This solar pool heater was installed in Southwest Florida by Florida Solar Design Group. Showing sweeping, soaring views, this video captures the installation workmanship and concept behind a solar pool heating system.
Why are Solar Pool Heaters Sized Based on Surface Area
We have written before on how to size a solar pool heating system. We even have a solar pool heating sizing calculator. However, we still get lots of questions asking why are solar pool heaters sized based on surface area rather than the volume of water. Size is Related to Surface Area Most people think that the pool volume is the …
iSwim vs FAFCO
When comparing iSwim vs FAFCO solar pool heating panels, it all comes down to longevity and flow rate. Both solar panels are made from similar materials and are made in the USA (iSwim is made in Florida, FAFCO in California). They each come from established manufacturers. So, what factors should you consider to compare the two brands? iSwim vs FAFCO: Comparing Solar Pool …
Replace Solar Pool Heating Panel With Different Brand?
Solar pool heating panel repair service is something that most local solar panel dealers will do for any brand. We service all of our competitors’ brands, and they do the same. When a panel needs to get replaced rather than repaired, we see some people doing something really unfortunate – they replace a leaking solar panel with a different brand. …
Perfect Time to Upgrade Your Pool Equipment
When installing a solar pool heater, it’s the perfect time to consider upgrading your pool equipment. While it’s not required, and your existing pump and plumbing can be used, changing our all or some of your equipment can make your pool pad look and function great! Because we usually need to send two pipes up to your roof to install …
Fort Myers Home Gets Solar Pool Heater
The new homeowners of this Fort Myers home wanted to enjoy their pool year-round, and recognized that one of the best times to buy a solar pool heater is during the slower summer season. As part of the solar pool heater installation, we cleaned up the plumbing and valves at the pool equipment pad and replaced the pump with an …
Solar Pool Heaters on Flat Roofs
Like many homes, yours may have a flat roof adjacent to your pool deck over a lanai or sitting area. This is a common architectural feature for Florida homes. It is often close to the pool equipment, you can’t see it, and it seems like it would be a suitable place to install a solar pool heater. However, we do …
Fort Myers, FL Solar Pool Heating Installation June 2016
Here’s a short video with pictures of our latest solar pool heater installation in the Whiskey Creek neighborhood of Fort Myers, FL.
Pool Valves With Solar Pool Heating Explained
How Swimming Pool Valves Work With so many people moving to Florida and owning their first pool, it’s not surprising that a majority of pool owners are baffled by their swimming pool plumbing system. When we endeavor to add solar pool heating, the plumbing at the pool equipment pad becomes a bit more complex, but it’s not too hard to …
How Does a Solar Pool Heater Work?
This simple animation shows how solar pool heating systems work by redirecting pool water to roof mounted solar collectors where the pool water heats up. This uses your existing pool circulation pump to send water to the solar panels and back.
New Solar Pool Heating System in Cape Coral, FL
Here are a couple of pictures of an iSwim solar pool heating system installed recently in Cape Coral, FL. The system consists of seven 4’x12′ panels on a tile roof. This multi-roof system is more than adequate for the 320 square foot pool, and will provide virtually year-round comfortable swimming for the owners. We had to span one roof obstruction …
Solar Pool Panels Sliding Off Roof
Why solar pool heating panels slide off a roof is usually due to poor installation hardware or practices. Solar panels should be securely affixed to your roof surface for the lifetime of the system with hardware made to withstand the elements. Sometimes we find solar panels hanging off a roof or falling down when a homeowner reports something doesn’t look …
Colored Solar Pool Heating Panels
One solar pool heating panel manufacturer makes a big deal about their solar pool heating panels that come in three colors: black, gray, and terra cotta. The idea is that some consumers want to match their roof color, especially on terra cotta or multi-color tile roofs and gray shingle roofs. There is one big problem with these colored solar panels — …
Pentair IntelliValve Actuator for Solar Pool Heating
Florida Solar Design Group is happy to announce that we are the first solar pool heating dealer in Southwest Florida to offer the Pentair IntelliValve motorized actuator to control solar pool heating systems with new and existing automation systems. This revolutionary valve has LED indicators of valve positions and requires no dis-assembly of the valve to adjust the valve stop …
Advanced Solar Panels
If you are looking for the most advanced solar panels for heating a pool, the iSwim panel offered by Florida Solar Design Group will not disappoint you. Manufactured in Florida, the iSwim solar panel addresses common problems with older solar panel brands with better design and manufacturing techniques. The forward thinking design incorporates the best in performance and energy efficiency, and …
Solar Pool Pump
If you are considering a solar powered pool pump, this article is for you. A solar pool pump is simply a pump with an electric motor that runs on DC power produced by solar panels to circulate water in your pool. It seems like a fantastic way to save money on what is often the second biggest energy hog in …
Compare Variable Speed Pool Pumps
Variable Speed Pumps Explained There is no question that variable speed pool pumps will save you money and cut down your pump noise, but how do you compare pumps when you have a solar pool heating system? Choosing a pump based on cost, horsepower, or brand alone will result in poor performance or savings at best, and disastrous results at worst. …
Repair or Replace Solar Pool Heater
Whether you have a Fafco, Heliocol, or Aquatherm brand solar pool heater, there will come a come when you need a repair, and eventually it will come time to replace the system. But how do you determine whether it is time to repair or replace it? Solar pool heaters from major brands, including the iSwim brand we offer, are warranted …
Loose Tube Solar Panels Trap Leaves and Pine Needles
Loose tube solar pool heating panels, also called separated tube or split tube panels, are poor options anywhere that pine needles and other tree debris can get trapped in panels. The debris tends to get stuck between tubes and gets impacted so tight that it is impractical to remove them. Other than the way it looks, it will rot and …
Solar Heater For Spas
Most people that have a spa in combination with a swimming pool have an electric or gas heater installed in Southwest Florida. However, some spas are installed without any heat source, and we get lots of questions about whether a spa can be heated with solar panels. In a traditional pool/spa combination, water spills over from the elevated spa into …