Equipping your pool with a solar water heater will make your swimming experience comfortable year-round, plus you’ll enjoy the cost savings of using alternative energy. However, to achieve effective temperature control, every part of the heating system needs to be in good shape. If you’re new to using solar energy to heat your swimming pool, here are five ways to keep the system operating effectively.

How Do You Maintain a Solar Pool Heater?

1. Inspect Solar Panels Routinely

If you can safely do so, periodically touch your solar panels. If they feel warm, have them assessed by a professional to determine what’s causing the overheating.

You should also visually inspect the panels every season and after storms to see if they’ve been damaged. Broken panels may not be able to collect solar energy to generate heat. Fortunately, skilled solar specialists can usually quickly repair this damage.

2. Clean & Check the Heat Pump

The heat pump uses solar energy to warm up the swimming pool water. Routinely check the pump to make sure it’s free of debris and operating correctly. If this component isn’t maintained, it may eventually have problems transferring heat to the water.

3. Replace Dirty Filters

Follow your pool filter’s instructions for cleaning and make sure to replace it as necessary. If the filter gets clogged, water may have trouble flowing through to the heat pump.  

4. Assess Temperature Gauge Accuracy

Solar pool heaters rely on temperature gauges to keep the water at the appropriate heat. If the gauge gives inaccurate readings, your water may end up under- or overheated. Typically, these issues can be resolved by having a swimming pool repair specialist replace the gauge.

5. Balance Chemicals Properly

Balancing pool chemicals will keep the water clean and refreshing. But if these chemicals are out of balance, sediment may develop within the piping. When pipes get clogged, water may not flow through to the heater at an efficient rate. You’ll need to have the pipes cleaned in addition to adjusting your pool treatment practices.

If you suspect your solar panel system isn’t heating your swimming pool properly, turn to the professionals at Solar Help Hawaii. Specializing in solar energy, this Oahu contractor is equipped to install, inspect, maintain, and repair photovoltaic systems, including those that heat pools. To learn more about their products and services, visit this alternative energy specialist online. For a consultation, call the Honolulu, HI, office at (808) 548-4357.