Solar Sun Rings

Solar Sun Rings keep your pool warm and clean

When I say “solar sun rings” do you think of bright circles in the sky around our local star?  If so, you’re in good company.  Can you believe that they are actually a very unique way to use solar energy in your own backyard?

Solar sun rings are placed into your pool or spa.  They provide passive solar heating, as well as a green way to clean your pool! No matter the size or water type (chlorinated or salt water) of your swimming pool, you can use the rings to cover your pool, but also allow for sunlight to penetrate the water surface to prevent algae growth.  Don’t worry about them blowing away, either.  You can get water anchors to help the solar sun rings stay in place.

As stated on the website:

“The Solar Sun Ring is a passive solar swimming pool heating device made from two sheets of heavyweight U.V. resistant vinyl. The upper clear layer holds insulating air and focuses sunlight on the blue colored lower layer.”

Relax and let solar sun rings work for you!

You can even flip the rings upside down when your pool is at the desired temperature to help insulate and even cool the waters.  The heating element is considered to be “passive” because it does not involve silicon solar panels or solar thermal panels.  The blue layer of the sun ring absorbs approximately half of the sunlight that hits it, turning it into heat.  The rest passes through for heating water below the surface.

Have young kids?  Solar sun rings are so much safer than a single sheet pool cover.  Entrapment and the failure to spot children or pets in the water is much less likely.  As an added bonus, they are colorful and more aesthetically pleasing than a boring bubble pack cover.

So, what will these slick devices run you?  It depends on the size of your pool.  It is recommended that you cover 70-80% of the surface.  Many people need between 10-20 for a full-sized swimming pool, while 2-3 may adequately cover a spa.  The retail cost is about $20 each, or 10 for $185.  Shop around because there are some good deals on the Internet – including eBay.

Even if you’re sold on solar sun rings, you may be wondering why I am blogging about swimming pools in the middle of winter? Must be the Spring break fever I’ve gotten by shopping in retail stores recently (you would swear that temperatures were about 30 degrees warmer, given the fashions on the racks).

I’m dreaming of longer, sunnier days.  Maybe you are now, too!