| With cooler weather right around the corner it | | | | Your next addition to the pool should be a solar |
| just might be time to start thinking about heating | | | | panel or two. 'These again are inexpensive and |
| your above ground pool. Think back to all of the | | | | very easy to hook up. They will plumb right into |
| fun you had this summer. Why not let your family | | | | your existing filter system. Solar panels can be |
| enjoy the pool as long as possible. | | | | mounted next to the pool, on a fence or on a |
| Heating an above ground pool does not have to | | | | roof top. |
| be that expensive. Solar covers and solar panels | | | | If the panels need to be placed a long distance |
| are both reasonably priced and require no | | | | from the pool a secondary pump may be |
| additional expense once they are purchased and | | | | required. This will add to the cost and the labor of |
| installed. | | | | your panel heating system but this is a one time |
| A solar cover should always be your first | | | | cost, not a monthly bill. |
| purchase. A good cover will extend your | | | | The addition of a solar cover and solar panels will |
| swimming season by two months. Your cost | | | | have you swimming most of the year. If more |
| should be anywhere from one to two hundred | | | | heat is desired your next step is to install either |
| dollars. | | | | an electric or gas heater. |
| If the pool is a team effort, and help is always | | | | These heaters are easy to install. They will plumb |
| available, taking the cover off is not that difficult. | | | | right into your return line. The water comes out |
| If you are a one person operation when it comes | | | | of the filter, goes into the heater and hot water |
| to pool care you will need a solar cover reel. | | | | goes back into the pool through your existing |
| There are many different kinds to choose from. | | | | return. |
| Solar cover reels designed for above ground pools | | | | Many above ground pools use flex hose from the |
| mount in the middle of the pool. The reel picks up | | | | filter to the pool. If a heater is to be installed you |
| the cover at the center point and brings both | | | | will need to convert the return line to solid 1 1/2" |
| sides in together. This type of system is very | | | | PVC pipe. This is a good investment for any pool |
| functional and in many cases the best way to go. | | | | filter system because you will never again be |
| It does, however, leave the cover rolled up | | | | changing leaky flex hose. |
| across the center of the pool. | | | | There are many things to consider when choosing |
| In ground type reels are mounted at one end of | | | | between gas and electric. A gas heater will heat |
| the pool. When the cover is rolled up it is out of | | | | the pool faster than an electric one and is a good |
| the way. The only problem is you have to build | | | | choice for occasional use. An electric heater is less |
| your own mounting platform. This is not that | | | | expensive to operate and is a better choice for |
| difficult and will keep your cover completely out | | | | daily use. |
| of the way when not in use. | | | | |