Pool Heating Basics
What is solar pool heating and how does it work?
FAFCO’s 50 years of innovation and patented technology have made it easy to heat your pool with solar energy. Before our founding in 1969, the solar pool heating industry did not exist. Today, our constant innovation sets the benchmark for performance and quality.
- Set your desired water temperature and a sensor determines the most efficient run time.
- Your pool pump sends cold water from the pool through the solar collectors.
- FAFCO’s polymer solar collectors heat the water as it is channeled through the collector array.
- Luxuriously, warm, solar heated water flows back into your pool.
Are solar blankets the same thing?
Heats Your Pool!
Just like the lid for a hot cup of coffee, a solar blanket covers the top of the swimming pool and keeps the heat in, stops evaportaion and your swimming pool is warmer, longer…
BUT the solar blanket DID NOT heat the water in your swimming pool just like the lid did not heat the coffee in your cup.
Make sense moment…
Should I use electric solar panels with a heat pump to heat my pool?
vs.
You could, but it would be expensive!
The most cost effective solution for heating pools is solar pool heating. Solar electric (photovoltaic) systems are typically about 20% efficient at turning the sun into electricity, while solar pool heating systems can exceed 90% efficiency!
How much solar do I need to heat my pool?
This can vary depending on climate, system location and pool size. A generalrule of thumb is the 1:1 rule:
To get the best solution, we can help you design a system specifically for your pool.
If you want a professional consultation, contact one of our trained dealers.
Technologies for Pool Heating
Solar Pool Heating—Unique solar thermal technology built to last.
In 1969 Freeman A. Ford founded FAFCO with the innovative concept of using polymers to heat swimming pools. After 100 years of solar thermal collectors being made from copper, new materials provided the resistance to the harsh chemicals that cause corrosion and system failures. Other solar thermal—many other technologies exist to heat water with the sun, such as glazed panels (glass over copper), evacuated tubes or heat-pipes. While all of these have their place in the world, they are not ideal for pool heating.
Natural Gas Heaters—Heating a pool with natural gas is expensive. A typical pool in CA would cost hundreds of dollars per month to heat. Natural gas heaters are dirty. They pollute our environment and your backyard. These heaters have a short life. They often need to be replaced every five years.
Heat Pumps—Heating a pool with a heat pump is also expensive. A typical pool in CA would cost hundreds of dollars per month to heat.
FAFCO's Technology
Maximum Performance
FAFCO Panels
The patented flow chamber ensures optimum water pressure throughout the entire roup of panels, producing:
- Even flow
- Even heating (no hot or cold spots)
- Maximum heating performance
- Most effiecient system in the industry
FAFCO's panel cut away
Flow metering holes and the patented Flow Chamber (Subplenum) distribute water evenly throughout the entire system. The panel’s fully wetted surface has significantly more tubes, so more water is warmed by the sun’s energy. The result is maximum solar heating performance.
Other Solar Panels
The water flow is strong when it enters the first solar panel, but then the flow quickly dissipates as it moves trhough the remaining panels, causing:
- Uneven flow
- Uneven heating (hot & cold spots)
- Loss of heating performance
- Less efficiency
Other panel cut aways
Water flows into the header pipe and directly out through the panel tubes. This inefficient “direct flow” method limits the amount of water available to panel tubes down the line. Also, separated tubes limit the amount of water touched by the sun. The combined result is limited pool heating performance.
The True Two Inch Header!
FAFCO’s true two-inch header allows for more flow, using less pressure.
Less pressure means longer pump life and less energy to run the pump. This results in a significant savings on your energy bill!
NanoBlack Protection
- NanoBlack particles protect the material from degradation and efficiently turn sunlight into heat.
- NanoBlack particles are 3X smaller than others and are superior to alternative technologies.
- Our products contain up to 70% more protecting particles than the competition.
Highest Performing Solar Pool Heater
- More tubes = more heat
- Even flow = more heat
- Darkest black = more heat
FAFCO = MORE HEAT
Engineered System
FAFCO’s products are engineered from start to finish with the complete system in mind. All our components work together to deliver the best results, ensuring a simple, effective, and reliable pool heating installation
Now easier to install! Only a few twists to tighten. Eliminates cross-threading.
NEW! FAFCO set and forget Coupler Clamp. No need to retighten over time and no risk of overtightening. Black-on-black look blends in with the rest of the system.
Sleek, low-profile design makes your whole installation look great! Enables management of the array’s thermal expansion with our Fixed Point Insert system.
Clamp guides ensure the Coupler Clamp is installed in the correct place every time. Inside geometry makes it easy to assemble, while maintaining a reliable seal.
Designing a System
Solar Pool Heating Rule of Thumb
This can vary depending on climate, system location and pool size. A general rule of thumb is the 1:1 rule. One square foot of solar panels for one square foot of pool area.
Spec Tool
To get a customized solution, specific to your needs.
We can create a design made for your pool. Submit a request today!
Consult With a Professional
To get the best, use the best. We’ll put you in touch
with a solar expert who learns your needs and provides a professional consultation tailored to you. Contact one of our trained dealers today!