Guide To Pool Heating

Page 3 of 51

Part I

Creating an Energy Efficient Pool Environment

The two most important components to creating energy efficient pool environments are a

concept called “flowreversal” and the use of an energy-efficient pool cover.

“Flowreversal” is key to creating an energy efficient pool. Without “flowreversal,” your

pool is warm at the top and cold at the bottom. With the wide difference in temperature in your

pool, your pool is never at the exact temperature you want. You confront the temptation to

continue adding heat to make the pool comfortable. “Flowreversal” gives your pool a more

uniform temperature and an accurate way to measure its temperature.

What is “flowreversal?”

Flowreversal™ is a trademark of Mark Urban of Tustin, California, whose company

manufactures a line of specialty valves designed specifically for the pool and spa industry. The

flowreversal™ valve is only one example. Mark Urban was issued a patent that covers this unique

valve on November 11, 1986.

Despite the valve’s availability for an estimated 10 years, it has only recently received the

recognition it deserves. Some pool contractors are reluctant to install the valves at the time a pool

is constructed because it “adds to the cost of the new pool.”Progressive pool builders, however,

are quick to use the valve because of its many benefits. Today, some new pools are being

constructed with an “in-floor” circulation system which uses a different approach to some of the

flowreversal™ concepts. We’ll discuss this technology later.

What is flowreversal™ and what does it mean to you as a pool owner?

These questions and others will be answered in this report as we explore the concept of having an

“energy efficient pool”with the flowreversal™ valve. We’ve included graphic diagrams to