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.
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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
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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
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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.
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“ 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
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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
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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
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