We select equipment for heating water in the pool. Heating a pool at the dacha Do-it-yourself pool heating

Maintaining optimal temperature in the pool is a very important point, especially if you plan to swim in it outdoors and not only during the hot season. If we are talking about equipment such as a water heater for a swimming pool: how to heat water in a swimming pool at the dacha with maximum efficiency is a pressing question for many summer residents. This can be done using various types of special equipment.

What types of heaters are there?

With the arrival of the summer season, owners of sealed ponds and reservoirs in their summer cottage will sooner or later be faced with the question: how to heat the water in the pool with your own hands? To do this, one of the following options can be used:

  1. Heat exchanger.
  2. Solar collector.
  3. Heat pump.
  4. Flow-through electric heater.
  5. Wood heater.
  6. Gas heater.

Each type of equipment has its own operating characteristics and also has advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the type of heater depends not only on the volume of the pool, but also on the features of communications in the summer cottage, the amount of water that will need to be heated regularly and personal preferences.

Features of flow heaters

Tankless pool heaters are one of the most economical and easy-to-use options. They heat running water with small pressure drops, boast compact dimensions and ease of installation. And to install a flow-through heater, you will only need to equip a small booth on the site. This type of housing is made of plastic, stainless steel or titanium, and the heating element is made of a special stainless steel alloy that can withstand high temperatures. Thanks to this, the flow heater is durable and resistant to various types of negative influences.

The power of the model must correspond to the volume of water that will need to be heated. This means that to heat water in a small pool with shallow depth you only need 3 kW of power, but for a large tank you will need a more powerful unit.

The maximum power of the instantaneous heater is 18 kW, so it is a good choice for small pools. However, if you are the happy owner of a tank with a volume of more than 36 m³, then buying a flow-type device does not make sense.

Helpful advice! Purchasing this model will also be inappropriate if your home has restrictions on electricity consumption or weak wiring.

Electric instantaneous pool heaters boast the following advantages:

  • quickly heat water in a small tank;
  • some models have a flow sensor that turns off water heating if it does not circulate;
  • the temperature can be adjusted using built-in thermostats;
  • there is an automatic control system;
  • compact dimensions.

They also have disadvantages:

  • impossibility of installation with limited power consumption or weak wiring;
  • low power levels;
  • high power consumption.

Heating water in swimming pools using a heat exchanger

A heat exchanger is a heater option that does not consume electricity at all. It connects to the general heating system of the house and uses heat from there. The design of this model is extremely simple. The body is a flask in which the coil is located. It receives water from the heating system using a circulation pump. The coil is washed with cold water, which heats up as a result. This simple design guarantees the reliability and durability of the unit.

When installing a heat exchanger, you will only need to set the required temperature on the thermostat, and it will be maintained using automatic systems. A nice feature of the heat exchanger is its high power level, it can range from 13 to 200 kW. The power is selected depending on the volume of the pool, as is the case with any other type of heater.

When first warming up, it is very important to avoid sudden temperature changes that can damage the equipment. That is why for the first time do not expect quick results; the water will heat up for about 28 hours. Once the water has warmed up to the set temperature, the equipment will simply maintain it, which will allow you to save money.

If you want to know how to heat the water in a pool using a heat exchanger and optimally position it, then you need to do this in such a way as to avoid equipment breakdowns due to the presence of chlorine in the water. This means that the unit must be installed between the disinfection system and the pumping station. If there is too much chlorine in the water, then it is better if the heater is made of titanium; it withstands long-term exposure to an aggressive environment.

It is worth buying a pool heater that operates on the principle of a heat exchanger because of the following advantages:

  • high power level and the ability to heat water in a large volume pool;
  • financial savings as a result of the unit operating not from electricity, but from the heating system;
  • ease of operation.

The only drawback of this type of heater is the long time it takes to heat water when first started. But later you won’t have to wait long, since the temperature you set will be maintained automatically.

Related article:

Children's pools for the cottage: a lot of fun for kids. Features and Benefits. Options for pools with a slide. Product care, review of popular models. Where to buy children's pools.

Heating water using the sun

Of course, the outdoor pool itself warms up under the influence of sunlight. But this process can be accelerated if you use a solar collector or solar system. This type of heater is a system of flasks, screens or pipes that receive the sun's rays and convert them into thermal energy.

Helpful advice! Each solar system module is designed to heat about 30 m³ of water. This means that the larger the tank volume, the more modules will need to be installed.

The solar collector works on the principle of absorption of solar rays by the surface. Inside the device there is a coolant that warms up to a temperature of 140°C. After this, the circulation pump in the pool water heater starts. The advantage of such a system is that it can be used not only to heat water in a swimming pool, but also as a heating system for a private home.

Some models of solar systems are equipped with special sensors and an automatic valve that directs water to the heat exchanger. If the set standard water temperature in the pool has already been reached, it passes by the heating element and gradually cools down. As soon as the temperature reaches the minimum point you set, the valve opens and water begins to flow back into the heat exchanger.

The benefits of solar pool heaters are as follows:

  1. The water heats up very quickly.
  2. You can use the system to raise the temperature of the water in the pool, to supply a private home with hot water, or to heat rooms.
  3. Simple and convenient control system.

If you read user reviews about the Intex solar pool heater on the Internet, you can understand that the only serious drawback of such a water heating system is that in cloudy weather the efficiency decreases and the heat exchanger does not work as efficiently. This means that it is advisable to install a solar system where there are more sunny days a year than cloudy ones.

Heat pumps as a new heating technology

One innovation in terms of how to heat pool water is the heat pump. This type of equipment is far from the most popular due to its fairly high price, but in terms of efficiency it can compete with all other options.

The operating principle of a heat pump is quite complex and is based on multi-stage heat transfer from different sources. The initial source of heat for the pump can be groundwater or thermal springs, flue gases, and in general anything that is at least a little warmer than the water in the pool.

The external piping of the heat pump is located underground. Using a circulation pump, a working fluid is driven through it, which is heated by several degrees due to the ambient temperature. The liquid then enters the evaporator, where it heats the refrigerant. The latter instantly boils and transforms into steam, which, in turn, enters the compressor.

The compressor compresses steam to 20-25 atmospheres, resulting in the release of a large amount of thermal energy. It is this energy that is used to heat the water in the pool.

How to heat the water in a swimming pool at the dacha so that the energy from the heater is also enough for other needs? To do this, just fork out a little and install a heat pump. The system works so efficiently that it can easily heat private houses with an area of ​​up to 300 m². In addition, the system operates in a circle, that is, the working fluid, after releasing the accumulated heat, cools and circulates again through the pipeline.

If you are interested in the question of how to quickly heat water in a pool using a heat pump, then you should know its advantages:

  • very high power;
  • Free energy sources are used to heat water, which allows you to significantly save money;
  • The water heats up in a very short time.

The disadvantage of such a system is its high cost. For the same money you can buy several instantaneous water heaters for the pool.

Helpful advice! If you think that a heat pump is a waste of money, then think about how much money you will save by using free energy sources. This is especially true if you use the system not only to heat water, but also to heat a large private house.

Wood or gas water heater for a pool: how to heat water in a swimming pool at the dacha

Wood-burning pool heaters are one of the simplest and most economical designs. Essentially, it is a spiral along which water moves. A fire is lit under the spiral, it heats up and gives off heat to the water. You can use not only firewood as fuel, but also peat, dry waste, coal and much more. This type of unit is good because it can be used in suburban areas where there is no electricity or gas. The pump, which is responsible for circulating water in the spiral, can be powered by an independent generator.

When purchasing a wood-burning pool heater, the main selection criterion is its power. It directly depends on the dimensions of the heat exchanger, as well as on the type of fuel used. Most models allow you to regulate the intensity of combustion, and you can easily connect a wood-burning unit without special skills.

Advantages of a wood heater:

  1. Saving money by using cheap fuel.
  2. Easy to use.
  3. Fast water heating.
  4. Ease of installation.

The disadvantage of heating the water in the pool with your own hands using a wood-burning unit is the lack of automatic systems. This means that the system must be constantly monitored, the fire must be maintained in it, and it must not be allowed to go out. Also, the lack of an automatic thermostat means you won't be able to accurately set the temperature you want the water to heat to.

Gas pool heaters differ fundamentally from wood heaters only in that they use natural gas as fuel. This makes the system a little easier to operate and allows you to leave it without constant supervision. The advantage of a gas heater is its relatively low cost, but in this case your gas bills will be considerable, so before purchasing you should think about whether you need this type of heater.

Heating blanket

Separately, it is worth mentioning such an interesting type as a heating blanket for a swimming pool. Essentially, this is a special cover that can be made of polyethylene or tarpaulin, and also made in the form of blinds. Special heating blankets for Intex pools not only prevent leaves and other debris from getting into the water, but also accumulate solar energy to heat the water. Of course, using a blanket cannot heat water as effectively as using flow-through or storage heaters, but it does raise the temperature by several degrees.

Device selection criteria

When choosing a pool heater (Intex, Bestway, Behncke or any other company), you should consider a number of general parameters.

Power. This parameter depends on the size of the pool and the amount of water that will need to be heated. Also, the power of the heater directly affects the rate of temperature rise. For example, the Intex pool water heater has a power of 3 kW, and the Bestway pool heater has a power of 2.8 kW. You can calculate the power required for effective heating using a very simple formula: the volume of the pool is divided by two.

Heating method. Instantaneous water heaters are a popular option if you need to heat water in a pool at your dacha. As a rule, the main advantage of any flow-through heater is its relatively small size, due to which such a device can be installed in a small area. The principle of operation of a flow-through system is that water passes through a heating element, which gives off heat to it. Most of these systems operate in cycles. A flow-through model, for example, an Intex pool heater, is good for small tanks, the water for which is taken from a central water supply system, a well or a well.

Energy source used. Here you need to take into account the availability of a particular fuel, as well as your financial capabilities. For example, a solar-powered unit is the most efficient, but it is quite expensive, and it does not make sense to use it in areas where there are more cloudy days than sunny days.

Of course, you can always assemble a pool water heater with your own hands; there are a sufficient number of ready-made diagrams for this on the Internet. However, purchasing a factory-made product will allow you not only to save time and effort, but also to receive a reliable and durable device with the possibility of warranty service.

Summer, dacha, swimming pool - the dream of city dwellers. And many, trying to realize it, choose to be closer to nature during the hot season. But here’s the problem: the main equipment was purchased for the outdoor version, and its kit does not include a heating device. Therefore, let’s take a closer look at ways to heat water in a pool. First, let’s look at what types of swimming structures exist.

Types of pools

For summer cottages and country houses, seasonal outdoor models are very popular:

  • Inflatable. Such designs have become famous due to their low price, ease of installation/disassembly, and mobility. Most often they are purchased for children. Small volumes and low sides ensure safety for children.
  • Frame. The types and volumes of such models are numerous. They are distinguished by their affordable price, easy installation, and mobility. Purchased for family holidays.
  • Bowls. This option applies to stationary ones. The shape and size can be very diverse. Buy for the whole family. Installation is simple, the price is quite high compared to previous options. Requires communications.
  • Concrete. The most expensive of the above and technologically complex options. But the design, volume, dimensions are made to suit any request. When constructing such structures, a heating system is thought through at the design stage.

As you can see, the modern market offers a wide range of models.

You can purchase a budget option or start a major construction of a covered outdoor structure.

Temperature standards

There are a number of indicators of a comfortable stay in the pool. One of them is the optimal temperature regime. For an adult it should be within 24-28 °C, for a child - 29-32 °C. Such temperatures are intended for active water recreation without harm to health. Therefore, how to heat and maintain heat in a pool is one of the hot topics of the summer.

Heat saving elements

Before considering the question of how to heat water in a pool, you should familiarize yourself with heat saving methods. There are several options:

  • Covering material. Typically, the structure is covered at night to prevent severe cooling. The same material will help warm the water by several degrees if the pool is left covered during the day. The most effective option is bubble wrap.
  • Sometimes a pavilion is built over the pool. Some craftsmen use old greenhouses. This option amazingly retains heat at night and allows you to heat water during the day.
  • Choose or arrange swimming structures with bottom colors that will absorb heat. This will significantly speed up the process of natural heating of water from sunlight.

The measures considered can be applied comprehensively; they will significantly reduce the cost of heating liquids using electricity.

How to quickly heat water in an inflatable pool

Such structures have a small volume, so one of the popular ways to increase the temperature is to heat water in containers using a separate heat source (gas, electric stove, electric kettle, fire, sauna).

After that, it is carried and poured into the pool, achieving the desired temperature. The method is one of the simplest and safest. But it is suitable for small volumes, for example, children's structures.

Some people try to heat the water in the pool with a boiler. Yes, it can be done. But don't forget about safety. If this method is used in a place where there are children, then they should not be left unattended even for a second. The consequences can be very sad, given children's spontaneity and curiosity. Therefore, think several times about the safety of this method before using it.

We looked at two options for how to heat water in an inflatable pool, now let’s take a look at other, more powerful equipment for such purposes.

Flow heater

Used for structures no more than 35 cubic meters. m. The operating principle is based on the circulation of water through a container with a built-in heating element. The recommended temperature of the incoming liquid should not be lower than 18 °C. The cost of such equipment is low, but significant energy costs arise. The power consumption of the installations is from 3.5 to 18 kW. By using covering material, these costs can be partially reduced.

Heat exchanger

“How to heat water in a swimming pool without electricity?” - this is one of the popular questions. Heat exchangers are just such devices that operate from the heating system. They are presented in which there is a coil inside. This equipment also includes a circulation pump, thermostat, and valve. Liquid from the heating system is supplied to the coil, and water for heating is supplied to the cylinder itself. Having reached the desired temperature, it enters the pool. Operating parameters are set using a thermostat. The power of such installations reaches 200 kW, which is suitable for heating large volumes of water.

The disadvantage of the heat exchanger is that it depends on the heating of the house. In summer it is usually irrelevant. Therefore, a separate operating circuit will be required to heat the pool. And this will entail reworking the gas heating project and unnecessary financial costs.

Solar collectors

How to heat water in a pool at your dacha using natural resources? This issue is especially relevant in areas where there is no gas connection and the electricity supply is unstable. Solar collectors in such cases become an ideal solution to the problem.

Nowadays, such equipment is purchased in stores that sell swimming pools. The units are quite compact and can be placed near the swimming structure. When heated, the collectors transfer thermal energy to the water in the storage tank, after which it enters the pool. This method will allow you to quickly reach the desired temperature in sunny weather, but this will not work in cloudy weather. One collector module can heat up to 30 cubic meters of water, respectively, their quantity is adjusted to the required volume.

Such equipment should not be purchased in regions where cloudy weather prevails. It will not be economically justified because additional heating devices will have to be used.

Solar mats

This type of solar collector is presented in the form of two sections of black film, soldered in such a way that channels for water circulation are formed in the internal space. Such a system is connected to a conventional pump included in the basic equipment package. How to heat water in a pool with such a device? Quite simple: it is launched onto the surface of the water, and the pump is placed on the bottom, from where it will supply liquid for heating.

This design operates from a regular network. Minus - it is intended for small volumes and depends on sunny weather.

Heat pumps

This is a fairly new, and therefore expensive, way to heat water in a pool. This equipment is interesting because it can be used in two ways at the same time: as a home air conditioner and a water heater.

The operating principle is based on the operating technology of conventional air conditioners, only in the opposite direction. Swimming water is heated in the condensate system, and the refrigerant cools due to this. The heat itself is taken from the surrounding air.

The power consumption of such a device is three times lower than that of an instantaneous water heater. Therefore, the high purchase price will justify the reduction in energy costs. This equipment is also notable for the fact that it can operate effectively at an ambient temperature of +5 °C. Having dealt with factory instruments, it is worth familiarizing yourself with what folk crafts offer in this area.

Rubber manifold

For this type of water heater, take a regular watering hose, preferably black, and lay it flat in the shape of a snail. One end is connected with clamps to the hole in the pool, the other to the pump filter. Circulating through the formed system, the water is heated. This method is good for sunny days. This is one way to quickly heat the water in the pool.

Wood heating

A coil is taken; the performance depends on the size of its spiral. It is better to prefer stainless steel. One end is connected to the hole in the pool, the other to the pump. The coil itself should be mounted in a container in which firewood will be burned. This is a fairly effective option for heating water in a frame pool.

For greater effect, you can make a coil - a container for burning. That is, the firewood will burn in the internal space formed by the tubes. This is an even more efficient device for heating water.

This method is distinguished by low price, independence from energy resources, high speed, and independence from weather conditions. The disadvantages include the need to control heating. Overheating can cause the pool to deform.

A few important points

Since heating water in a pool using electricity and heating is quite an expensive task, the field for activity of folk craftsmen is quite wide. An interesting direction is the use of natural resources such as wind and sun. By “taming” them, you can get a free and high-quality source of energy, which is suitable not only for but also for other needs.

You should be careful when using homemade electric heaters. All safety measures should be observed during their creation and operation, this process should not be ignored and children should not be allowed into it.

If we consider factory-made heating products, then the choice depends, first of all, on the financial component. You should pay attention not only to the initial price of the equipment, but also to the costs that will be necessary to connect and operate it.

Swimming in pools is one of the popular recreational activities for Russians. Therefore, the topic of heating water is always relevant. What choice will be made depends on the weather conditions of the region, the parameters of the pool, and financial capabilities. The main thing is to follow the installation technology and safety precautions during operation.

You need to think about how to heat the water in the pool at the stage of its design, because all the technological elements of this system are interconnected. Experts recommend installing heating devices in conjunction with other pool equipment, but even if such work has not been carried out, a heating system can be installed later.

It is worth noting that the water temperature in pools for adults should be at least 24-26 degrees, and for children this parameter is even higher - at least 30 degrees.

  1. Flow-through electric heaters
  2. Heat exchangers
  3. Solar collectors
  4. Heat pumps

The choice of equipment depends on several factors:

  • pool volume
  • amount of water for regular heating
  • features of communications in the house
  • depending on the customer's preferences.

So, in order to find out what type of heating equipment will fit most harmoniously into the system of your pool, we will analyze each one “piece by piece”.

Instantaneous electric heaters for small pools

Instantaneous electric heaters are the simplest and relatively inexpensive way to heat pool water. They are designed to heat a continuous flow of liquid with the lowest possible pressure drop. This type of heating equipment has compact dimensions, so its installation does not require a large technical room. A small covered booth will be just right.

The body of electric heaters is made of high-quality plastic, titanium or stainless steel, and the heating elements themselves are made of a stainless steel alloy that can withstand fairly high temperatures.

When choosing a flow-through heater, keep in mind that its power must correspond to the volume of water in the pool: a small and shallow pool located in a heated room does not require the purchase of a large and powerful unit; 3 kW will be enough for it.

Although, if we talk about power, flow-through electric heaters cannot boast of this parameter - the maximum they can squeeze out of themselves is 18 kW, which is clearly not enough for a large outdoor pool. So, if your pool has a volume of more than 36 cubic meters. meters and it is located on the street, then the purchase of such equipment will be an unjustified waste of money, because even the most powerful of the range of electric heaters will not cope with the task assigned to it.

In addition, the house may have restrictions on energy consumption or the wiring does not meet all the requirements, then there is no point in installing such a unit either.

An instantaneous electric heater is an excellent option for a small pool

Advantages of instantaneous electric heaters:

  • fast heating of the pool
  • possibility of temperature regulation via thermostats
  • the presence in some models of a flow sensor that turns off heating in the absence of water circulation
  • automated control system
  • small sizes

Flaws:

  • low power
  • high electricity bills
  • impossibility of installation in houses with limited energy consumption

Heat exchangers - simple, economical equipment

Heat exchangers (in principle, this is clear from their name), unlike electric heaters, do not consume electricity. The principle of their operation is to heat the water in the pool by connecting to the general heating system of the house.

This unit is a flask with a coil inside it through which hot water moves. This water enters the heater from the heating system using a circulation pump, the operation of which is regulated by a special valve. In turn, the valve is regulated by a thermostat. The coil itself is washed with cold water from the pool. In principle, everything is very simple and clear.

The owner of all this equipment can only set the temperature he needs on the thermostat, and the automation will do the rest for him.

The power of heat exchangers can range from 13 to 200 kW, which is significantly more than that of electric heaters. The choice of power in this case depends on the volume of water in the pool, because the more water there is, the longer the heater must operate.

The first heating of water using a heat exchanger lasts approximately 28 hours at its maximum possible power. This is necessary in order to avoid instrumental collapse (structural changes in the heater body and its internal elements), which can occur due to water heating up too quickly.

After the first start-up, the unit will only have to maintain the required temperature, which significantly saves money.

As a rule, the heat exchanger is located between the pumping station and the disinfection system to avoid breakdowns due to the presence of chlorine in the water. If the water is too chlorinated, it is recommended to install titanium heat exchangers.

Heat exchanger in operation

Advantages of heat exchangers:

  • significant cost savings
  • Ease of Management
  • high power

Flaws:

  • long-term water heating

Solar collector (solar system)

The sun is an inexhaustible source of energy, but it was only recently tamed and immediately found use - they began to heat houses, apartments, warehouses and finally got to swimming pools.

Of course, the water in the pool can itself heat up under the rays of the scorching sun, but what if your pool is under a canopy or indoors? Then the sun is coming to you!

Solar systems or solar collectors are modules of cones, tubes or screens that receive rays. Each module individually is capable of heating up to 30 cubic meters. meters of water, which means the larger the volume of your pool, the more modules you need.

The principle of operation of the collector: the sun's rays falling on the collector, which is usually black, are completely absorbed by it. The coolant located inside the collector heats up to 140 degrees, and after that the circulation pump, which is located in the storage tank, starts. Naturally, the water in it becomes hot almost instantly and can be used both for a swimming pool and for heating and hot water supply at home.

There are models of collectors that have built-in sensors and an automatic three-way valve, with the help of which water is automatically directed to the heat exchanger. When the desired temperature is reached, the water will pass past the heat exchanger, gradually cooling down. And having reached its minimum value (it is set by the owner of the pool), water will again flow into the heat exchanger and the system will start again.

Advantages of solar collectors:

  • fast water heating
  • convenient control system
  • versatility of use: for heating rooms, for heating water in a swimming pool, for supplying the house with hot water

Flaws:

  • in cloudy weather, the efficiency of the collectors decreases, thereby reducing the heat transfer coefficient

Heat pumps: power and speed

Heat pumps are a new and rather unpopular (yet) method for heating pool water in Russia. The lack of interest on the part of buyers can be explained simply - the high price of this type of heater.

Heat pumps operate on the principle of multi-stage heat transfer from different coolants using condensate, compression of different gases, etc.

The initial source of heat can be domestic and industrial wastewater after treatment, heat from thermal and groundwater, water from lakes, rivers, heat that is released during the purification of flue gases, and in general any heat sources whose temperature is at least one or two degrees higher than water in the pool.

Operating principle: a working fluid, for example, a mixture of water and antifreeze, is pumped through an external pipeline located underground using a circulation pump. At the outlet of the pipe, this liquid becomes several degrees warmer due to the temperature of the soil. After this, the mixture is sent to a heat exchanger (evaporator) where it gives up its heat to the refrigerant, which instantly boils (barely lukewarm water is enough for it) and turns into steam. This steam enters the compressor, which compresses it to 20-25 atmospheres. During this process, there is a sharp increase in temperature to 55 degrees.

It is this energy that is subsequently used to heat the house or heat the water in the pool.

Layout of elements of a water heating system using a heat pump

This system works in a vicious circle: when the working fluid and refrigerant have fulfilled their purpose, they, having passed through the cooling stages, meet again to start the cycle again. Thus, it turns out that the main share of energy is spent on the operation of the compressor itself.

The power of heat pumps allows not only to warm up swimming pools, but also to provide heat to huge cottages with an area of ​​up to 300 square meters. meters.

Advantages of heat pumps:

  • high power
  • fast water heating and room heating
  • use of free energy sources (heat of the earth, water, waste water, etc.)

Flaws:

  • high price

A video about heat pumps will introduce you to the operating principle of innovative systems and their advantages.

Well, now you know how to heat a pool and what you can use to do this. All that remains is to weigh the pros and cons and make the right choice. Good luck with your construction and renovation!

Even the most beautiful and comfortable pool will be of little use if the water in it is cold or not warm enough. Many of us have had to deal with the unpleasant sensation of plunging into water that has an uncomfortable temperature. The situation can be improved by the presence of devices that can significantly heat a large volume of water. . In this article we will tell you how to install a factory-made heating device or make a water heater for a pool with your own hands.

You can heat the water in the pool in various ways:

  1. Using a solar collector.
  2. Heat pump.
  3. Using electric heaters.
  4. By using the heat exchanger.
  5. Fuel water heaters.

To use energy efficiently, it is important to choose the right device.

We will also look at how to choose the right place for a pool, what its style should be, and what equipment you will need to choose. We will also talk about methods that will help reduce heat loss.

We use solar energy

Even on the sunniest day, we may encounter a situation where the water in the pool does not warm up to a comfortable temperature, and then, instead of enjoying the pleasure of splashing in the pool, we simply have to take a dip and immediately get out, and then explain to the children why they cannot swim. To avoid this problem, consider several ways to use solar energy to heat water more efficiently.


Such a device will be effective only for small collapsible pools.

To make the screen you will need a sheet of high-density foam (otherwise it will crumble) and black plastic film. The inner part is cut out of a sheet of foam plastic to form a frame, on top of which the film is attached with staples. The screen is placed on the water with the unsheathed part down. The sun, heating the film, raises the temperature underneath it. In turn, the warm air heats the water. The efficiency of such a device is very low, but you can make several screens, then the water will heat up faster.

Another way to heat the water in the pool is possible using black film, to which weights are attached at the corners. This can be a fairly large canvas, but it must be without holes. It is not completely immersed in water, but so that a dome with air inside remains in the middle. Depending on the size of the canvas and the depth of the pool, the weight of the weights will have to be selected experimentally. These could be pieces of granite or some other material that does not absorb water.

solar collector

Making a solar collector is within the capabilities of most people who own the tool. We will not consider the process of assembling complex systems, but will focus only on those that can be easily done at home. To make a solar water heater, you can use various materials:

  • Copper tubes. To make a solar collector from copper tubes, it is most practical to solder them according to the principle of a car radiator. Thanks to this, a large number of tubes can be placed in a relatively small area. If the tubes are bent, then due to the limitation of the bending radius, the total area of ​​the collector will be small. To increase efficiency, you need to make a larger collector compared to a soldered one.

  • Aluminum tubes. A collector made of aluminum tubes cannot be soldered at home, so they can be bent and placed into a frame.

  • Black polymer pipes. Such material is simply laid in a spiral inside the frame, being fixed inside it. The pipe must be solid.

  • Black cellular polycarbonate. Polycarbonate honeycombs are used as tubes. To make such a collector, in addition to a polycarbonate sheet, you will also need large-diameter plastic water pipes. A groove is cut in the pipe along the width of the polycarbonate. The prepared sheet is inserted into this groove so that the honeycomb is inside the pipe. After this, all cracks are sealed with hot glue. The water pipe is plugged on one side, and on the other side, a pipe (or hose) that will go to the pool is attached using a fitting. The design is positioned so that one part of the collector with the glued pipe is at the bottom, and the second is above - so the system will work by gravity. When using transparent polycarbonate, the collector efficiency will be lower.

  • Sections of flat steel radiators. It is unlikely that anyone will disassemble new radiators in order to make a solar collector out of them, but using used ones is just right. A frame is made for each radiator, and the resulting collectors are connected by pipes in parallel.

Similar devices can be used to heat large pools, but then you will need to make a lot of collectors that may not fit into the design of the site.

For each of the above structures, you need to make a frame with reflective (or black, if insulation is used) material glued to the bottom. The collector itself needs to be installed and secured inside. The structure is installed at an angle, and the upper part should not be higher than the water level in the pool. Otherwise, you will have to install a circulation pump.

There is another way to use the sun's energy - solar panels that generate electricity. In this case, the generated electricity will be used to heat water. Although such a system can operate year-round, it must be taken into account that its cost is very high.

To heat a large pool, you can use a heat pump, but it’s worth mentioning right away that this is a costly activity, although it quickly pays off.

The heat pump can be used not only to heat the water in the pool, but also to heat the entire house.

In this article we will not spend much time describing this device, but if you are seriously interested in making a heat pump, you will find detailed information.

Electric heaters

An electric heating system is perfect for a small pool. This does not mean that such a heater is not capable of heating water in a large pool, but it will simply be economically unprofitable due to the high energy consumption. In addition, powerful heaters are produced to operate at 380 volts, and in most homes it is not possible to connect such equipment.

When choosing an instantaneous water heater, you need to take into account not only the voltage for its operation, but also the power consumption. It may happen that the wiring going to the house is not designed for high energy consumption.

In order to decide whether it is worth getting involved with a device that runs on electricity, you need to consider its advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the advantages:

  • The entire heating process can be fully automated.
  • Hot water immediately begins to flow into the pool.
  • The equipment is compact.
  • Simple controls.

There are also disadvantages:

  • It is necessary to take into account the capabilities of the electrical network.
  • High power consumption.
  • The service life of the heater is directly dependent on the quality of the water passing through it.

As for installing the heater, this work can be done independently, which cannot be said about installing electrical wiring, thermostats and other automation systems (this does not apply to professional electricians).

Many manufacturers, trying to preserve individuality, produce equipment with their own connection diagram, connected and configured according to an individual scheme. For this reason, we will not dwell in detail on this method of heating a pool.

Since most of the work cannot be done independently, doing the work yourself is unlikely to significantly reduce costs. In addition, due to incorrect settings, heating equipment can quickly fail. In this case, the cost of the entire system will increase significantly.

Heat exchanger

What is a heat exchanger? Without going into technical formulations, we can briefly explain - this is a device that has two independent circuits, in which the water coming from the heater heats the water in the second circuit without mixing with it.

The heat exchanger only transfers heat, so you need a heating device from which it will be powered.

It makes no difference where the water enters the heat exchanger from. It could be:

  • Electric boiler.
  • A gas boiler.
  • Solid fuel boiler.
  • Liquid fuel boiler.
  • Solar battery.

Any of these systems can be used to heat the house and water, or just for the pool.

Among the advantages it is worth noting the following features:

  • Does not load the power grid.
  • The water heating process can be automated by installing a thermostat.
  • Simple controls.
  • The equipment is compact.
  • Low cost of equipment.
  • Easy to install.

Now about the disadvantages.

  • It will take more than a day to heat the water poured into the pool. Subsequently, a constant temperature is maintained by this device.
  • High cost of equipment.

Often a combined system is made with an electric heater, which is turned on only when it is necessary to quickly heat the water to the desired temperature.

Fuel water heaters

Large stationary pools require stationary heating systems, but if you decide to use a collapsible pool, for example, in a country house, you will have to wait a long time until the water in it heats up. In this case, you can make a wood heater. The simplest version of such a device consists of a coil located around a fire. Under the action of the pump, water will flow through it and pour into the pool.

The device will work more efficiently if the coil is placed inside a metal casing and a lattice bottom is made. Such an improvised stove is installed above the pit or legs are welded to it. The ends of the coil pipe should be placed away from the source of the flame so that the hose stretched over them does not melt. Since the water in the pipes heats up very quickly, you will need to connect a circulation pump.

The advantage of such a device is that you can combine business with pleasure - burn garbage and heat water. As for fuel, it can be anything that burns well.

You should not use old car tires as fuel, as when they burn, they release black toxic smoke and create a lot of soot that will settle on the site.

If there is no desire or opportunity to make a homemade water heater, then you can purchase such a factory-made unit.

How to reduce heat losses

It's no secret that water cools down, but this process can be slowed down if you take care of heat conservation methods.

Children love to splash and splash in the water - this is quite normal, but at low air temperatures this will lead to accelerated cooling of the water in a small pool.

Indoor or outdoor pool

Depending on the answer to this question, different measures will be required to preserve heat.

If the pool was not insulated during construction, then a huge part of the heat will escape through the walls.

For an outdoor pool, when no one is using it, you can use heat-saving blinds that are spread over the water.

You can also use a heating blanket.

Under the dome of an indoor pool, you also need to maintain a comfortable air temperature. If this is not done, the water will quickly cool down, evaporating from the pool, which will lead to increased humidity inside the room. In addition, you will more often have to add tap water to the pool, which will require more energy to heat up than usual.

It is better to make the roof from a material that will transmit enough sunlight (glass, polycarbonate). This will help warm the room and water, as if in a greenhouse. The disadvantage of this method is that in winter the transparent roof will not be able to retain heat inside.

Properly selected lining inside the pool will help save heat in the pool. The coating should not reflect the sun's rays, but absorb them.

We hope that you found the necessary information in the article and can use it. We will also be happy to read what methods of heating water in a pool you know. You can leave such information in the comments section.

Video

Watch a video about heating a pool using a solar collector:

Find out how to burn pool water using a heat exchanger.

After building a pool in the yard or at the dacha, it is necessary to ensure that a comfortable temperature is maintained at a certain time, and for this you can do it yourself by heating the water in the pool.

Any temperature is suitable for hardening, but if you are not a “walrus”, then it should be 25-28 degrees. In hot summers, the water warms up on its own.

In cooler months, it is heated by special ovens. Swimming pools are often large in volume, so a lot of energy will be needed.

To use energy efficiently, it is important to choose the right device.

In summer there are not always bright and warm days. In cloudy times, the water does not warm up to a comfortable temperature. If the pool is located indoors, the sun's rays do not reach the water at all.

This is not a reason to deny yourself the pleasure of splashing in the water. The pool should not depend on the weather, so it is worth installing special equipment that will heat the water.

You can do this yourself.

Heating devices will make it possible to achieve several goals:

  • You can swim in the pool at any time of the day;
  • the water temperature is adjusted depending on the wishes of the swimmers;
  • the swimming season is extended by several months.

Various devices can be used to heat water. If your house has water heating, you can install a boiler yourself.

As an option, you can use collectors powered by the sun, a heat pump, or a fireplace where a heat exchanger is built in. If desired, you can combine several methods.

The question of how to heat the water must be resolved at the stage of constructing the pool. It is important to calculate the heat balance of the building, how much hot water will be needed, and climatic conditions.

Only after analyzing all the components should you make a choice in favor of one or another heating device.

Methods for heating pool water

Heating water can be done in several ways. Let's look at them in more detail to make a more suitable option for you.

Heating by heat exchanger

To heat the water in the pool, you can construct a heat exchanger with your own hands. Hot water flows through it and, flowing through pipes laid along the walls of the pool, heats the contents.

The heat exchanger must be made of stainless steel or titanium to resist corrosion.

The body itself, which is in contact only with the heat carrier, can be made of cheaper metal. You can also use plastic.

The heat exchanger can be made as part of a separate circulation circuit. So it will not depend on the performance of the components of the entire water supply and heating system.

It's not hard to do it yourself. The pipes that carry hot water to and from the heat exchanger must be connected to the distribution manifolds.

Circular pump

It is better to install a circular pump to achieve complete autonomy. Pool water is specially prepared, cleaned and disinfected.

All the liquid that is in the pool passes through the circuit during circulation, where it is heated to a certain temperature.

Thus, water goes through the full cycle several times a day. You can construct such a system with your own hands.

When using such a system, you should definitely install two filters. They will perform preliminary cleaning and basic cleaning.

There must also be a pump, a control valve, and a chemical dispenser that will disinfect the water.

The water is heated only after it has been filtered, but disinfection is carried out after heating. This is done to ensure that chemical reagents do not affect the heater.

Using the valve, you can regulate the operation of the heating element. So, you can refuse to filter water if it is of good quality.

In this way, energy savings will occur, which is spent on operating the filters.

The water in the pool is heated in several stages. The first stage is heating the liquid to a comfortable temperature. The remaining stages are maintaining the temperature throughout the bowl.

The power of the heater will vary depending on what the water temperature is. The lower it is, the higher the power will be.

Solar heating

You can heat the water in the pool with your own hands almost free of charge, not counting the cost of installing the structure. When heating water, such a system does not use electrical energy.

Water heating devices are mounted on the basis of solar collectors.

In single-circuit designs, water for heating is supplied directly to the collector. Such installations are used to heat water at air temperatures above 0 degrees.

If the temperature drops to below zero, the system will be damaged because the water in the system will freeze.

It is advisable to install such systems in a country house where people come to live only in the summer.
Double-circuit systems can be used all year round at any temperature.

The system will not freeze during frost because antifreeze passes through the manifold. It is he who prevents the water from freezing.

In such an installation, the heat collection circuit is separated from the consumption circuit. If the house is fully supplied with energy from this system, then the pool will also consume it.

To heat the water in the pool using a double-circuit solar installation, the heat exchanger is connected to a storage tank. It should be made of high quality stainless steel.

Thus, the main heat generator will work much less, and accordingly less energy will be spent.

The solar system can be built on the basis of vacuum or flat collectors. They are based on the installation of a series of copper tubes.

If the water is treated with chemicals, then such a system will not work.

To heat the water in the pool, you can make an installation based on plastic solar collectors.

The design can be any type: flat, in the form of a series of tubes. The material most often used is polyethylene or polypropylene, after which it is painted black.

This material is suitable for use in flow-through structures.

Solar systems with plastic collectors are not suitable for use in the cold season, unlike vacuum or flat ones.

Without glazing, a large amount of heat is lost and at low temperatures it is very difficult to heat water.

If you plan to use the pool in the warm season, then such installations will be very useful.
It is advisable to use a solar collector to heat water in combination with a heat pump.

So, when the temperature drops below zero, the solar installation is switched off and the pump is connected.

Heat saving

The heat of the water depends on the thermal losses of the pool. They occur as a result of many processes: conduction, convection, evaporation of water from the surface.

The moment steam is formed, heat is absorbed. Therefore, water needs to be added periodically, and so that it is not cold, it needs to be warmed up.

To reduce heat loss, it is worth covering the surface of the pool if no one is using it.

To do this, you can equip a special coating made of polymer material.

You can pull special blinds. There are transparent coatings. They allow the sun's rays to reach the water, causing it to heat up. But the heat does not leave the pool; the water remains warm for a long time.

To save heat in the pool, you need to choose the right lining inside the pool. The color of the coating should not reflect the sun's rays, but absorb them.

If the pool is indoors, a water cover will also help. After all, water evaporation is influenced not only by temperature, but also by humidity and movement around the pool.

Heating by fuel boilers

If there is no gas supply in the house and it is not possible to install expensive equipment or solar panels, the only option left is to heat the water using fuel boilers.

Such stoves operate on fuel oil, wood, and other types of fuel.

Water in boilers is heated in various ways:

  • the boiler heats the heat exchanger, which in turn heats the water;
  • the water is heated directly in the boiler;
  • The water is heated in a stove and then poured into the pool.

Before installing such a boiler with your own hands, you need to make calculations, create a project, and ensure fire safety.