Solar Panel Pools Spas

The principle behind solar panel heated spas is much the same, in fact exactly the same, as the technology behind heating a pool. However, the only difference is in the amount of water which needs to be heated. Of course we all know that spas are much smaller than swimming pools so they will require fewer solar panels to heat the water. In fact, today there are a great number of solar panels pools, spas and hot tubs on the market that are cost efficient and eco-friendly.

Sizing Solar Panels for Spas

In order to sufficiently heat the water to a comfortable temperature for a spa you will need solar panels that had an area equal to or greater than half the area of the spa. For example, if the spa in question is round with a diameter of 10 feet across you would need to find the area of the spa in order to determine how many solar panels you will need. This is a simple mathematical equation that we all remember from school which results in 78.5 sq. feet. So you would need solar panels and equal at least half at square footage, or to make it easy to 40 sq. feet. Solar panels come in a variety of sizes which often include 4' x 8', 4' x 10'and 4' x 12'. Therefore, one large solar panel which is 4' x 12' would provide 48 sq. feet and theoretically be large enough to heat the spa.

Other Things to Consider

While installing solar panels that provide 50% of the square footage will heat a pool or spa to a comfortable temperature spas are usually kept a bit warmer. Because of this, you would probably want your solar panels to equal at least the square footage of the spa. In the case cited above to panels would be sufficient. You should also consider making certain to keep a cover on the spa whenever it is not in use. Heating a spa without a cover has been compared to trying to keep a house warm without a roof. Also, the only electricity you will use would be the pump that keeps the waters circulating. Any and all heat will cost absolutely nothing to produce because energy from the sun is free 365 days out of the year. If you use your spa on a regular basis it will more than they for itself within the first year because of the significant amount of money you will be saving on utility bills.

Solar panels pools spas and other recreational and therapeutic water tubs can be installed more reasonably than ever before. As technology improves the prices have gone down and will continue going down as technology continues to advance. The key point is that the cost of heating solar panels pools spas and other therapeutic hot water tubs is next to nothing because it costs nothing to provide heat. A small amount of electricity will be used to run the pump and that is all.