There is little doubt that solar pool heaters are non-polluting and thus environmentally friendly sources of energy that help saving not only your money, but also the planet.
However, like any other equipment, they have their own set of limitations if you heat your pool by solar power alone.
Before you really go out to have one, you should keep the following drawbacks in mind, lest it proves to be a financially un-viable venture.
Expensive Initial Investment
Though the cost of generating heat from solar pool heaters is almost negligible, they cost a lot. The initial investment of a solar pool heater varies from $3,000 to $5,000 for a pool of 300 to 400 square feet. Add to that the cost of its installation!
Design Clash
Even the best designed solar pool heater lacks the most elegant design, with the most-elegant being defined as a “skylight look” on the United States Department of Energy website.
The drawback with the design is that such heaters are not sufficiently equipped to keep away the shade from trees in the vicinity. These heaters are not really efficient if installed in colder climates and necessitate additional heating arrangements.
Not Independent And Not On Demand
Though solar pool heaters offer heat like a gas heater or heat pump, they are unable to operate on their own to provide heat as and when needed. That’s because they heat the pool with stored energy and once the stored energy gets exhausted they need to be recharged and that’s possible only when you have the sun shining!
So they require a normal gas heater or heat pump as a backup source. So, they fail to provide energy on demand.
It May Not Be Cheaper
The cost efficiency of solar power heater varies with the place you live in, Alaska, for example. You need to consider the frequency of use to calculate how much can you get out of it.
It will be worth considering and comparing the cost of installing a solar pool heater and its efficiency vs. the cost and efficiency of a gas heater or heat pump. Another factor you need to consider is its maintenance.
Solar pool heaters need be installed and maintained by specialist solar contractors. So, they might be more expensive to maintain.
Though solar pool heaters are pushed as the most cost-effective, and low-maintenance equipment, you must consider the other options too and make a comparative study before jumping to any conclusion.