The size of Solar Heating Collectors for Swimming Pools

Factors determining the size of the collectors

The size of swimming pools heating collectors (and their costs...) depends basically on two kind of factors

- the climate-weather type and
- the patterns of intended uses: 1) all year-round uses or 2) uses restricted to a part of the year.

The values presented below for collectors area are just average references. The exact size depends of the particular conditions involving your swimming pool, the type and model of collectors, the climate zone, the patterns of use...

Remember: if you want to reduce the size of solar heating collectors, it's highly recommended to use a pool cover or a pool blanket to keep the heat in and avoid the swimming pool from cooling down too much overnight.


Very cold climate / weather

Very cold climates & Year-round outdoor pools use?
Collectors area should be approximately 50-60% of the surface area of the swimming pool.

Very cold climates & Use in summer and closer months?
Collectors area should be approximately 35-55% of the surface area of the swimming pool.


Temperate and hot climates

Temperate  climate states & Year-round pools use?
Collectors area should be approximately 40% - 50% of the surface area of the swimming pool.

Temperate climate states & Use in summer and mid-seasons?
Collectors area should be approximately 25-30% of the surface area of the swimming pool.


Indoor Swimming Pools

Collectors area varies from 60 to 100% of the surface area of the pool, depending on indoor temperatures and external factors. Use glazed solar collectors for better efficiency.


See, for more information:
Basics of solar pools systems
Manufacturers of solar pool collectors
Manufacturers of pool covers
Sizing of pipes and pumps for solar pools
Solar Pool collectors technology
Prices and Payback of solar pool systems


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