Solar Pool Heater

[daveob]

I think I may have created a monster here !!

Not only have the coils on the roof created a cooler entertainment area by absorbing the heat on the roof, but I had to shut it down at midday. Water temperature got to 32 degrees, which means it's now warmer in the water that out.

Calculated 500,000 BTU added during this morning alone.

I think I may have to throttle down the flow to avoid an uncomfortable and unhealthy pool.

On the plus side, I think that our swim season is going to be hugely increased into autumn and winter.

Having now completed the 'test' system, I'm looking for a way to market the recipe. Main component that I will be needing is the centre hub for the coils. Will be a disc of about 450mm diameter, with 6 holes into which bracing pipes would fit.

Any ideas on who I could approach ?

Would fibreglass be an option ? Would it withstand the UV exposure ?

[AndyD]

Fibreglass lasts many years in sunlight.

How much more water are you losing through evaporation with the pool at 32 celsius?

[daveob]

How much more water are you losing through evaporation with the pool at 32 celsius?

Not sure Andy. Today was the first time it hit that high, and I don't want it to be above 29 or 30, so I bypassed the coils to allow it to start cooling again.

I want to swim and cool down, not use it as a bath !

It usually loses between 1 and 2 degrees overnight depending on overnight temperatures and wind conditions, so should be back to the preferred level by the morning ( I hope ).

In the meantime I have invited the "doubt it would work well" mates for a braai tonight - they owe me a few beers now.

[AlexandroAlexandro]

Sunlight heats up the elements involved, which snare the heat energy and channel it into heating the water. Me and my wife also looking forward to installing for home pool(16' x 4').I read out interesting and informative ideas.This will be helpful for me.Thanks everyone...

[IanF]

Alexandro your IP says you are from Pakistan. Do you follow cricket? Do you think the T20 match was a good test for Pakistan?

[Martinco]

Dave,

I made myself a blanket from bubble wrap as Andy also suggested and this makes a huge difference to the heat loss during night time. It even increases the temperature during day time as well.
I simply took the widest wrap I could find and asked my wife to sew the strips together. I then put the whole sheet in the pool and cut it to shape and size. Works wonderful.
This is now the second season and it still looks fine and the cost is minimal.

[AlexandroAlexandro]

Alexandro your IP says you are from Pakistan. Do you follow cricket? Do you think the T20 match was a good test for Pakistan?

I am here due to some business purposes.However,Pakistani's team player always shows good performance in T20. They should be same team player in one day format.

[IanF]

I am here due to some business purposes.However,Pakistani's team player always shows good performance in T20. They should be same team player in one day format.

Do you think that the Proteas (South Africa) have a chance in the one day series? I feel it depends which squad is selected for the Proteas.