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North-facing solar pool heating systems and other tragic mistakes

Posted by Giovanni Hurt on October 29, 2009 at 12:45pm in Business Growth, Expansion, and Current Opportunit
I was driving around my neighborhood the other day looking at the roof-mounted solar pool collectors and was shocked to find 3 solar pool heating systems facing true north.These solar pool heating systems are really a waste of the pool owners' money.They might as well use that investment and book a tropical vacation because their solar heater will only provide heat when it is not necessary,in mid-summer.One was for an in-deck solar pool heating system that was a prospective customer.I called and asked why he went with the north-facing solar system and he said "I saved $2,500.00 and the pool builder said that your in-deck solar pool heating system does not work".I have never installed a solar pool heating system that did not heat the pool well and the pool builder had never seen any of my projects but was an expert in the clients mind.One of the north-facing solar systems was wind damaged from of all things,the north wind.

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Replies

  • Giovanni Hurt November 2, 2009 at 9:52am
    Thanks,James.
    This is the perfect case for your Attic Solar Pool Heating System!
    Regards,
    John
  • James Kantorowicz November 2, 2009 at 6:05am
    Good commentary John and well expressed.
  • Giovanni Hurt October 29, 2009 at 2:51pm
    Rocco,
    Como esti!
    Thanks for your reply.
    I have been installing solar systems for over 32 years,in California, and have seen lots of crazy out there.
    Your geography/lattitude is ideal for a radiant hydronic heating system in the bottom of the pool shell.
    This can be an all-in-one solar/gas heating system for heating the home floor,pool floor as well as the domestic hot water heater for the home.We also engineer a geothermal heating/cooling system that offers a snow-melt system.We use a mechanical engineer to calculate the entire heating system.He also includes a home energy audit.
    Our company installed Peter Bajka's INDEKSOLAR pool heating system.He was the former owner of Compool Pool Products which was sold to Pentair Pool Products.
  • Rocco Russo October 29, 2009 at 2:12pm
    It should be common knowledge now, and I know this applies here in the North-East, that solar pool heating alone cannot extend consumers' swimming seasons. They can't warm a pool in April, or in September, not in this climate any way.
    That being said, when a solar pool heater is installed properly, they will certainly cut down on the expense of pool heating with gas. Add a solar thermal cover and you're talking serious savings. Our clientel in the Hamptons generally prefer a 90 degree plus pool, so these hybrid systems are increasing in popularity at a rapid pace.
    Facing a collector to the north is a major mistake!
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