PV Gap

Ken Said:

how do solar powered heating systems work ?

We Answered:

There are two types: active and passive. Passive uses the suns heat without any particular fancy electronics and houses are designed to make the best of it, and are well insulated. Simple solar water heating systems may also be incorporated into the design. Active designs use solar panels to provide electricity. Naturally houses may use both systems.

Bobby Said:

how can i make a solar heating system for my inground pool?

We Answered:

The answer to your question depends on where you live. The simplest way to use solar heat to heat swimming pool water is to run an intermittentt pump through black water hose that is exposed to the sun.

The pump needs to be intermitten because the water will have to site in the hose for a while to collect heat. Then when the pump comes on it moves the warm water to the pool and replaces the water in the black hose with cool water from the pool.

You pool water temperature will increase as this cycle repeats.

Wendy Said:

We have just had this new fangled Solar heating system fitted.?

We Answered:

Dick, dear, did you suddenly come into quite a bit of cash? Solar heating, DVD, digital camera, ipod AND not one but TWO exercise bikes...my, my, my!

Arthur Said:

Quickest (and least expensive)way to heat an above ground pool on a cool day? Solar Fish, Black Solar Heating?

We Answered:

Don recommended one of the best small footprint type heaters you can construct yourself. These are pretty effective.

Another way, if you have a large space you can do this with, would be to lay down some black plastic, run a water line in an accordion shape across the top of the plastic, then cover with another black plastic sheet. This is an extremely inexpensive way to heat the pool, especially if the surface area is 1/2 the surface area of the pool or greater. However, it does take some space and isn't the most sightly thing.

The little solar fish or any chemical additives you can put in the pool do not work effectively, cling to swimmers, and filter out. They are a waste of money and can actually cause problems with your water chemistry despite the various claims on the packaging to the contrary.