How Well Does a Solar Pool Heater Work?

If you’re asking this question, then you’re likely considering the various options available for a new pool heater at your home. Well, at Florida Energy Water & Air, we’re experts in solar energy, and we believe a solar pool heater is absolutely the best choice for St. Petersburg homeowners. To answer the question of how well a solar pool heater works, let’s take a closer look at what most homeowners consider to be the determining factors:

Water Temperature

A solar pool heater has the potential to heat a pool to swimmable temperatures year-round in St. Petersburg – even during the cool winter months. An unheated pool’s water can drop to temperatures in the low 60s in the winter, whereas a solar-heated pool can reach temperatures in the upper 70s. Plus, on days when outdoor temperatures are low enough that pool water can’t get warm enough to swim, you likely wouldn’t want to be swimming outside anyway!

Heating Speed

While it may be true that electric or gas pool heaters work faster, a solar pool heater can be plenty effective. It’s difficult, however, to pinpoint a particular number of degrees by which a solar heater can warm pool water daily. That’s because there are a variety of factors that can affect heating speed, such as:

• The number of solar collectors being used
• The size of the pool
• The time of year and temperature
• The amount of sun exposure

This is why it’s so important to have a solar pool heater installed professionally – to ensure it’s done properly so that you can enjoy optimal performance.

Cost Effectiveness

Even in instances when electric or gas pool heaters might outperform a solar pool heater, you have to consider the cost. There are many different types of electric and gas pool heaters, and they can cost anywhere from $100-$600 per month to run. A solar pool heater, however, uses solar energy, which is free. When it comes to cost effectiveness, is there really any question which pool heater is best? If you’re interested in solar pool heaters, contact Florida Energy Water & Air today. We’ll be happy to schedule a free consultation at your St. Petersburg home to help you determine if learn why a solar pool heater would work well at your property.