Guide To Pool Heating

Page 39 of 51

How To Calculate Pool Heating Costs
When You Use Solar Panels

This is a cost estimating template. Simply fill in the appropriate numbers and perform the
simple calculations shown. This template will help you to determine the cost of operating a pool
heating system that is based on roof or yard mounted solar panels. If the solar panel system you
are considering uses only the pool’s support system pump for water circulation, then the solar
panel system operating costs are negligible. Except for system purchase, installation and repair,
the heat is totally free.

A.

Cost Per Kilowatt of Electricity
Note: Call your electric company for your rate

__________

B.

Kilowatt Rating of Booster Pump [if needed]
Note: Stop here if you have no booster pump.
Operating costs are negligible.

__________

Alternate KW Rating Approach
Booster Pump Amperage rating = 1.8 Amps
Booster Pump Voltage rating = 220 Volts
Multiply amps times volts and divide by 1000 for KW

Booster Pump = 1.8 amps x 220 volts = 396 watts
396 watts ÷ 1000 = .396 KW

C.

Hours per day heater is used (MAXIMUM)

10

D.

Daily Operating Cost = (A x B x C)

__________

Example: 10 hours per day is typical run time
.09/kw x .396 kw heater x 10 hrs/day = $.35/day

E.

Days in the month heater is used

__________

F.

Monthly Operating Cost = (D x E)

__________

Example:
.35 x 30 days per month = $10.50

The cost of operating a solar panel system to heat your swimming pool is low. The only
operating cost is for recirculating water. If you use the existing pool pump, additional costs are not
incurred with the solar panel pool heater. A small cost can be attributed to the solar controller’s
electrical consumption, but it is usually insignificant.