2
How does a solar heating system work?
1. Connect your existing pool pump to the solar panel. Your pool pump
sends cold water to the solar panel.
2. The sun heats the water in the solar panel.
3. Warm water is then returned to your swimming pool.
How well does solar heating work?
A solar heating system if sized and installed properly will raise your pool water temperature
up to 10
0
F / 6
0
C and extend your swimming season. In order to maximize the heat, the solar
panel must be exposed to sunlight as long as possible. On rainy days and at night the solar
panel must be turned off so your pool water doesn't cool. You can purchase an optional
diverter kit to accomplish this. On cloudy days, the solar panel won't work as well. It is
recommended to use a solar blanket or a Liquid Solar Blanket. This will help maintain the
heat generated by the solar panel in your pool.
Is a special pump required?
No, you can use your existing pool pump as long as it is in good working condition and 3/4HP (minimum). If the panel is
placed more than 9 meters (30 ft) away from your pool or one story up, then your pump may need to be 1HP or more.
Where can the solar panel be placed?
The solar panel can be placed on the ground.
Avoid placing in high traffic areas, as it is not
recommended to walk on the solar panel. The solar
panel can also be mounted on a rack or a roof. When
mounted, the panel should preferably be facing south
and be inclined at a 30
0
to 45
0
degree angle. Don't
face the panel North, because it will not heat. A
mounting kit (
part#SQ-RMK5
) is required for placing
the solar panel on a rack or roof.
Minimum recommended number of systems
Above-Ground
Round Pool
Above-Ground
Oval Pool
No. of Systems
(2- 2x12 panels)
In-Ground Pool
No. of Systems
(2- 2x12 panels)
Up to 12'
-
1
Up to 15' x 30'
3-4
15'
Up to 12' x 20'
2
Up to 16' x 36'
5-6
18'
12' x 24'
2-3
Up to 20' x 40'
7-8
21'
12' x 28'
3
24'
16' x 25'
4
27'
16'x 32' to 18' x 34'
5-6
This is the minimum recommended number of systems for a typical installation on a south facing roof
with 4-6 month swimming season. Sizing a solar swimming pool heating system involves many factors :
pool size, length of swimming season, average regional temperatures, desired pool temperature and
solar panel orientation. Use of a pool cover like LiquidHeat will help keep more heat in your pool.
