Swimming Pool Heating
- LaZer2 Solar Collectors
- Pipe Work - Collectors to Pool
- Heat Exchanger
- Solar Heating System Controls
- Solar Heating System Operation
- How to Get a LaZer2 Pool System Installed
- System Installation and Commissioning
- Post-Installation: Support and Maintenance
A solar water heating system is an excellent way to heat a swimming pool.
If the pool only needs heating during the summer a solar thermal system may be the only heat source you need. If you are heating an indoor swimming pool then the solar thermal collectors can work as the primary heat source, with a boiler, electric heater or ground source heat pump for back-up.
A LaZer2 solar heating system can be used to heat a small domestic pool or an Olympic-size public pool, and everything in between.
If you are in the process of designing or building a new pool then now is the ideal time to consider installing a solar thermal system. If you already have a pool we can simply retro-fit the system without the need to change your existing heat sources.
A typical solar pool heating system will consist of four key components: solar collectors, pipe work, heat exchanger and control system. The specification, location and method of installing the parts will vary depending on the particular application.
Detailed below is a description of the components, operation and installation etc. of a typical LaZer2 solar pool heating system.
LaZer2 Solar Collectors
A southerly-facing pitched roof or wall, or a flat roof, are ideal locations for solar collectors to be mounted on. Collectors can be installed on an east or west-facing but the total collector area will need to be increased to compensate for the lower energy levels.
Shading, aesthetics, roof condition and accessibility will all be considered when selecting a position for the solar collectors.
Once the pool’s energy demand has been estimated (based on pool design, operating temperatures, usage and location) and the collector location identified, the number of collectors required can be specified. As there is a fixed amount of solar energy available to the collectors, the larger the collector area the more energy will be absorbed.
If the area of collectors installed is too small they will not be able to heat the pool to a usable temperature. If the area of collectors installed is too large, not all of the energy available will be used and therefore part of your investment will be wasted.
Solar water heating using a tracking mounting system for swimming pool heating.
Pipe Work - Collectors to Pool
Pipe work will need to be run from the solar collector array to the heat exchanger. Copper or stainless steel pipe work is used. The high operating temperatures of the system mean that plastic pipe work is not suitable.
The size of the pipe work installed will depend on the total collector area and length of pipe run.
The pipe work can be run internally or externally, below or above ground. All pipe work will be insulated, and if required mechanically protected. An anti-freeze is used to avoid pipe work freezing.
Heat Exchanger
The solar heat exchanger allows the solar energy to be transferred from the solar system to the pool water. The solar heat exchanger will be sized to match the power output of the solar collectors and will typically be installed in-line and upstream of the secondary heat source, close to the pool circulation system.
Solar Heating System Controls
The LaZer2 solar control system will usually be installed close to the heat exchanger.
The control settings will be optimised at the time of installation, after which no user interaction should be required. The LaZer2 system operates automatically, but the readings on the controller display and gauges should be monitored regularly to ensure that the system is functioning correctly.
The LaZer2 control system is totally separate to the controls for the other heat sources.
Solar Heating System Operation
The LaZer2 system functions automatically without user input. The control system monitors the collector and pool temperatures and starts the pump when there is useful solar energy to be gained. If necessary the solar controller will also start the pool pump so that solar heated water can be dumped into the pool. When there is no more useful solar energy available the controller stops the circulating pump.
The safety features incorporated into every system will ensure that the system temperatures can never get too high and that all components are protected against freezing.
Getting a LaZer2 Pool System Installed
We always like to talk to pool owners over the phone to discuss pool heating requirements. We can then recommend a suitable solution, provide a budgetary cost and answer any initial questions.
When you are happy that the solution we are offering meets your requirements we can arrange for an engineer to carry out a survey of your pool. We will then post you a fixed quote for you to consider.
Once you have placed an order for a LaZer2 solar heating system we will book a convenient date for our engineers to install it. This will typically be within 3 to 6-weeks from order confirmation.
Installation and Commissioning
It usually takes 3-4 days for our team of engineers to install and commission a LaZer2 solar hot water system. If it is a large system or the installation is complex it may take longer. Fitting a system causes minimal disruption. Your pool heating system will normally be switched off for just one day. Our engineers will always spend time with you to explain the functionality and operation of the components installed.
Post-Installation
We stand by our solutions and are therefore always happy to deal with any questions or queries you may have.
Every system we install is covered by a 2-year parts and labour warranty. The solar collectors are covered by a 25-year warranty against loss of vacuum.
There is no scheduled maintenance required for the first 5-years of a systems operating life. After 5-years we recommend that the heat transfer solution is checked and, if necessary, replaced.
For your peace of mind we can carry out low-cost annual inspection of your system if required.
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