Heliodyne is not new to solar thermal heating. Since 1976, Heliodyne, Inc., has been creating solar hot water systems for homes, businesses, and pools. As one of the oldest companies in the solar pool heating business, the Heliodyne name is one that comes with more credibility than some of its competitors.
Using just one system for both in-ground and above-ground pools, the Heliodyne solar pool heater is one of the better models on the market – and the most expensive. Whereas most solar pool heaters on the market are relatively inexpensive ($100 – $300 systems) that can be installed by the user, the Heliodyne system ranges in price from $6,000 – $14,000.
However, when you pay a lot more, you get a lot more. Unlike other solar pool heaters, which are designed to extend your swimming season by a few weeks in the spring and fall, the Heliodyne solar pool heater heats your pool virtually the year round, in almost any climate. To ensure that the system works throughout the year, the Heliodyne system is designed with both freeze and boiling protection, all without ever draining the pool because it is a closed loop system.
Extra Equipment Costs Extra
While the majority of other solar pool heaters do not require any additional pool equipment other than the water pump, the Heliodyne system does. Besides using the pool pump, Heliodyne solar pool systems include a heat exchanger of cupronickel, a differential control, an expansion tank, and a pressure relief valve. These extra features add to Heliodyne’s amazing efficiency, but also explains the multi-thousand dollar price tag.
The solar collectors are also not cheap, roll-able rubber, as they are in SunHeater, EZ Heat, and other systems. These panels are closer to traditional solar panels, giving a much higher energy efficiency to the system. Although the solar collectors do take up a fair amount of space, they are definitely more attractive than the carbon black mats used by other companies.
The Bottom Line
If you want to be able to use your pool nearly year-round, but you want a green way to do that and you don’t mind making a significant investment, then the Heliodyne solar pool heater is for you. A complex system that requires professional installation, the Heliodyne system is right for large pools, indoor pools, colder climates, and commercial applications. Nonetheless, you “get what you pay for”, and that is certainly true with Heliodyne’s solar pool systems.
