Solar Thermal Water Heater at City Pools
Solar collectors absorb sunlight converting it into heat which is transferred to the water in the collectors piping system. The water is pumped from the pool through the collector and returned to the pool through the existing pool water heater. The solar collectors are laid out and fastened to the roof of the facility in an open area that maximizes the solar collection over the course of the year.
The solar systems have heat controllers that manipulate valves that provide water to the solar collectors, return heated pool water to the pool and protect the collector system from freezing.
The control system ensures that the pool is kept at the desired temperature during the day and does not cool the pool at night.
These projects involve the installation of roof mounted solar collectors systems, necessary piping, associated pumping and controls to provide solar pool heating systems for each facility.
The systems were sized to match the required heat load of each pool and maximize the output of the collectors.
Highland Pool
Highland Pool Capacity: 300,000 gallons
Pool Area: 7,500 sq/ft
96 Solar collector panels for a total of 5,000 sq/ft
Output: 3,734,400 BTU/Day and a 7.5 Hp water booster pump
West Mesa Pool
West Mesa Pool Capacity: 300,000 gallons
Pool Area: 7,500 sq/ft
136 Solar collector panels for a total of 7,360 sq/ft
Output: 5,290,400 BTU/Day and a 7.5 HP water booster pump
Sandia Pool
Sandia Pool Capacity: 300,000 gallons
Pool Area: 6,090 sq/ft
120 Solar collector panels for a total of 5,000 sq/ft.
Output: 4,668,000 BTU/Day and a 7.5 HP water booster pump
Los Altos Pool
Los Altos Pool Capacity: 183,000 gallons
Pool Area: 5,166 sq/ft.
64 Solar collector panels for a total of 2,560 sq/ft.
Output: 2,489,600 BTU/Day and a 5 HP water booster pump
Valley Pool
Valley Pool Capacity: 250,000 gallons
Pool Area: 7,057 sq/ft
88 Solar collector panels for a total of 3,520 sq/ft.
Output: 3,423,200 BTU/Day and a 7.5 HP water booster pump.
Annual avoided cost for natural gas and electricity: $104,184
Annual reduction in CO2 equivalents: 252,132 pounds of CO2
Budget: $418,516
Funding Source: 1% for Energy Conservation Set-a-side for Capital Improvements
Payback: 4.4 years