A swimming pool in Cape Coral that is not heated in April is just 77 degrees on average. A solar heated pool is in the upper 80’s and possibly over 90ºF if desired! In May, the average temperature is just 5 degrees warmer, prompting many people to keep their solar pool heater running to reach comfortable and enjoyable swimming temperatures. …
Manual Drain for Solar Pool Heater
When Do I Need a Manual Drain for a Solar Pool Heater? The purpose of a manual drain is to allow a system owner to drain all water out of the system when the system is not plumbed to drain automatically by gravity. It is always ideal to install plumbing for a solar pool heater in a way that water …
Vacuum Relief Valve for Solar Pool Heaters
What is a vacuum relief valve, and why is it required in a solar pool heating system? A valve must be installed in every solar pool heating system to allow air into the system when pool water drains out of the panels. This relieves the vacuum that would be created by falling water inside the solar panels and plumbing on …
Solar Panels for a Pool in Cape Coral, FL
Here’s a picture of a new solar pool heater installed in Cape Coral, FL. This system consists of eight 4’x12′ iSwim solar panels, which is a perfect size on this 376 square foot pool with solar panels mounted on the south roof. We had one roof obstruction to get around, but otherwise this was a straightforward installation on a roof …
Naples Flat Tile Roof Gets Solar Pool Heater
I have received a lot of requests recently about solar pool heaters on flat tile roofs. Flat tile is one of the easiest roofs on which we install solar panels. While the tiles take some preparation, and the work is labor intensive, it is relatively easy to walk on. The strapping, often the most challenging and cumbersome parts of the …
FAFCO Solar Panels Leaking
FAFCO Solar Pool Heating Panels Leaking If you find your FAFCO brand solar pool heating panels leaking, it may be time to upgrade to a newer solar panel design. We service a lot of solar panels from FAFCO that have tube weld leaks in Southwest Florida. These leaks occur frequently on tile roofs where the weld is compromised by …
Roof Leaks with Solar Pool Heaters
We are asked frequently about the potential for roof leaks by prospective solar pool heating buyers, and understandably so. The roof over your head, and the house under it, are precious. The headache of a leak can by frustrating and expensive. So how do we address this major concern? First, it is important to note that the solar pool heating industry …
Cape Coral Solar Pool Heater Installed March 2016
Here are some pictures of our latest solar pool heating installation in Cape Coral, FL. This duplex pool was too cold for enjoyable swimming in the spring, so the owner decided to do something about it. With nine panels, it is sized for maximum performance, and all of the suitable roof space was used to achieve the warmest temperatures possible. …
Black or White Pipe for Solar Pool Heaters?
When it comes to selecting black or white PVC pipe for plumbing your solar pool heating system, there are some important factors to consider, both generally and locally. While black PVC pipe is available, there are some important reasons you should avoid it if possible. Some Homeowner’s Associations require the use of black pipe on the roof in a shortsighted …
Review Solar Pool Heating Panel Options
Selecting a solar pool heater can be a difficult choice, with all sorts of opinions, sources, and ratings available. As you review your options, you will want to look at things like flow rate, panel construction, total system performance, quality of ALL components, and dealer competence. All panel options and dealers have engineered installation drawings that meet Florida Building Code, …
Quick and Easy Solar Pool Heater in Cape Coral, FL
Every once in a while we get a relatively easy solar pool heater installation on our schedule. It’s a welcome break from steep roofs, long plumbing runs, and roof types that require extra care in terms of safety, protection of the roof, and installation difficulty. Starting and finishing a job in one day is definitely a satisfying experience. That’s not …
The Flow Imbalance Myth Debunked
When you can’t compete, confuse. That seems to be the tactic used by some of our competitors at times. The latest myth is that our solar pool heating panels have big tube openings, and therefore the flow rate is imbalanced across the panels. Of course, they leave out the science behind their claims, but why rely on facts?! The full flow tubes …
Dealing with Roof Obstructions and Vents for Solar Pool Heating Panels
When installing solar pool heating panels, it is very often the case that roof vents and other obstructions come into play. Placing panels in a way that takes advantage of the available roof space becomes a challenge. There are a several strategies that we use to deal with vents and other obstructions, which may include plumbing vents, attic vents, satellite …
Solar Pool Heater – Bonita Springs, FL
This solar pool heater, installed recently in Bonita Springs, FL, is located on a south roof and sized for a large 15′ x 30′ pool (450 sq ft). The owners will enjoy 10-12 months of swimming in comfortable pool temperatures, and will greatly increase their enjoyment of the pool in the spring and fall. One thing you will notice from …
Estero, FL Solar Pool Heater With Black Plumbing
Many of the gated communities of Estero, Bonita Springs, and Naples require that solar pool heater roof plumbing be black in color. While we don’t recommend black plumbing due to potential service issues associated with warping and swelling, we are obligated to follow the architectural requirements of the homeowner’s association, and we transition from white to black at the roof …
Multi-Roof Solar Pool Heater in Cape Coral, FL
It is pretty common for a solar pool heater to wrap around to an adjacent roof when there is not enough space on one roof surface to get the needed coverage. Plumbing connects the two banks together as if it is a single system on one roof. As long as the height of each bank of panels is the same, …
Cape Coral 2-Story Solar Pool Heater Installation
Sometimes we are asked if a solar pool heater can be installed on a two-story roof. The answer is usually yes, as long as the pump horsepower is sufficient, or a booster pump is added or the existing pump is replaced. In most cases, a two-story installation is not much more complex than a single story job. Pictured below is …
How Many Solar Panels Do I Need To Heat My Pool?
To calculate the number of solar panels you need to heat your pool, the most important factors are your pool size in square feet of surface area and on which roof you plan to install your solar panels. After selecting a few other factors, we can easily calculate the number of solar panels you will need depending on the solar …
Solar Pool Heater Installed in Naples, FL
Here’s a great photograph of a solar pool heater recently installed in Naples, FL. The happy couple is looking forward to taking their daughter swimming in their new home. The pool has been too cold since they moved in in November, so it’s about time they get to jump in! This system shows how we can transition from two different …
Choosing Solar Panels for Home
When choosing solar panels for your Southwest Florida home, there are three major type of solar panel you can select from. The type of solar panel you pick depends on your goals, as no single type can do everything. Different solar energy technologies excel at different tasks. Solar Electric (Photovoltaic) Panels Solar electric panels generate electricity for use in your …