Sizing A System

Adding Solar Pool Heating To Your Swimming Pool

Most pool owners quickly discover that to maximize their enjoyment they would like to extend their swimming season by heating their pools. SOLAR IS IDEAL! It is by far the most economical way to go.

FIRST, sizing your system will depend on the surface area to determine collector size. A simple estimate of length x width is close enough; for unusual shapes you might only use 80% of that number.

SECOND, collector size is estimated based on the number from above and your region.

For the Sunbelt collector size is 2/3 of the pool square footage calculated. Other regions are shown below with some typical sizes. For example a 350 sq ft area pool x south region factor of .65 equals collector area of about 228 sq ft
pool size regions	factor by		surface = 295 sq ft	surface = 295 sq ft	surface = 295 sq ft	surface = 295 sq ft
Sunbelt	0.65		192 sq ft	240 sq ft	384 sq ft	400 sq ft
South	0.80		236 sq ft	296 sq ft	472 sq ft	492 sq ft
North	1.00		295 sq ft	370 sq ft	590 sq ft	615 sq ft
Far North	1.15		340 sq ft	425 sq ft	678 sq ft	707 sq ft

THIRD, Add 10% to the collector size for each true statement.

• My pool is screened in, covered in some way, or shaded throughout the day
• My pool is located in and exceptionally breezy spot, like exposed on a hillside
• My pool is not covered at night or when not being used during the day

And LAST, the collector will require a large roof area on a south facing slope. A patio cover surface or simply ground mounting in an unshaded area may be an alternative.