We have a 15′ x 24′ above ground pool built into a large deck. Since
the deck keeps most of the “above ground” area of the pool in
constant shade, we are considering purchasing a solar panel to extend
the season, even though we live in East Texas. The pump is 2 HP. Is
this sufficient to pump to the roof of a one story house 60′ feet
from the pump? Is the Sunheater brand a good brand? Given the above
information, what can we reasonably expect from one 4′ x 20′ panel
(facing west)as far as increasing the pool temperature? Are these
difficult to install for the do-it-yourselfer?
Any info appreciated!!!
Need info on solar heating, please
February 14th, 2004 · 1 Comment
Tags: pumps
1 response so far ↓
1 Neva Marjory // Feb 24, 2004 at 12:24 pm
Yes, a 2HP pump will be powerful enough for this. In fact, it might
be a bit over size for that pool size, even with the extra lift and
distance. Normally, a pool your size would only need 1/2 to 3/4 HP.
If you’re only using one 4 x 20 ft through-flow panel you will have
to check you don’t over-pressurise it, they do have limits.
I use eight 4 x 10 ft panels here, though I am in England where good
weather is at a premium. The panels are about 8 feet (centre) above
the pool, and are 50 feet from the pumphouse (nearest end of the bank
of panels) and I am only using a 3/4 HP pump. I used to have a two
speed pump which was 1 HP on high speed and even that provided flow
at about the panels limit. The pipework is all 1.5″.
There are pictures of the installation in the Photos section.
Here, I can keep the pool in high 70’s for 4 months of the season on
the panels alone. During sunny periods I have to turn off the
differential controller so that the panels are in circulation at
night to COOL the water, as it can get into high 80’s in June,July
and August.
For this location, the recommended panel surface area is about 50% of
the pool surface area, though remember the lower sun angle/sunshine
hours here, and that we accept a lower pool temperature here than is
expected in Southern States.
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