How to Choose the Right Solar Pool Heater Size

There are many factors to consider when choosing a solar pool heater. At The Stanley Louis Company, we are always happy to help you find the perfect solar heater for your pool no matter what your needs. However, we also know that our clients like to get the details themselves. Here are some basic tips on how to choose the right size solar pool heater. Read on and then contact us at 800-217-6527 for help heating your pool.

The many factors you’ll take into account when choosing the size for your solar pool heater

There are some obvious factors you’ll consider as you look for the right size. First, of course you’ll consider the size of the pool and the desired temperature you want your pool to be. You’ll also think about how long your pool season is. For example, a pool in California that runs most of the year will have different needs than a pool in Iowa that’s only open for a few months of the year.

You’ll consider the average temperature where you live, as well as the solar resource of your particular site. The collector efficiency, orientation, and tilt will also be taken into consideration. Finally, if you use a pool cover, this may also affect the type and size of solar pool heater you need.

Confused? We can come out with our specialized program to find what you need

These are a lot of things to consider and it can be hard to determine the right size of solar pool heater unless you’re an expert in the industry. At The Stanley Louis Company, we can come out with our worksheets, computer programs, and vast experience to figure out your exact requirements and collector sizing. Just call us at 800-217-6527 to set up your consultation.

The basic math

In most cases, the surface area of the solar collector you choose should be between 50% and 100% of the surface area of your pool. However, if you live in an area that’s cooler and / or cloudier, then you’ll likely need to increase this ratio between your pool surface area and collector area. Additionally, if you add collector square footage, you’ll lengthen your swimming season.

Consider this example

Let’s go through one example together. Consider an outdoor swimming pool in Florida that’s 15 feet by 30 feet. In Florida’s climate, the collector would need to be about 100% of the square footage of the pool if the homeowner wanted to use the pool all year. That means the collector would need to be 450 square feet.

Here’s another example: In northern California, the norm is to use outdoor pools between six and eight months of the year. In this case, the collector area would only need to be between 60% and 70% of the total surface area of the pool. You can further reduce the necessary collector area by utilizing a pool cover. To learn more about your pool’s unique needs, reach out to The Stanley Louis Company at 800-217-6527.