Solar Energy & Pool Equipment

[Silver Gaia]

The house we recently bought has a pool. We weren't looking for a pool, but the house was a good deal, and it came with one, so we have to deal with it. Right now, it's basically a big pond filled with mosquito fish (supplied by the county, since the house had sat empty for a couple of years before we bought it), and we haven't done anything with it this summer since there are too many other projects that have taken on a higher priority. But we will have to deal with it at least before next summer. What I'm MOST concerned about is how much more it's going to cost us, and how much more energy we are going to be consuming to run the pool equipment. Does anyone here know if it would be feasible to run the pool equipment directly from a solar panel or panels? Has anyone here done this? The equipment sits in a bright, sunny spot that would be perfect for solar panels, and we get plenty of sunshine here in northern CA. if there are any solar people here, I'd appreciate some input. What size panel(s) would we need and what would a rough estimate of cost be? It may not be feasible, but I'd sure rather run this stuff off solar rather than give my $$$ to PG&E, if at all possible. Thanks...

[trotsky]

1. I have a pool.

I run the pump from the grid - I estimate it costs me about $35-$40 a month. Of course, I'm in Minnesota so it only runs for ~4 months a year. But still, it's not an outrageous amount. And certainly it's going to take quite a while to make up the cost involved in setting up solar panels. Plus you have the best results in keeping your water clean & conditioned by running the pump 24 hrs a day - and solar isn't going to help you much there.

Where you can save some money for a small investment is to get a solar heater. Just Google "solar pool heater" for lots of results. It can be as simple as getting a solar blanket to cover the pool, or a big panel that the water runs through.

[Dover]

2. Natural Pools

This concept has caught on in Europe but hasn't yet taken hold here in the States.
I realize it's beyond what you're asking about, but thought it might be interesting to
contemplate a natural solution.

http://www.biotop-natural-pool.com/concept.html

Some related U.S. articles

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/05/garden/05pools.html
https://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/2002-08-01/Natural-Swimming-Pools.aspx
http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/04/12/natural-swimming-pools-catch-on/

[ChromeFoundry]

3. I installed a timer

so that my pump is only running between 10AM and 9PM. It has paid for itself in less than one month. ...and the solar cover keeps the water very comfortable!