Solar systems have come a long way in recent years, as is evidenced by the growing number of jobs in this sector. In fact, employment in this industry has soared by roughly 123% since 2010! If you’re looking for ways to increase your sustainability at home, there’s arguably no better time than to switch to solar power.

You can do more with a solar setup than simply power your electricity needs inside. You can also use solar energy for outside activities. Now that summer is in full swing, you’ll probably want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. And if you have a residential swimming pool, the chances of soaking up some sunshine are pretty high. But did you also know you can harness the sun’s power to actually heat your pool?

That said, just because it’s possible to make a change doesn’t always mean it’s the right choice for you. If you’re wondering whether traditional heat pumps are the way to go or whether it’s time to switch to swimming pool solar heating, this post might illuminate some of the main differences and advantages associated with these options.

Electric Heat Pumps

While a gas pump creates energy by burning fuel, an electric heat pump uses a combination of electricity and air to heat a pool. These are among the most common types of pool heating around and can be quite efficient. However, they work best when outdoor temperatures remain above 45 or 50 degrees Fahrenheit. And while they’re affordable initially, they do cost more to operate over time, as they’ll add to your overall energy use for your property. They can heat up a pool relatively quickly, but they’re really best for those who use their pools only on occasion. With proper maintenance, these heaters can last for about a decade.

Swimming Pool Solar Heating Systems

Solar heating systems for pools work by transferring water through a filter and then through a solar collector (which is mounted in a place where it can gather sunlight). After the collector heats up the water, the water is then transferred back into the pool. Swimming pool solar heating may be a bit less common and a bit more complex, but this type of heating system can come with a lot of benefits. Although the equipment is more expensive initially, Energy.gov notes that the efficiency of these heaters can pay back those costs within seven years (and often much less). And while this heating process does take a little longer, the actual system use is of no cost to you — making your energy bills much easier to handle. In addition to their eco-friendly features, these swimming pool solar heating systems require very little maintenance and can last twice as long as conventional heat pumps. In other words, you may not have to replace your pool’s heater for two decades. With all of the other maintenance pools require, it’s nice to know that this won’t be an ongoing expense or source of frustration.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to stick with a traditional heat pump or whether it would be better to switch to solar. But if going green, long-term cost savings, and less maintenance and worry appeal to you, we recommend you consider making a change. For more information on our solar heating or panel options, please contact us today.