SolarAttic PCS1, User Manual

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SECTION 2 - HEATING DATA Page S2-8
POOL HEATERS
Many different types of swimming pool heaters are available. Most heaters
currently on the market burn fossil fuels. While gas heaters can be purchased and
installed at a lower price than the PCS1, they quickly make up the difference in cost
in the form of Òenergy consumedÓ. Gas heaters represent the majority of the heaters
sold today and typically will cost $150.00 or more per month to operate. The PCS1,
in contrast, burns no fossil fuels and only costs an estimated $10.00 per month to
operate.
All solar systems use renewable energy and are very efficient when heating
swimming pools. Depending upon location, a solar system may provide 100% of
the energy to heat your pool or may require some form of backup heater. The PCS1
follows the same rules as conventional solar panel systems. So, what is the
difference then? The difference is the panels. The PCS1 provides solar heating
without having to use roof mounted panels. This is a major advancement in solar
heating technology!
The following pages highlight some of the problems associated with solar
panels, gas heaters, and heat pumps. Additional discussions of pool heaters are
contained in the special reports ÒHow To Calculate Pool Heating CostsÓ, ÒHow To
Create An Energy Efficient PoolÓ and ÒHow To Understand Pool Heat PumpsÓ
which are available directly from SolarAttic, Inc.
BACKUP HEATER USE
A backup heater may be desired in certain areas to further extend the
swimming season. Check with your local solar dealer to find out how long the
swimming season is with a solar panel system. The PCS1 will have a similar length.
Make sure you have an efficient pool; use the PCS1 solar heater; and, use a pool
blanket judiciously. If, after using these techniques, your season is not as long as
you would like -- then install a backup heater.