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Some in the industry call a solar pool heating system with a heat pump or gas heater a Hybrid Solar Pool Heater. I prefer to call it a solar pool heater with auxiliary or backup heater. The word ‘hybrid’ is a bit overused in the industry, and can be misleading. Nonetheless, pairing an auxiliary heat source with a solar pool heater can be an ideal solution for some people, especially those who demand particular pool temperatures year-round. If you want your pool a particular temperature all the time, and operating cost is a secondary concern (cost is rarely a complete non-issue), you might consider installing aRead More →

This typical pool pump performance curve shows that a small increase in head pressure is inconsequential if the pump is sized properly for best efficiency to begin.

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It’s true that FAFCO brand solar pool heating panels, which have a subheader for flow distribution, add a higher back pressure also known as head pressure, to pool pumps. Here are the facts: A FAFCO Sunsaver solar pool heating panel does have five times the pressure loss (also known as head loss) than some competitors’ panels at the recommended flow rate.  FAFCO systems use 2″ panel headers and PVC plumbing versus 1-1/2″ by some competitors, which does help, but there is restriction in the headers that choke the actual header inside diameter down to 1-1/2″. As a rule of thumb, FAFCO systems will typically add about 5Read More →

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What is the ideal pool temperature in Southwest Florida? We ask people all the time, “what’s your desired pool temperature?” We get all kinds of answers, but usually it’s a number in degrees. I’d like to point out that it’s all relative! An unheated pool today in Fort Myers was around 74°F. The outdoor temperature reached 84°F in clear sunny skies today. Getting into a 74°F pool might as well get you an honorary membership to the Polar Bear Club. Okay, maybe it’s not that bad, but a pool that is ten degrees cooler than the ambient temperature sure feels cold, especially at first. Even ifRead More →

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I am seeing more interest recently from Southwest Florida Condominiums that want to install solar pool heating systems. The cost of operating electric heat pumps or gas heaters for condo pools is astronomical, especially this time of year. Condo boards are realizing that a large expense contributing to quarterly condo fees is the heating of their pool. In addition, typical Southwest Florida condos are busier this time of year as seasonal residents and renters are occupying a large percentage of condo units and warm pools are in high demand. During cold snaps, electric heat pumps are unable to keep pools at the desired temperature, andRead More →

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Mediterranean style roofing is very popular in Naples, Bonita Springs, Southwest Cape Coral, and other areas throughout Southwest Florida. Solar Pool Heating Systems can easily be mounted on barrel tile roofs, sometimes known as Spanish tile or clay tile. Methods depend on the type of panel being installed. The procedure is the same for flat tiles and is generally the same for all profiles of rounded tile roofs. This installation method provides a secure and long lasting solar pool heat system on a barrel tile roof!