Solar Swiming Pools: Pipes dimension & Horsepower

Solar pools & Pumps Horsepower

Choosing the right pumps for pools involves taking into account...

- pool dimensions (the number of gallons of water in the pool)
- turnover time (time to move the entire capacity of pool through the filter: 8-10 hours is usually a good turnover time for a home pool).
- flow rate (desired flow rate in gallon per minute).

A solar pool system introduces some specific factors, namely:

- the position of the solar collectors relatively to the pool and to the ground.
- the number and dimension of collectors (which depend on climate variables and the use or no use of the pool in winter and mid-seasons).

Usually people use typical pump power (say, 2 horsepower pumps) for home pools, but this isn't necessarily the best option. Oversizing is a common mistake you should avoid.

Taking into account all the factors involved is a complex task, that may demand the advice of an expert.


Solar collectors location

Pumps used for filtering water in conventional pool systems are often sufficient to support the needs introduced by solar systems in pools.

But not always. When solar collectors are mounted on roofs – namely in the case of two story roof applications - it might be necessary additional pumping power to move the water to the collectors and back into the pool. 

In the case of single story residences, the use of oversize piping may eliminate the need of extra pumping power (obviously, this is also valid in the case of collectors installed near the ground or at the ground level).

Summary

- Look for competent expert assistance when choosing the right pump, pipes, filters and other parts of your solar pool system.

- Today's pumps are a lot more efficient, and there is the risk of oversizing their power if you simply pay attention to horsepower ratings;

- In most cases, the power of the pumps used for filtering water also supports the needs introduced by solar systems. The adaptations are minimal and the extra-costs for extra-pump power are usual reduced or null.

- Solar collectors installed on high roofs may demand more powerful pumps.


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


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