Pool Heater Systems

Question: What is the best location for the solar collectors?

Answers: Ideally, it is best to install the solar collectors facing as close to due South as possible and in direct sunlight. Collectors facing West or East also perform very well as long as they are mounted in direct sunlight most of the day, but a properly sized system will require more panels. The vast majority of systems are roof mounted but a ground rack is an alternative for those without proper roof space. However, the additional expense of building a rack can be cost prohibitive.

Question: How big are the solar collectors?

Answers: Standard sizes for Solar Industries pool heating collectors are 4’x8’, 4’x10’ and 4’x12’. Using different sizes in an installation is one means of utilizing as much roof area as possible.

Questions: How many collectors will I need to sufficiently heat my pool?

Answers: The number of collectors will depend on the size of collector used, the surface area of the pool, the orientation of the collectors (which direction they face) and whether or not the pool area is screened. In Central Florida, the rule of thumb is you need 70%-80% of the surface area of the pool in collector surface area to provide an 8-9 month swimming season. You will probably need to add a collector or two if they are facing West or East or if you want a longer swimming season.

Question: Will the installation damage my shingles or cause my roof to leak?

Answers: A properly installed solar pool heating system will not damage your shingles or cause your roof to leak. All Florida Solar uses manufacturer recommended Stainless Steel mounting hardware and properly sized Stainless Steel bolts installed by qualified and experienced people to insure a proper installation. Additionally, the Solar Industries specially designed adjustable panel-mounting clamp allows us to position the clamp over a rafter for a much more secure panel installation. This is definitely an area where experience matters.

Question: How well do the installations hold up in severe weather conditions?

Answers: All Florida Solar only uses black polypropylene coated Stainless Steel wind strap mounted with Stainless Steel hardware to insure your system will hold up to high wind loads. Our systems are certified by The Florida Solar Energy Center.

Question: What kind of maintenance is required for a solar pool heating system?

Answers: Very little, if any, maintenance is required for a properly designed and installed solar pool heating system. Our systems are designed to allow the collectors to drain when the pool pump is off eliminating the need to drain the panels in the event of freezing weather. Occasionally, a connector band clamp may require “snugging” due to normal expansion and contraction of the panels.

Question: What is the warranty of the installation and the collectors?

Answers: Refer to the manufacturer warranty card for the full panel warranty details. All Florida Solar warrants the entire system, bumper to bumper, for two full years after the date of installation. This includes all parts installed at time of installation. As with all warranties, neither warranty applies to conditions resulting from misuse, neglect or accident, or to equipment damaged by extraordinary or abnormal weather conditions or other cause, thing, person or act of God.