There are now a small number of solar pool heating systems have been installed on the Vineyard. Pool heating is actually the most economical solar system to install with the fastest payback--particularly with today’s rising fuel costs. Unlike solar hot water, the panels heat the actual water from the pool as opposed to there being a heat transfer. The panels are sized according to the volume of water that is to be heated. A general rule of thumb is that the panel area is half that of the pool's area.  The panels are black and need to face south.

Chilmark has passed a bylaw requiring that pool heating be done from a renewable source.

The Schaeffers in Oak Bluffs installed pool heating by extending the south roof of their pool equipment shed to the ground. This became the structure upon which to mount the panels. The water is fed in the pipe at the bottom, goes up through the panels which are like black straws mounted on black plastic backing and then across and out through the top pipe. No additional pumps were needed and if the pool water is not hot enough as it exists, the regular pool heater will boost it up to temperature. There's an additional 3 way valve, so if the temp gets too high, you can divert the flow. They have able to heat their pool all summer with no propane needed.

Paul Adler in West Tisbury, has installed a similar system. His system is free-standing and again, faces south.

Warren Adams in Edgartown installed pool heating panels on a low, shallow-sloped roof of his house that is close to the pool. The panels are, in this case, tucked out of sight.

Contact Information and Specifics:

Larry Schaeffer, 508-693-6933
Pool size: 640 sf with an average depth of 6'. Used summer and shoulder months.
Manufacturer: Aquatherm in New Jersey
Panel Size: 6 –14’ x 4’ panels
Installer: Conrad Geyser of Cotuit Solar, 508 428 8442
Cost $4200
Fuel Saved: 2800 gallons (about $5000) in 2005

Paul Adler, 508-645-3462
Pool Size 20’ x 40’
Manufacturer: bought from www.solardirect.com
Panel Size: 10- 4' x12' panels
Installer Owner
Cost: $7500 estimated if installed for a client or about $2500 if owner-installed
including an electronic transfer box
Cost of Fuel in 2004: $2500 for 5 months of heating (so this money was saved in 2005 when pool heating was installed)