Solar pool heating panels bring energy-efficient warmth to Northern California swimming pools. A quality installation is key to the longevity of your system, but so is the water that flows through these panels. Understanding the connection between water chemistry and solar panels helps pool owners protect their investment and enjoy consistent performance year after year.
Acids, Bases, and Panel life
Maintaining the right water pH is important to your solar panel lifespan. Water with a low pH carries high acidity. Over time, this causes corrosion which weakens the solar panels and piping, causing leaks, and shortening system life. On the other hand, high pH levels lead to scale buildup, restricting water flow and reducing heat transfer efficiency. Both extremes place unnecessary strain on solar panels. Keeping pool water within the ideal pH range (7.2 to 7.8, but preferably 7.4 to 7.6) gives your solar pool system a stable aquatic environment, reducing the chances of premature failure.
Chlorine and Solar Heating Panels
Chlorine plays an essential role in pool sanitation, but excessive levels over time speed up material breakdown. Elevated chlorine levels dry out certain plastics, fade surfaces, and weaken connections. Continuous exposure to high chlorine also accelerates the wear on seals and gaskets. Keeping chlorine levels at recommended limits (typically between 1 and 4 parts per million (ppm)) effectively cleans the pool while minimizing risk to the solar heating system.
Saltwater Pools and Solar Heating
The salt concentration in saltwater pools typically does not damage solar pool heating panels. High-quality plastics used with Heliocol solar panel systems helps withstand saltwater conditions, reducing maintenance and replacement concerns. All Heliocol systems avoid the use of metal parts to eliminate salt water corrosion.
NorCal Solar Heating Expert
Water chemistry certainly plays a part in solar pool panel longevity. Regular maintenance and careful attention to pool chemistry protect both the pool and the solar panels from avoidable damage. If you want to install solar pool heating panels or evaluate an existing system, Solaron is here to help! We bring years of experience, use top-quality products, and have a deep commitment to customer satisfaction. Reach out to Solaron for Heliocol solar pool heating today!