Is Your Swimming Pool an Energy Hog?

It's no secret that swimming pools can be major energy guzzlers. But with a few simple steps, you can turn your pool in to an eco-friendly, energy-efficient oasis!

Follow our simple steps to transform
your pool from energy hog to eco-friendly oasis. 

Step 1: Replace your old, single-speed pool pump with an ultra-efficient variable speed pump. A pool pump can be the second largest electric user in your household, adding significantly to your monthly utility bills. But by replacing your old pool pump with a new variable speed pump, you could reduce your pool energy costs by as much as 80 percent!

These savings are so substantial that, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, switching to a variable speed pool pump can generate energy savings equal to or greater than than those achieved by updating an existing home to an ENERGY STAR-rated home. 

By taking advantage of utility company rebates for new pool pumps in Arizona and Nevada, homeowners can enjoy rapid payback and years of substantial savings.

Step 2: Use the power of the sun to heat your pool. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, solar pool heating is the most cost-effective use of solar energy in many climates. A Heliocol system can double your swim season using free solar energy year after year. Solar pool heating can save thousands of dollars annually in heating costs when compared to a gas heater and hundreds of dollars annually as compared to an electric heat pump.

Step 3: Save energy and water with a pool cover. Once your swimming pool is heated, you'll often lose heat and water through evaporation. A pool cover conserves both. You can also lower the water level in your pool to reduce loss from splashing.

Step 4: Install a salt water system and never buy chlorine again! Salt water systems produce a pure form of "free chlorine" that shocks chloramines out of the water. The result is a clean, thoroughly sanitized pool without the harsh side effects of traditional chlorine pools.

Step 5: Upgrade your pool light to an energy-efficient LED light. LED pool lights last three times as long as incandescent lights and use significantly less energy. Although an LED light is initially more expensive, you'll save money over its lifetime.

Step 6: Use a time clock for filtering and cleaning your pool. Run your system in off peak hours.

Step 7: Regular, preventive maintenance keeps your pool pump and filter operating at maximum efficiency, saving money and energy.

Six Fun Solar Energy Facts - Happy Earth Day from Heliocol West!

In celebration of Earth Day 2013, Heliocol West is sharing six fun solar energy facts!

Happy Earth Day from Heliocol West!

1. In one hour more sunlight falls on the earth than what is used by the entire population in one year.

2. At any given time, the Earth receives 174 petawatts of energy from the sun.  This is equivalent to 174 Trillion kilowatts and is 6,000 times our worldwide energy usage.

3. It takes about eight minutes for energy to travel from the sun to the earth.

4. The total amount of fossil fuels used by humans since the beginning of civilization is equivalent to less than 30 days of sunshine.

5. You don't need to convert your entire house to a solar electric system to save money. Solar water heaters, solar pool heaters and solar outdoor lighting all replace significant amounts of power usage using free energy from the sun.

6. If you covered 10,000 square miles of land in the American Southwest with solar panels, it would generate enough power to meet the energy needs of the entire United States.  Although this seems like a lot of land, the US has strip-mined an equivalent amount for coal (which, unlike solar energy, is not renewable).

Pool Heating in Arizona...What Are My Options?

Many Arizona pool owners are shocked to learn that in spite of our warm weather, most unheated swimming pools are only warm for about three to four months of the year. Surprisingly, unheated pools in the Phoenix area are typically above 80 degrees from June to mid-September. This is due to the fact that our air is very dry and for much of the year the nights cool off, causing nocturnal heat losses in the pool. Sun worshipers move here from colder climates expecting to be swimming year round, and find themselves looking at the pool more than swimming in it.

When choosing a method of heating a swimming pool, Arizona pool owners have three basic ways to get the job done:

Arizona pool owners can choose from several pool heating options.

Gas Heating

One proven pool heating method that has been used for decades by builders is to install a gas boiler. Gas boilers are quite effective and can have a relatively low installation cost. (Assuming the gas is available and near the unit.) However, this method is the most expensive to operate. The average size gas-heated swimming pool costs $500 to $1,000 per month to operate. Due to this high operation cost, most people that have gas heaters shut them off and rarely use them to heat the pool.

Gas boilers can be somewhat affordable to operate with spas. When heating a spa, most people turn them on just before getting in and shut them off right afterwards. With an operating cost of $7.00/ hour, it's important to shut them off when finished. Their ability to heat fast and heat in very cold weather makes them good for that New Year's Eve dip in the hot tub.

High Efficiency Heat Pumps

A good alternative to gas heating is a high efficiency electric heat pump. The advantage of the heat pump method is that it can heat a pool/spa for about 25% of the operating cost of a gas heater. The average size pool heated by a heat pump costs about $125 to $250 per month to operate.

Heat pumps are substantially more efficient than gas heaters because they gather the heat from the air rather than the electricity that runs them. That being said, it's important to choose a heat pump with care. Many brands and models will only operate in temperatures above 50 degrees. If year-round heating is the goal, it's important to select a unit that operates at temperatures as low as the mid-30's.

Solar Pool Heating

The most affordable way to heat a swimming pool is with a solar pool heating system. Solar pool heating systems have a low initial investment amount, are free to operate, and qualify for a $1,000 Arizona State income tax credit. In the Phoenix area, a properly sized solar system will provide about a nine-month swim season with water temperatures above 80 degrees. Swimmers can start swimming in warm water about March 1st and swim to the end of November (or in some years early December).

Solar pool heating technology has been widely used all around the world, as well as in Arizona, for over thirty years. Due to the fact that these systems have only a few moving parts, they require very little maintenance and are quite reliable.

In applications where year-round heating is required, the solar pool heater can be installed in combination with a secondary gas heater or high efficiency heat pump. By diverting the pool water through the solar panels first and pre-heating the secondary heater, the gas heater or heat pump runs as little as possible throughout the winter months. This hybrid application can achieve the absolute lowest cost method for year-round pool heating.

When choosing a pool heating system, it is always best to consult with a professional in the industry. By explaining your usage patterns, temperature expectations and budgetary priorities, your pool heating specialist can help you choose the system that is right for you.

by Mark Walters

Heliocol West

markonesolar@hotmail.com

602-315-1993

www.heliocolwest.com

www.markonesolar.com

New Solar Financing from Heliocol West

Get a loan for your new solar system and pay nothing up front for up to one year! Start saving on your electric bills now, take advantage of tax credits and rebates, and start saving money from day one.

Heliocol West works with the leading lenders in the industry and can get you approved in minutes for loans ranging in size from $1,500 to $40,000 with no equity required. We're offering low-interest, competitive rates with easy monthly payments. 

Our green energy experts can help you develop a system that can, in many cases, save you more money each month than you're paying for your system. Give us a call today to learn more...800-366-6862.

The Best Investment Under the Sun

Planning spring renovations for your home? Consider installing a solar water heating system—one of the most economically beneficial (and greenest) improvements you can make. Not only will a solar water heating system pay for itself with energy savings and incentives, it can add to the value of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

Enjoy big solar savings with a solar water heating system from Heliocol West.

Better Value than Photovoltaics (Solar Electric Systems)

When considering solar power, most people envision large, rooftop photovoltaic systems that produce a portion of the electricity used in their homes. Although solar electric systems are a great way to capture free solar energy, the return on investment can't compare to a solar water heating system.

"A solar water heater produces twice as much energy as a photovoltaic system at half the net cost," says Heliocol West Sales Director Michael Chung. 

Don't Pay Full Price

Although solar hot water systems can be more expensive than traditional water heating systems, most homeowners don't pay the full cost of a new installation. State and federal tax incentives, combined with rebates from utility companies, can cut the price of a new system nearly in half.

The remaining investment is soon repaid through substantial energy savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a solar water heating system can reduce water heating bills by up to 80 percent. Plus, by relying on free solar energy, you're protected from future fuel shortages and price hikes for years to come.

Immediate Profits

If you're purchasing a new home, or refinancing, your energy savings can exceed the cost of a solar water heating system immediately. According to the DOE, including the price of a solar water heater in a new 30-year mortgage adds between $13 and $20 a month. The federal income tax deduction attributed to the solar system reduces that cost by $3 to $5 per month. Therefore, if your energy savings are more than $15 a month, your solar investment is immediately profitable and you're saving more than you're paying.

Increase Home Value

Not only do homes with eco-friendly improvements often sell faster than comparable homes without green features, buyers will spend up to 10 percent more for a green home according to a 2013 real estate report from Harvard University. This allows homeowners to recoup a portion of the initial cost when they sell.

Start Saving Today

There's never been a better time to add solar hot water to your home. All of the systems sold by Heliocol West meet stringent Energy Star solar requirements and carry SRCC OG-300 ratings, allowing you to qualify for important rebates and tax credits. Plus, we service every system we sell!

Contact Heliocol West today for a free estimate and don't forget to ask about our 0% interest financing plans.

It's Cool to be Cool! Enjoy a Fresh, Relaxing Summer with Outdoor Misting and Salt Water Pool Systems

Backyard lifestyles in the American southwest continue to improve thanks to new and ingenious products developed specifically for desert living.

Heliocol West specializes in the development and application of a number of such lifestyle-enhancing products. Kelly Dancer, Heliocol West director and owner, has overseen more than 25,000 such projects in Arizona and Nevada. He says Heliocol's motto for southwestern clientele is simple: "Sun plus water equals fun."

Heliocol West’s specialized products include solar pool heating, the new SunX solar pool system, misting, outdoor fog effects and the SunSplash salt pool system.

Outdoor Misting and Fog Effects - “It’s All Cool”  Desert Heat Tamed by Cool Misting and Fog Effects.

Arizona and Nevada residents enjoy their outdoor areas even in the heat of summer thanks to the unique technology of high pressure misting systems. “A properly installed high pressure misting system can cool an outdoor area by as much as 30 degrees,” explains Dancer. “The ability to comfortably enjoy outdoor areas, such as patio or pool surroundings, during the full heat of summer can be very appealing.” 

High pressure misting systems from Heliocol West can reduce outdoor temperatures by as much as 30 degrees! 

Fog effects are another use of the high pressure misting technology. Household water is pumped through a special cluster nozzle at very high pressures (around 1,000 to 1,200 psi) resulting in clouds of atomized H20 molecules that become a cooling fog. "This can can be very aesthetically appealing when resting on the surface of a pool or rolling down a waterfall," says Dancer. "The mist can also be used to create a natural humidity similar to that of the tropics, thus nurturing lush vegetation to flourish with our abundant desert sunshine."

Dancer says Heliocol’s high pressure misting and fog systems begin at $2,200 depending on application. 

SunSplash Salt Pool System - "Soft and Pure"

“There is nothing like the feel of swimming in a pool that has the purity and softness SunSplash creates," says Dancer. 

The salt pool technology has been used in Australia for years. It utilizes a small amount of salt added to your pool's water - similar to a human teardrop, or about one tenth the salinity of the ocean. SunSplash utilizes a clear cell with plates that, when energized, react with the small amount of salt in the water to thoroughly sanitize your pool. The salinity of the water makes it more buoyant and comfortable for swimming. Other benefits include reducing scale on tile at the water line and an end to red eyes, bleaching of bathing suits and noxious odors from chloramines. 

SunSplash is now available to Arizona pool owners with installations starting at $1,690. With the SunSplash strong warranty you can swim softly for many years without worry or chloramine irritations.

For a no cost estimate on any of Heliocol’s SunWaterFun Products Call today 602-454-7000 or visit us online at www.heliocolwest.com.

Arizona Homeowners Facing Deadline for 2012 Solar Tax Credits

The sun is setting on solar tax credits for 2012. To take advantage of generous federal and state tax incentives for 2012, homeowners must purchase and install an eligible solar system by December 31, 2012.

"Solar makes great financial sense, especially when coupled with the excellent government incentives that are available in Arizona," says Kelly Dancer, director of Heliocol West, a division of Green Energy, Inc.

The 30 percent federal tax credit, combined with the Arizona state tax credit of up to $1,000 and local utility incentives of up to $1,250, make this one of the most economically-sound opportunities to have a solar system installed in your home, Dancer explains.

Qualifying technologies include solar domestic water heating systems, solar swimming pool and spa heating systems and photovoltaic (or solar electric) systems.

"Those of us who live in the southwest are fortunate in that we have an abundance of free solar energy to heat our home hot water, create our own electricity and even enjoy a warm swimming pool," Dancer says. "The local climate is particularly suitable for solar thermal applications."

Although most homeowners are familiar with photovoltaic systems, Dancer says many people don't realize that solar thermal technology is often a better bargain with a greater return on investment.

"Solar pool heating, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, is the most cost-effective use of solar energy in many climates," Dancer says. "And solar water heating systems reduce water heating bills by hundreds of dollars each year. What makes solar even more attractive is that you'll never see a rising utility bill or rate increase for using this free, clean energy source."

Unlike photovoltaic systems, which convert the sun's light into usable energy, solar thermal systems generate energy by capturing and amplifying the sun's heat.

"If you've ever left a garden hose in the sun, and felt hot water pouring out when you turn the spigot, you've seen solar thermal technology at work," says Dancer. "Solar thermal technology is an ultra-efficient and reliable generator of hot water for household use or for heating pools and spas."

Al MacDonald, of Mesa, Ariz., says his Heliocol solar pool heating system is his favorite household investment.

"I don't know what I'd do without it," says MacDonald. "This is the best money I've ever spent. Why have a pool here in Arizona if you can't swim in it for half the year?"

Al MacDonald and Heliocol Sales Manager Michael Chung

MacDonald says his Heliocol system allows him to spend more time in his pool at little additional cost.

"Just last week my grandkids came over and we were swimming in water heated to 82 degrees," MacDonald says. "That's pretty great for late November, don't you think? I swim almost every day and I don't think I've seen more than a $20 increase in my monthly utility bills since we had the Heliocol system installed."

There's no disputing the benefits of solar technology, says Dancer, especially in the sunny southwest. "But smart homeowners will take advantage of the generous incentives currently available and make a smart investment even smarter. Anyone hoping to claim tax credits for this year needs to act before December 31."

For more information about Arizona's solar tax credit and the December 31, 2012 deadline, contact the Arizona Solar Tax Credit line at 1-800-366-6862.