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Saving
Energy: Pool Covers,
Timers
and Solar Heating
Whether
you heat your pool or not, a pool cover is one of the best
investments you can make. Most solar pool covers are
moderately priced and usually pay for themselves in one
season. If handled properly, a good cover will last many
years.
Several
types of pool covers are available. Covers are usually made of
plastic or aluminum sheets. They can be compared on:
1.
ability to transmit sunlight to a pool;
2.
ability to reduce heat loss from the pool:
3.
ease of handling: and
4.
durability of product and length of warranty.
If
you do heat your pool, a pool cover can help you realize
energy savings of 50 to 70 percent or more, depending on the
climate where you live and the time of year. Pool covers also
aid in keeping leaves out and reducing pool water evaporation.
Timers
for Heaters
Heaters
work on a thermostat linked to the pool's water temperature.
Heaters may be set on timers for ease of operation. However,
the heater can overheat without water circulating through it,
so whenever the heater is on, the pump must be running. A time
clock with fireman control should be used if the heater is on
a timer. This will allow the pump to run for a short time
after the heater is turned off to cool down the system.
Solar
Heating
Solar
heating has the advantage of economy and provides virtually
free heat once it is installed. However, solar pool heating
does require a greater investment in both equipment and
installation than gas, oil or electricity.
The
different kinds of active solar heating systems all involve
piping the pool water through solar collectors. These
collectors or solar panels may be piped under a deck area,
mounted on a roof or placed outside where there is direct
exposure to the sun.
A
pump cycles pool water through the solar collectors and back
to the pool. The pump is controlled by a thermostat which
activates the flow of water when the collectors are warm
enough to raise the pool temperature.
Check
with local NSPI dealers as to the actual benefits to be gained
from solar heating in your particular region. Some state tax
credits may also apply.
In
addition to these "active" solar systems, there are
passive systems that aim to pre-serve as much heat as
possible. They range from pool covers to dark-bottomed pools
and landscaping that cuts down wind and heat loss.
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