Clear Solar Blanket

Solar Heating, Solar Thermal, and Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar Heating (Solar Thermal) Systems

Using solar power to heat your water is one of the most practical and cost effective ways to harness energy from the sun. Solar thermal systems absorb the sun's heat and use it to heat your residence's own hot water needs. In general, the solar thermal system will easily heat water to 140ºF or higher matching the range of its traditional hot water tank counterpart. Effective systems can collect up to 70 percent of the sun's energy that reaches them and transfer it to you.

How Solar Hot Water Heating Systems Work

In general there are two types of active water heating systems: direct and indirect.

Direct Solar Water Heating

As implied, direct systems capture the sun's heat in collectors to directly heat a household's water supply. The system consists of collector pipes filled with water that are linked to an insulated storage tank usually located inside a home. As the sun heats the water inside the pipes, the water flows into the storage tank. Although direct systems are more efficient that indirect ones, they require more maintenance to keep the pipes clear of mineral deposits. Direct solar thermal systems also work best in warmer climates where the system is less prone to freezing.

Indirect Solar Water Heating

Indirect systems do not heat the water directly rather they use fluid with a low-freezing point to absorb radiant energy from the sun. Also termed closed-loop systems, an indirect solar water heating system absorbs the sun's rays into heat pipes evacuated of air which in turn heats up the pipe's thin copper laminate located on the back of each pipe. The collection array consists of multiple heating pipes that are mounted and tilted to maximize solar collection.

Often glycol (an ingredient in antifreeze) runs through adjacent pipes within the array and heats up via contact with the copper laminate. As the temperature in the pipes rise, the heat activates a pump that circulates the glycol fluid through a heat exchange coil in the water tank. That coil, in turn, transfers its heat to the water tank and voila, hot water is produced.

Solar Pool and Hot Tub Heating Systems

Solar pool heating systems work on a similar principle to a direct system solar hot water heater. However, because the water can heat up too much in a solar thermal system, the collector's glazing is often removed. Using non-glazed pipes or a heating system that resembles a flat black mat prevents the pool water from becoming super-heated as well as reduces costs to the overall system.

While solar pool and hot tub heating systems often are exempted from federal and state monetary incentives and rebates, they often pay for themselves within 1–5 years (depending mostly on where you live).

Radiant Heating Systems For Your Home

You can also use a solar hot water (or thermal) system to heat your home. Rather than transferring the heated water to a domestic hot water heater, the solar hot water system can connect to a radiant floor and/or wall panel radiator.

You can make the collection and distribution system as simple or complicated as you like depending on your location, climate, and intended use. Most radiant heating systems use the collection array to heat water and store it in a large thermal collection tank so that you have enough heat to last at least throughout the night. A general rule of thumb is to have a collection tank that can store 1½ to 2 gallons of water for every square foot of solar collector. That water, in turn, is piped via plastic tubing under floors to create an effective heating system.

Radiant floor heating systems have many advantages. They are typically 40 percent more efficient than a forced air heating system and can be zoned so that each room has its own thermostat. Furthermore, radiant floors distribute heat beneath your feet where it naturally rises providing a cozy and evenly distributed heated living space.

Tips for Installing Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar Hot Water Heater Tips for Cooler Climates

In cooler climates during the colder times of the year, an indirect solar hot water system can help lower your energy costs by working as a water preheating system rather than an outright water heater. Preheated water reduces the load on your other energy systems to heat the water.

Another trick to increase the system's efficiency is to wrap your water tank with an insulation blanket to keep the water sufficiently warm and further minimize the need to rely on traditional power sources to heat your water. (Note that not all water heaters need an insulation blanket. Many of the newer energy-efficient models come with a thicker layer of insulation inside the tank that eliminates the need for additional insulation).

Where to Place a Solar Thermal Collection System

Like other types of solar energy systems, solar hot water heating systems work best on south-facing walls with full sun exposure. Because of the collector tubes' type of construction, the outside elements have less effect on its performance compared to a photovoltaic collection system; a bit of shade on the thermal array will have a less noticeable impact.

Work with a Solar Pro

As with any solar power upgrade, consulting with a solar professional can help you evaluate your potential savings and determine the type of solar hot water system that's best for you. Solar thermal panels come both as stand-alone collection arrays and as integrated building panels. A solar pro can size your system and help you compare the different options for the collection panels and water tank you may need. And remember, solar domestic water systems often qualify for federal, state, and local tax credits and rebates!

About the Author

Find more solar panel information at Cooler Planet.

Round 21-inch Solar Blanket $253.51 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 12-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool winds and nighttime coolingAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 21 feet in diameterModel number NS484

Round Clear Above-ground Pool Solar Blanket $165.55 This clear solar blanket allows more solar heat to quickly heat your pool. This solar pool cover is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Round Above-ground Pool Solar BlanketModel: NS480Clear solar blankets heat your pool fasterLaced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layerShields pool from cool winds and nighttime coolingAllows more solar heat to reach the depths of the poolHeats pool thoroughlyMade of extra-thick 12-gauge materialOutlasts most other above-ground blankets on the marketMaterials: PolymerDimensions: 180 inches in diameter

28-foot Round 12-Mil Clear Above-ground Solar Blanket $416.5 Use this clear solar blanket to heat your pool faster. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer, shielding your pool from cool winds and nighttime cooling. Clear blanket allows more solar heat to reach the depths of your pool and heat it thoroughlyMade of extra-thick, 12-gauge material so they will outlast most other above-ground blankets on the marketMeasures 28-feet round

Solar Holster Solar Blanket Holder for Aboveground Pools $99.99 Solar Holster Solar Blanket Holder for Aboveground Pools

Above-ground Round 18-foot Clear 12-mil Solar Blanket $201.77 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 12-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool winds and nighttime coolingAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 18 feet (round)Model number NS482

Above-ground Round 24-foot Clear 12-mil Solar Blanket $320.78 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 12-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool winds and nighttime coolingAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 24 feet (round)Model number NS486

Above-ground Round 30-foot Clear 12-mil Solar Blanket $491.52 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 12-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool winds and nighttime coolingAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 30 feet (round)Model number NS489

Above-ground Oval 15x30-foot Clear 12-mil Solar Blanket $271.62 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 12-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool winds and nighttime coolingAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 15 inches wide x 30 inches long (oval)Model number NS494

Above-ground Oval 12x24-foot Clear 12-mil Solar Blanket $188.83 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 12-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool winds and nighttime coolingAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 12 inches wide x 24 inches long (oval)Model number NS492

Above-ground Round 33-inch Solar Blanket $553.62 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 12-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool windsAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 33 feet in diameterModel number NS490

Oval Clear Above-Ground Pool Solar Blanket (21' x 41') $460.48 Use this clear solar blanket to heat your pool faster. This blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer, shielding your pool from wind and nighttime cooling while allowing more solar heat to reach your pool and heat it thoroughly.Blanket is made of extra-thick 12-gauge materialHeats pool with solar power while protecting against wind and coldBlanket is for oval shaped above ground poolsMeasures: 41 feet long x 21 feet wide

In-ground Rectangular 20' x 44' 14-mil Clear Solar Blanket $574.31 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 14-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool winds and nighttime coolingAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 20 feet wide x 44 feet longModel number NS540

In-ground Rectangular 30' x 50' 14-mil Clear Solar Blanket $1262.48 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and effectively. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 14-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool windsAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 30 feet wide x 50 feet longModel number NS550All weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information.

In-ground Rectangular 14' x 28' 14-mil Clear Solar Blanket $315.6 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 14-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool winds and nighttime coolingAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 14 feet wide x 28 feet longModel number NS515

Above-ground Oval 18' x 40' Clear 12-mil Solar Blanket $390.62 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 12-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool winds and nighttime coolingAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 18 inches wide x 40 inches long (oval)Model number NS502

In-ground Rectangular 18' x 36' 14-mil Clear Solar Blanket $442.37 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 14-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool winds and nighttime coolingAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 18 feet wide x 36 feet longModel number NS525

In-ground Rectangular 14-mil Clear Solar Blanket (20' x 40') $576.9 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 14-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool winds and nighttime coolingAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 20 feet wide x 40 feet longModel number NS530All weights and measurements are approximate and may vary slightly from the listed information.

In-ground Rectangular 16' x 32' 14-mil Clear Solar Blanket $398.38 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 14-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool winds and nighttime coolingAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 16 feet wide x 32 feet longModel number NS520

Above-ground Oval 18' x 33' Clear 12-mil Solar Blanket $364.75 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 12-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool winds and nighttime coolingAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 18 inches wide x 33 inches long (oval)Model number NS500

In-ground Rectangular 12' x 24' 14-mil Clear Solar Blanket $227.64 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 14-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool winds and nighttime coolingAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 12 feet wide x 24 feet longModel number NS510

18 Ft Solar Blanket Winter Cover $51.99 18 Solar Blanket Winter CoverProtects Solar Blanket from harmful UV raysWhy remove your solar blanket from your cover reel? Why not leave it out for the winter. Now you can. Our solar blanket winter cover is a green winter tough reinforced domestic fabric that wraps around your solar blanket while it is on the solar reel. This waterproof Cover is secured with a weatherproof zipper, toseal out moisture & prevent damage during the off-season. Available in 3 popular widths: 16ft, 18ft, and 20ft. Try to get as much moisture off the solar cover blanket before winterizing it.End draw string for secure fitHeavy-duty, weather-proof zipper closureDrawstring & straps at both ends, for a super-tight seal all winter longUniversal fitAdds years of life to the solar coverEliminates indoor storageColor: greenAvailable for pool widths: 16, 18 and 208 year warranty

16 Ft Solar Blanket Winter Cover $46.99 16 Solar Blanket Winter CoverProtects Solar Blanket from harmful UV raysWhy remove your solar blanket from your cover reel? Why not leave it out for the winter. Now you can. Our solar blanket winter cover is a green winter tough reinforced domestic fabric that wraps around your solar blanket while it is on the solar reel. This waterproof Cover is secured with a weatherproof zipper, toseal out moisture & prevent damage during the off-season. Available in 3 popular widths: 16ft, 18ft, and 20ft. Try to get as much moisture off the solar cover blanket before winterizing it.End draw string for secure fitHeavy-duty, weather-proof zipper closureDrawstring & straps at both ends, for a super-tight seal all winter longUniversal fitAdds years of life to the solar coverEliminates indoor storageColor: greenAvailable for pool widths: 16, 18 and 208 year warranty

20 Ft Solar Blanket Winter Cover $59.99 20 Solar Blanket Winter CoverProtects Solar Blanket from harmful UV raysWhy remove your solar blanket from your cover reel? Why not leave it out for the winter. Now you can. Our solar blanket winter cover is a green winter tough reinforced domestic fabric that wraps around your solar blanket while it is on the solar reel. This waterproof Cover is secured with a weatherproof zipper, toseal out moisture & prevent damage during the off-season. Available in 3 popular widths: 16ft, 18ft, and 20ft. Try to get as much moisture off the solar cover blanket before winterizing it.End draw string for secure fitHeavy-duty, weather-proof zipper closureDrawstring & straps at both ends, for a super-tight seal all winter longUniversal fitAdds years of life to the solar coverEliminates indoor storageColor: greenAvailable for pool widths: 16, 18 and 208 year warranty

Solar Clear Natural Water-Purifying Ionizer $199.99 Solar Clear Natural Water-Purifying Ionizer

Firefly Solar Garden Art Clear Globe $44.95 Firefly Solar Garden Art Clear Globe

18 Ft Solar Blanket Poly Tarp $17.99 18 L x 40" W Solar Blanket Poly TarpExtend the Life of your Solar Blanket! Our rip-proof woven Cover protects your Solar Blanket from the damaging effects of weather and sun while its on the reel & not in use. Handy Velcro fasteners attach to your Solar Reel (not included) to prevent the Tarp from blowing off. Order by pool width.

16 Ft Solar Blanket Poly Tarp $14.99 16 L x 40" W Solar Blanket Poly TarpExtend the Life of your Solar Blanket! Our rip-proof woven Cover protects your Solar Blanket from the damaging effects of weather and sun while its on the reel & not in use. Handy Velcro fasteners attach to your Solar Reel (not included) to prevent the Tarp from blowing off. Order by pool width.

20 Ft Solar Blanket Poly Tarp $19.99 20 L x 40" W Solar Blanket Poly TarpExtend the Life of your Solar Blanket! Our rip-proof woven Cover protects your Solar Blanket from the damaging effects of weather and sun while its on the reel & not in use. Handy Velcro fasteners attach to your Solar Reel (not included) to prevent the Tarp from blowing off. Order by pool width.

28 Ft Solar Blanket Poly Tarp $27.99 28 L x 40" W Solar Blanket Poly TarpExtend the Life of your Solar Blanket! Our rip-proof woven Cover protects your Solar Blanket from the damaging effects of weather and sun while its on the reel & not in use. Handy Velcro fasteners attach to your Solar Reel (not included) to prevent the Tarp from blowing off. Order by pool width.

24 Ft Solar Blanket Poly Tarp $22.99 24 L x 40" W Solar Blanket Poly TarpExtend the Life of your Solar Blanket! Our rip-proof woven Cover protects your Solar Blanket from the damaging effects of weather and sun while its on the reel & not in use. Handy Velcro fasteners attach to your Solar Reel (not included) to prevent the Tarp from blowing off. Order by pool width.

Above-ground Oval 16' x 32' 12-mil Solar Blanket $294.9 This clear solar blanket will heat your pool quickly and thoroughly. This pool blanket is laced with air bubbles that act as an insulating layer.Materials: 12-gauge polymerAir bubbles act as an insulating layerPool is shielded from cool winds and nighttime coolingAllows more solar heat to warm the poolMeasures 16 inches wide x 32 inches long (oval)Model number NS498

Swimming Pool Solar Sun Rings -( SSRN , Solar Sun Rings ) $29.99 What Are Solar Sun Rings? The Solar Sun Ring is a passive solar swimming pool heating device made from two sheets of heavyweight U.V. resistant vinyl. The upper clear layer holds insulating air and focuses sunlight on the blue colored lower layer. The blue layer absorbs about 50% of the sunlight and converts it to heat. The balance of the sunlight is allowed topass through for deep water heating. Each Sun Solar Ring generates 21,000 BTU per day. Rings are 60" in diameter.How Do Solar Sun Rings Work? At night the contained air acts as an insulating blanket to retain heat gained during daylight. Solar Sun Rings are equipped with six 32 gauss magnets to improve clarity and decrease hardness of the waterin your pool. The magnets are positioned to facilitate rafting. The strength of the magnets will permit single position removal but will easily separate to prevententrapment in accidental falls.Solar Sun Rings were designed to be compatible with automatic pool cleaners. In the event the suction hose catches on a ring, the ring will separate from the raft to allow the pool cleaner to continue. Neither water norpool chemicals can evaporate through the Solar Sun Rings two layers of heavyweight vinyl. You will save water and chemicals about equal to the percentage of the surface covered. Once the water in your pool has reached adequate temperature, Solar Sun Rings may be turned over to conserve water by limiting evaporation without significantly heating the water.Your pool requires some direct sunlight and open water to stay healthy. The open water around the raft of Solar Sun Rings and the triangle caused by the convergence of three Solar Sun Rings is by design. These open areas allow your pool to receive some direct sunlight. This sunlight will greatly reduce the incidence of mustard algae.Easily Cleaned - After removal from the swimming pool, Solar Sun Rings can be easily cleaned with a sponge and mild detergent solution.Warranty: Solar Sun Rings are warranted to be free of manufacturing defects for two years. Warranty is limited to materials and workmanship.Solar Sun Rings Features:Safety: No other floating solar cover matches SolarSun Rings design for safety. Countless pets and many people have died because of entrapment with the one piece bubble pack covers. The primary design criteria of the Solar Sun Ring was to prevent entrapment.Durability: High quality ultra violet resistant vinyl(polyvinyl chloride) is used exclusively for durability that cannot be achievedby the inferior plastic used in bubble pack covers. Vinyl will normally outlastpolyethylene 3 to 1. The vinyl used to manufacture Solar Sun Rings is not destroyed by pH fluctuation

12 Mil 4ft x 8ft Solar Blanket Step Section Extension $9.99 Have a Step Section? Our handy 12 mil Solar Blanket Step Section Extensiongives you a quick & inexpensive way to customize your Solar Blanket! Simply order the Solar Blanket size that best fits your pool, then add the Step Section to your order & affix it to the Step Section portion of your pool.

Solar Saddle Aboveground Solar Blanket Handler (Set of 5) $99.99 Solar Cover Holder and Management System The First, Easy Handling and Storage SystemYou can now Easily handle and store your solar cover. Your Solar Cover is neatly folded and conveniently stored out of the way in minutes. Solar Saddle is easily connected to your pool on any side you desire. In one step, you remove and neatly store your solar cover. Your solar cover can be placed back on your pools water surface, easily, while you are either in or out of your pool. Truly the first, EZ on EZ off, solar cover storage system.....**Easy to use, Simple to Install, and Affordable.**....Using a Solar Saddle,solar cover management system, with your solar cover has two major advantages over a solar cover reel. The first, a solar cover reel allows all the debris that is on the solar cover to ultimately be dumped into your pools water during solar cover removal. Secondly, if you have a solar cover reel, solar cover roller, or solar cover folder you still have to man handle and find a place for the appliance and solar cover storage. The Solar Saddle removes the debris from the pool and provides storage for your solar cover in one move. Thats it nothing more to do.

Inground Solar Blanket-to-Reel Attachment Kit $29.99 Solar Reel Attachment Kit for Inground PoolsIncludes everything youll need to attach your inground Solar Blanket to the Reel, please easy to follow instructions. Fits any Reel. Kit includes:8 - Cord Plates (set)8 - 5 Blue Straps8 - Buckles8 - Velcro Tabs (set)Complete Instructions.

Bulk Savings 362177 Generic Emergency Blanket Solar Case of 250 $706.91 Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available. Satisfaction Ensured. Generic Emergency Blanket (Solar). 52 x 82.5 1 oz.

Aboveground Solar Blanket-to-Reel Attachment Kit $24.99 Solar Reel Attachment Kit for Aboveground PoolsIncludes all the equipment youll need to attach your aboveground Solar Blanket to the Reel, plus easy to follow instructions. Fits any reel. Kit includes:10 - Cord Plates (set)10 - 4 White Cords10 - Tube Eye ScrewComplete InstructionsThis Solar Reel Attachment Kit includes everything you see below, plus complete instructions.

Solar $10 Solar

Fitmax 412008 iPool Solar Blanket Silver Blue $87.75 Solar blanket designed for iPool aboveground exercise pool. Constructed of 2 layers of highdensity polyethylene film. Electric blue top surface absorbs the suns rays into the water. Aluminized bottom bubble surface reflects heat back into water. Heats quickly and retains heat efficiently; measures 9 x 10 .

16 Mil 4ft x 8ft Solar Blanket Step Section Extension $18.99 Have a Step Section? Our handy 16 mil Solar Blanket Step Section Extension gives you a quick & inexpensive way to customize your Solar Blanket! Simply order the Solar Blanket size that best fits your pool, then add the Step Section to your order & affix it to the Step Section portion of your pool.

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