 12:58 PM
  3. Smartpool PoolHog or Aquabot Turbo T Jet
    By jazzkj in forum Pool Cleaning: Manual or Automatic
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-25-2007, 09:54 AM
  4. Solar Panel - too much air in system
    By jmcst25 in forum Pool Equipment & Operations
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-27-2006, 08:33 PM
  5. Anyone own a Solar Bear heating system?
    By prh129 in forum Pool Equipment & Operations
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 05-18-2006, 12:27 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts