FAQ
1) How does solar energy heat my pool?
The sun's heat is transferred into your pool by circulating pool water through the solar panel. In most cases, the pool's existing pump is used to circulate the pool water through the solar panels. The water is continually circulated through the solar panels until the pool has attained the desired temperature.
2) How does SOLAR TREK installed solar pool heating save me money?
Owning a solar pool heating system means drastically reducing or even eliminating expensive pool heating utility bills. Year after year, the savings continue while you extend your swimming season. Solar pool heating is the most economical way to heat your pool. Zero operating costs, virtually no maintenance and the longest and most comprehensive warranty ensures the savings will continue for decades to come.
3) When can I use my SOLAR TREK installed solar pool heating system?
Solar heating systems are designed to heat your swimming pool using free heat from the sun. The system should be in operation during the daytime when solar radiation can be absorbed. A solar pool heating system equipped with an automatic controller turns on and off effortlessly whenever there is sufficient solar energy.
In some regions, the use of a SOLAR TREK installed solar pool heating system can lengthen your swim season to 12 months, while in other regions, SOLAR TREK can drastically extend your swim season. Regardless of geographic region, you will enjoy months of additional fun in the pool without the added expenses associated with other fossil fuel heaters.
4) Is there any maintenance involved with a SOLAR TREK installed solar pool heating systems?
A properly installed solar heating system from SOLAR TREK should require very little, or no, maintenance. Check your SOLAR TREK installed solar heating system for proper operation at the beginning of each swimming season, particularly if it has an automatic controller.
5) Does solar work in all climates?
Solar pool heating systems are currently heating pools in all weather conditions around the world. Solar pool heating systems provide year-round pool heating in warm climates and extend the swimming season in colder climates.
The solar pool systems SOLAR TREK installs has a patented individual tube design and mounting hardware that can sustain 180 mph winds and are guaranteed with the most comprehensive warranty of any heater available.
6) Does solar work when it is cloudy outside?
As long as it is daytime, the solar pool heating system absorbs solar radiation. Any solar radiation absorbed by the SOLAR TREK installed pool heating system is then transferred into the pool water. Therefore, even in cloudy conditions, the solar pool heating system will heat your pool. It is important to note that increasing the number of solar panels in your system will help absorb more heat. As with any heater, using a pool blanket is advisable, as it will reduce heat loss.
7) Does my pool pump need to be on?
Yes, the SOLAR TREK installed solar pool heating system works by circulating water through the solar panels using your existing pool pump. Therefore, your pump must be in operation for sufficient water to flow through the solar panels.,/p>
8) Will a SOLAR TREK installed solar pool heating system cause my pool to change color?
The systems SOLAR TREK installs is guaranteed not to discolor your pool due to deterioration of the solar panel material. Our manufactures panels are made of polypropylene with special ultraviolet inhibitor additives. Other manufacturers use cheaper grade plastics like EPDM or pure polypropylene, which are known to corrode and discolor pool water.
9) Can solar be used with my existing pool heater?
Some SOLAR TREK customers choose to use their solar pool heating system in conjunction with an existing pool heater. The SOLAR TREK installed solar heating system is designed to serve as the primary heat source for your pool water, while your existing pool heater serves as an auxiliary, or backup, heater. By using a SOLAR TREK installed solar heating system as your primary heat source, you can lengthen the life of your existing pool heater while minimizing the utility bills associated with heating your pool.
10) What happens if the pool water is too warm?
An automatic controller allows you to set your desired pool temperature. When the desired temperature is reached, your SOLAR TREK installed pool heating system will automatically turn off to maintain the desired temperature.
In some climates, the swimming pool can naturally reach uncomfortable temperatures during peak summer months. The SOLAR TREK installed solar pool heating system can dissipate excess heat in the pool water by circulating the water through the collectors at night.
11) Where would SOLAR TREK install my solar pool heating system?
SOLAR TREK can install solar collectors on roofs or any area near the pool that provides the proper exposure, orientation and tilt toward the sun. Ideally, solar collectors should face south. However, an orientation up to 45 degrees east or west of due south will not significantly decrease performance as long as shading is avoided. SOLAR TREK installed solar pool heating systems can also be installed on the ground or on racks.
12) Will a roof-mounted system harm my roof?
SOLAR TREK’s manufacturer’s individual tube design eliminates competitors’ cumbersome and unattractive straps, which can damage roof surfaces. Instead, SOLAR TREK installed solar collectors are affixed with the patented Alligator Clamp, which minimizes or eliminates roof penetrations.
13) How big of a collector do I need?
The area needed for solar collectors to heat your pool depends on many factors. Depending on the pool's geographic location, roof orientation, pool configuration and your heating requirements, the surface area of a SOLAR TREK installed solar pool heating system can range from 50% to 120% of the pool's surface area.
14) Can I install a solar pool heating system myself?
Though we recommend a SOLAR TREK trained installer complete all installations, customers with basic plumbing skills can install a solar pool-heating system themselves. SOLAR TREK provides “cash and carry†solar pool heating kits. However, customers are advised to thoroughly read the manufacturers installation manual prior to installation to ensure compliance with manufacturer directives.
15) Can I use a solar pool heating system to heat the water I use in my house?
While solar collectors are used around the world for heating swimming pool water, they are also used in many warm-climate countries to heat water for home use. Since solar pool heating collectors do not require glazing, insulation or metal components, they are much less expensive and lighter weight than other domestic hot water solar collectors. It is important to note however that solar pool heating collectors are not suitable for use during freezing weather or in areas which mandate that only copper pipes carry potable water. Be sure to check your local plumbing codes to ensure that you are in compliance.
16) Can I use a domestic hot water solar system to heat my pool water?
Solar pool heating collectors are designed to heat large volumes of water (thousands of gallons) to relatively low temperatures (under 95 degrees Fahrenheit) by circulating the water at a relatively fast rate through the collectors. Domestic hot water systems raise a small volume of water (less than one hundred gallons) to very high temperatures (139 degrees Fahrenheit) by circulating the water slowly through the collector. These two different solar technologies are meant for different applications. A domestic hot water system cannot sufficiently heat a large body of water such as a pool to comfortable temperatures while a solar pool heating system cannot reach the very high temperatures needed for domestic use. In addition, domestic hot water systems are made of copper, which deteriorates quickly when in contact with the corrosive pool water. However, in some cases solar pool collectors are used to 'pre-heat' domestic hot water.
17) Can I use a metal solar collector to heat my pool?
Metal collectors are generally made of copper tubing mounted on an aluminum plate. The disadvantages of metal collectors are that they are more susceptible to corrosion and freeze damage, and the copper tubes may react with your pool's chlorine if the pH level falls below 7.2. An abundance of copper ions in pool water may form dark-colored precipitates, which can coat the pool's walls. Only draining, cleaning and repainting the pool can remove discoloration.
18) How is SOLAR TREK installed pool heating system different from a solar pool blanket?
The greatest loss of heat from a pool occurs from its surface due to evaporation. By reducing this evaporation loss, solar pool covers or blankets are very effective in lengthening the swimming season. However, it is important to note that there is a key difference between solar pool heating systems and solar pool blankets. A solar pool heating system adds heat to your pool while a pool blanket helps to maintain the heat that already exists in the pool water. When used together, your pool water can be heated and maintained at your desired temperatures most efficiently.
19) Does a solar pool collector produce electricity?
No. Solar pool collectors heat your swimming pool water by sending water through individual polypropylene tubes that transfer the sun's energy to your pool water directly. Solar pool collectors are not designed to produce electricity.
20) What does the manufacturers warranty cover?
SOLAR TREK’s preferred manufacturer is HELIOCOL. HELIOCOL is the only solar collector manufacturer that grants a full 12 Year Parts and Labor Warranty (10 years outside the USA) on all of its manufacturer components. Heliocol guarantees that all Heliocol solar collectors and components will be free from defect in materials and workmanship in the manufacturing process under normal use and service. During that time, should a Heliocol solar collector or component exhibit a manufacturing defect, Heliocol will repair or replace the part without charge for parts or labor to the customer. Heliocol solar collectors are also warranted against internal freezing, so long as they have been installed according to Heliocol's installation guide.
21) What does ISO9002 mean to me?
Relatively few manufacturers have the privilege of placing the ISO9002 emblem on their products. Only those companies performing at the highest levels in their industries have the ability to meet the requirements specified by this demanding international standard.
Heliocol's technical and engineering expertise coupled with the company's relentless pursuit of continuous product improvement have made it a perfect candidate for ISO9002. Over the two-year process necessary to gain certification, Heliocol's customer service record, product failure rate, and engineering processes were all carefully scrutinized.
The result - Heliocol is the first and only solar pool collector in the world to achieve the elite status of ISO9002 Certified.
22) What does a manufacturers SRCC rating mean to me?
SRCC is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the development and implementation of certification programs and national rating standards that establish durability and performance criteria for solar energy equipment. SRCC rates the product's ability to effectively heat your pool in the area you live.
With Heliocol's SRCC rating, be rest assured that you are purchasing a solar collector with proven performance and tested integrity.
