Comparing Pool Heating Options

[solar]

Ben you make good points and ask a tough question about kWh used in manufacturing solar equipment. That is a problem and it has a "ROI" of several years before the energy and emissions used to make a solar panel are offset by the "savings". But let me say that I did not join this forum to promote solar. Really I think at this point solar speaks for itself and has its followers, detractors, wait-and see'rs and those who don't care. I am not here to convince anyone or even discuss it further. My interest is in examining alternatives to solar, mostly for my own use, while using the most green approach that makes sense. For example the hotspot company product or the solarattic product I mentioned in my original post. Thanks to CarlD for his insight, and after researching the cost of solarattic, I have ruled out the attic idea for several reasons. I have also talked to the hotspot people and they seem to have a good product for someone in my situation. Since I bought this house that has a pool, I have learned about the real need for pool heating and understand why people buy it. I don't understand how the previous owners did without it actually. I am sure I will be back here with more questions and at some point may be able to contribute some answers for others. And if I get a hotspot pool heater I will post back with my review.

[Watermom]

Solar ---- Just a reminder that new members have to have their posts go through a moderation queue before they appear on the forum. So, that is why your post didn't appear immediately. People who become subscribers remove this moderation requirement and thus do have immediate posting.

(BTW -- I deleted your other post saying that you couldn't post.)

[PoolDoc]

But let me say that I did not join this forum to promote solar.

Good!

We welcome all kinds of information . . . but not promotion!

[chem geek]

Heating using solar panels is not free because generally speaking it takes higher pump speeds and/or higher head (pressure) to use solar heating and that uses more electricity. Nevertheless, they are usually a heck of a lot less expensive than gas heating. Heat pumps in some situations might be close if one accounts for the pump electricity cost difference. I know that in my own pool, solar heating is far, far less expensive than gas heating and that's even with extraordinarily high marginal electricity rates of 40 cents per kilowatt-hour vs. still high but not extraordinary marginal gas rates of $1.40 per Therm. When I am not running solar, I can run my Pentair IntelliFlo variable speed/flow pump at 26 GPM using 275 Watts, but when I am running solar through 12 panels with very long runs on a 1-story roof at 48 GPM it uses 1500 Watts.

It would be very interesting to do a full analysis of solar vs. heat pump taking into account the pump electricity costs assuming a variable speed/flow pump (or possibly a 2-speed pump). I haven't seen anyone do that thoroughly.