*Seriously* considering making our own solar pool heater

**PrairieRose** · 07-22-2008, 08:03 PM

Some will argue that having a pool is not frugal anyway and in some ways it isn't but we do what we can to make it as much so as possible. We use a solar blanket to prevent evaporation of water and chemicals and to provide some heat but early in the swimming season and late in the season the water gets pretty chilly. Our old heater was nat. gas and cost $100 to heat the pool the first time back when we used it. It's now got a major leak so we've disconnected it and are looking at a greener option. I'm really excited about it and hope Gripey will get that way too. Here's a link to the one we're looking at....look down the page to the coiled pvc heaters. There are lots of options and choices, not just on this page.... Some other great links in there too on passive cooling of your home (look at the top of page tabs).

http://www.thecasualtraveler.com/solar.htm

**nuisance26** · 07-23-2008, 06:47 AM

~My brother made showers to attach to car roof racks from PVC piping that he painted black The water gets very very hot so I think something like this would work well. Interesting.~

**tammy8701** · 07-23-2008, 07:03 AM

thanks you for this my husband and l are looking into doing something like this we have about 200 feet of pvc on the roof right now so this will work better

**freyadog** · 07-23-2008, 09:21 AM

Great information. Passed that link on to everyone that is serious about conserving energy.

**TexasPeanut** · 07-23-2008, 10:51 AM

When my husband was in school many moons ago, he did something exactly like this for his science fair project. He said it worked great. He still talks about it, he suggested our son do it for his project last year but he didn't.

Also, we have a 100ft black contractors grade water hose that unfortunately remains in a sunny area. Picking that thing up in the afternoon will give you reason to scream lol but our well water(which is like ice water!) will run hot out of that thing for a long time before it's able to cool the hose down and I remember a few years back when the pool would have that chilly feel to it I would put that hose over it and let the hot water run into it. Worked like a charm to give the water some warmth.

**JerryG** · 07-23-2008, 12:18 PM

I think the solar heater is an excellent idea and I don't think a pool is "not frugal". I consider it a necessity and with a solar heater you extend the time you can use it! Excellent idea! Go for it!