Solar Pool Heating by Mark NaylorIn any homeowner association , the benefits of a swimming pool cannot be ignored . Relaxation , social interaction , a place to exercise – a pool provides all this , and more to a community . But , if the pool water is too cold to swim in comfortably , it simply will not be used by your members . With energy costs at an all-time high , heating a pool with natural
gas , propane , or electric ( from coal ) can cost thousands of dollars each year . It would seem that heating a swimming pool with fossil-fuels is a luxury most associations can no longer afford .
Fortunately , there is an alternative to burning fossil-fuels . For over 35 years , solar pool heating has provided a clean , domestic and affordable solution for heating both residential and commercial swimming pools . In fact , pool heating is the most widely used application for solar water heating technology in the U . S . today . The most costeffective of any solar technology , a solar pool heating system typically pays for itself in just a few short years .
Energy-savings and ROI aside , perhaps the most attractive element of a solar pool heater lies in its simplicity . The pool ’ s existing filtration system pumps water from the pool directly to the solar collectors , where it is warmed by the sun ’ s limitless supply of free heat . These durable , long-lasting solar collectors are composed of highquality
polypropylene – the same polymer used in high-tension power line sheathing and automotive battery casings . After passing through the solar collectors , warm water is returned to the pool via the existing returns .
“ The most cost-effective of any solar technology , a solar pool heating system typically pays for itself in just a few short years .”
Most solar pool heating systems are completely automatic , and are as easy to operate as any fossil-fuel heater . Simply select your desired high-limit temperature and the solar system will do the rest . Though collectors
are generally roof-mounted , they should be installed where they can be in the sun a good portion of the day . Depending on the angle of the mounting surface , east- and west-facing systems can function equally as well . Pool water will automatically divert to the solar collectors if there is a ) enough solar thermal energy at the location of the collectors and b ) when the pool ’ s desired temperature has not been reached . Solar pool heaters are compatible with the latest in pool automation technology .
|
Though solar pool heating systems are currently in use at communities and associations across the country , they are particularly effective in the warm , dry climate of southern California .
If your association ’ s pool is already equipped with a fossil-fuel heater , solar can be installed to work in conjunction as a “ hybrid pool heating system .” A hybrid system uses solar as the main source of heat and an existing fossil-fuel heater as a backup , if needed . With solar providing the pool with “ anytime heat ,” a backup heater can give
|
operators another degree of control over their preferred pool temperature . Hybrid solar pool heating can save an association 40 % to 60 % of the energy costs needed to heat a year-round pool and up to 100 % energy savings on pools heated only seasonally .
When considering a solar pool heating system , it is important the entire solar collection system is certified to the National Sanitation Foundation Standard 50 ( NSF-50 ). Required in most of the United States , NSF-50 is a safety , durability , and toxicity standard for swimming pool and spa products used in commercial pool facilities such as an HOA .
It is also wise to purchase from a U . S . manufacturer that directly
“ Hybrid solar pool heating can save an association 40 % to 60 % of the energy costs needed to heat a year-round pool and up to 100 % energy savings on pools heated only seasonally .” supports the product warranty , and a local installation company with a proven track record of success .
Mark Naylor Mark Naylor Solar Specialists 7930 Arjons Drive , Suite C San Diego , CA 92126-6302 858-695-9465 MNSolar @ AOL . com www . NaylorSolar . com
|
Dryer Fire by Chris PiccioneWe ’ ve all seen the commercials on TV with the giant lint ball on fire ! Occasionally we hear on the local news of a house that burned down because of the dryer . As it turns out , dryer fires are becoming more commonplace . According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission , there are approximately 16,000 fires each year associated with dryers .
|
“ Condo buildings are even more at risk due to common walls , poor condo conversion design , and long lengths of dryer ducting .”
Most fires occur when lint builds up in the duct to the point that it reduces airflow . Because lint is highly flammable , any overheating of the dryer , a spark , or backup of lint into the dryer can easily ignite it . Dryer vents should be considered a fire hazard if they haven ’ t been inspected or cleaned within the past year . Condo buildings and apartments are even more at risk due to common walls , poor condo conversion design , and long lengths of dryer ducting .
In the past ten years Southern California has seen a rise in old apartment buildings being converted into condos with washers and dryers . Most condos are quickly built with the laundry closet typically placed in the middle of the condo . While it makes good access for the user , it makes a poor design for routing of the dryer
|
ducting . The longer the duct has to travel from behind the dryer to the exterior of the building , the less airflow it has to vent the heat out and more likelihood of fire . The problem has worsened to the point that in 2003 , the State of California prompted a change in the mechanical code . The code ( section 504.3.2.2 ) now states that the dryer ducting cannot exceed 14 feet in length . This is far stricter than the International Mechanical Code which mandates a 25 foot maximum . Other design flaws include too many turns , incorrect type of ducting , wrong type of vent hoods and wire mesh screens that clog up .
Here are a few simple tips homeowners can take to reduce their chance of fire :
• Clean the lint screen / filter before or after drying each load of clothes . If clothes are still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal , this may be a sign that the exhaust duct is blocked and needs cleaning .
• Have the Dryer Vent and Exhaust Duct cleaned & inspected annually by a licensed contractor .
• Clean behind and in the dryer . Have a qualified appliance repairman clean the interior of the dryer itself periodically to minimize the amount of lint accumulation on electrical components . Keep the area around the dryer clean and free of clutter and chemicals .
• Replace plastic , accordiontype hose with rigid or corrugated aluminum . Most manufacturers specify the use
|
of a rigid or corrugated aluminum duct , which provides maximum airflow . Plastic ducting can also melt if the dryer gets too hot .
• Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals such as gasoline , cooking oils , cleaning agents , or finishing oils and stains . If possible , wash the clothing more than once to minimize the amount of volatile chemicals on the clothes and , preferably , hang the clothes to dry .
In the duct cleaning industry not all companies have the same standards . Whereas , in the electrical , plumbing and other more regulated trades , a contractor ’ s license , schooling and certification is the norm . Surprisingly , most duct cleaning companies are not licensed by the State of California to perform the work . It is highly recommended to use a company that is licensed and certified .
To check a company ’ s license status : Log on to the Contractors State License Board ’ s website ( www . cslb . ca . gov ). Click on “ Consumers ”, then “ Check License ”, then “ Contractor Name ”. Type in name of company in question and see if their company information shows on the list and verify if license status is current .
Chris Piccione Vent Pros , Inc 303 W . 35th Street , # B National City , CA 91950 619-585-4860 ChrisP @ VentPros . com www . VentPros . com
|