Solar Pool Heating FAQs
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Typical residential systems take from one to three days to install. Systems mounted on the ground are more complex, and may take longer. Most of this time is spent outside of your house, so there is very little disturbance to you. Commercial systems take several weeks to over a month to install, depending upon size and type of installation.
There are many incentives for purchasing a solar pool heating system. These benefits vary from state to state, but some common incentives include:
- Lower or fixed utility costs
- Better for our environment, less carbon emissions
- Little or no maintenance
- Solar equipment is more durable and lasts longer than traditional water heating equipment
- Extend your swimming season with enjoyable water temperature year round
- Remote site with no electric service
- An urgency to “go green”
- Higher resale value for your property*
- If I sell my property, will a solar pool heating system increase the sale price?
- Energy conservation and renewable generation adds value to a home. Surveys have shown that for every $1,000.00 saved per year, $20,000.00 is added to a home’s value*. Solar energy can be one of the best home improvement investments you make.
- Most individual states and the federal government have incentives** and rebates to decrease the up front cost of solar energy producing systems. Please contact us for more details.
* Newscenter resource link & Zillow resource link **Please consult your tax adviser regarding your individual tax situation and income tax credit eligibility.
Yes, absolutely. We have installed solar pool heating systems in various retail buildings, hotels, schools, and other community or commercial facilities. Anywhere there is a pool, solar pool heating equipment can be used or installed.
Most of our customers do not clean their pool panels, because in most areas of the country, there is sufficient rain to clean the panels. However, if you are in a dusty area ( near a busy dirt road, in an urban area, etc.) you may see a performance gain from cleaning the panels monthly. If necessary, a hose stream is usually sufficient for cleaning. Do not walk on or over the panels to clean them. Do not use metal, hard, or abrasive methods for cleaning. Do not spray water on the panels when they are very hot.
FAFCO solar pool panels should be installed in areas where they get significant, shade-free sun every day; even small amounts of shade can significantly reduce the output. Our designs and installations also seek to minimize the impact of any shade issues through selection of the proper equipment and good engineering. We can assist you in selecting the appropriate location during our initial consultation visit.
Panels are often mounted on the roof, but can also be mounted on the ground. Ground mounts are great if the house is shaded, or if dormers or other obstructions limit available space on the roof
FAFCO Systems are the highest rated solar pool heating systems on the market. In spite of this, they are priced very competitively with less effective solar systems, and usually less expensive than heat pump installations. Gas heaters cost less to install, but are very expensive to operate.
FAFCO pool heating equipment has a 10-year warranty from the manufacturer. When installed properly, most systems, including all parts, can last up to 20 years. We also offer a maintenance agreement or hurricane prep service to extend life and get the most out of your system.
We can install our systems to operate as the primary heat source, with an existing fossil fuel heater serving as a backup. In this way, you can enjoy a warm pool regardless of the weather, and save about 80% of the cost of heating with the existing heater.
Our installation procedures are designed and engineered to meet or exceed Florida Building Code Specifications for wind load.
Our FAFCO Systems are installed in such a way that we can easily remove them and later reinstall them at a fraction of the original cost of the system. If the roof is repaired within the first year of the system’s installation, we do the work at no cost. Please contact us about our re-roofing service for more information.
In 1992, the Florida State Legislature passed a law expressly forbidding Homeowners Associations and any other organization from prohibiting solar heating systems, in order to promote the benefits of using free, renewable energy. We are almost always able to design systems that are unobtrusive and satisfy the neighborhood organizations.
No. A solar heating system for your pool is a closed system that re-circulates the water in your pool. Solar systems for domestic hot water needs are completely different and sold separately.
Since our FAFCO solar system uses your existing pump to operate, there is no significant incremental operating cost (less than $1 per month). FAFCO’s patented design produces the least amount of head pressure, so your pump will not have to work any harder or longer.
FAFCO solar panels are rated the highest of any in the market by independent testing organizations. A properly designed system will allow Florida Solar to provide a written guarantee, ensuring that your pool water will be over 80°F for 10 months of the year. During the coldest weeks of the year (usually January) the air temperature is too cool for most people to enjoy swimming, so the average customer does not miss using their pool when the sun is too low in the sky to produce a really warm pool. The solar heated pool will typically be at least 12-15 degrees warmer than an unheated pool, even in the worst conditions.
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