Solar power is one od the leading alternative power generation methods currently available. The technology involves the use of sunlight and heat emitted by the sun to generate electricity or use the heat directly as opposed to creating heat via electricity. During the early stages of this technology, it was primarily used to heat water in residencies as it allowed a relatively inexpensive way of heating large amounts of water at the residential level. Improvements in technology have led to the invention of other derivative technologies which has driven the traditional solar water heater out of favour compared to generating electricity and using the electricity to heat water. This setup is more expensive but allows for more savings in electricity costs by using sunlight to generate a greater amount of electricity than is spent on heating water. A noteworthy application of technology is the use of solar energy to heat pool water. While traditionally, pools would have heated water through the sunlight shining on the pool water which produces a negligible effect. Using equipment and services provided by organisations such as solar pool heating Sunshine Coast, it is possible to enhance this effect by attaching the solar heating unit to the pool’s water circulation system, which allows the pool water to be heated at no operational cost.

Solar water heating works by sending the water in to cylinders exposed to the sunlight. The separation of the cylinders allows more surface area to be exposed to the sun which heats the water quickly. The heated water is then sent into the pool and replaced by cool water. This process is assisted by the pools existing circulation system.

Benefits of Solar Pool Heating

One of the main benefits of solar powered water hearing is the cost. While the initial investment in higher than a traditional water heater, the operating costs are virtually non-existent. It is generally recommended that a pool system circulates the entire volume of the water through its filters at least once a day, and the filter itself is run for at least ten hours. The heater, as part of this water circulation system, is expected to observe similar operating patterns. Traditional electric heaters use a large amount of electricity to heat the entire volume of water in a pool for several hours a day. This translates to a massive cost for the consumption of electricity. With the use of a solar heater, this cost is zero.

Solar heating systems are also simpler to install than electrical heating components. Since the water is directly heated through the heat from the sun, there is no wiring or electronics present in the system. However, the pump is connected to the heating system in order to allow the water to travel across the heating element of the system.

Solar heating systems are also maintenance free. There are no electrical components or batteries to replace, and the occasional cleaning of the solar contact surface should ensure that the system lasts for a long time.