Pool Heating Archives - Florida Solar LLC

Why the Omni-Swim® Is the Right Heat Pump for Your Pool

Jenn Wolff on September 16, 2022

For pool owners, heat pumps are valuable because they allow us to enjoy our pools at the temperatures we prefer. While temperature might not always be an issue in the summer, it can affect our enjoyment more often during the fall, winter, and even the spring seasons. Heating your pool water may also be necessary beyond a personal preference. For example, you may need warm water for therapeutic reasons. Being in a heated swimming pool can:

Improve your blood circulation
Relax your sore muscles
Allow you to swim at night, when the temperature drop. This is another reason why heated pools are valuable even during the summer months.

In this article, we’ll look at the difference between a regular pool heat pump and the Omni-Swim® system, and why we think the latter is the right choice for your pool, enjoyment, and finances.

Omni-Swim vs. a heat pump

Regular heat pumps that we’re all familiar with work by drawing heat from the outside air, transforming it into a hot gas, and then pumping that gas and the pool water through a heat exchanger at the same time. The water is heated by the gas by a few degrees each time and flows back into the pool. You get comfortable swimming and relaxation!

There are energy efficient heat pumps on the market, but they don’t reach the efficiency levels of their solar-compatible counterparts.

Another downside: They aren’t compatible with a solar system.

The Omni-Swim also heats pool water by transferring the warmth in the air. In contrast to standard heat pumps, however, the Omni-Swim is much more energy efficient. One of the main reasons for this efficiency is that it can be integrated into a solar power system. It’s a better choice because it allows you to enjoy the benefits of solar while also being:

Environmentally friendly. The sun’s energy is free and clean.
Convenient. Solar pool heat allows you to extend your swimming season – and swimming times – to all year round.
Dependable. Today’s solar heating systems are made out of reliable materials. This enables them to deliver consistent and excellent heating to your pool.

We love the Omni-Swim because of its versatility, and we know you will too. It can deliver the power you need from each of these sources:

Direct solar thermal. The Omni-Swim will preheat your pool or spa via solar panels connected to the system. This will reduce the solar heat pump’s run time, saving you on energy costs.
Indirect solar thermal. The Omni-Swim can transfer the heat of the air to your pool.
Solar electric. Already have a home powered by solar electric? The Omni-Swim is compatible with your system and can be 100% solar-fueled.

With the Omni-Swim working for you, you can reduce your pool-heating costs by up to 75%. You’ll also have a system that uses less plumbing, equipment, and electricity. Put it all together – cost savings, green energy, dependability, and system efficiency – and we think you’ll also find the Omni-Swim is the right system for your pool.

Get your Omni-Swim system through Florida Solar

For over 40 years, Florida Solar has installed and stood behind high-quality residential and commercial solar panels and pool systems. We are highly skilled at designing and installing solar energy systems that deliver the benefits you expect. We can show you installations similar to the one proposed for you, along with proof of lower utility bills. Speaking of proof: Take a look at our extensive list of customer testimonials. These are the examples of the quality you should expect from working with us.

If you are interested in adding a solar energy system to your home, contact us online for a free quote or call us at 727-300-1515.

Interested in learning more about how the Omni-Swim system make your pool more comfortable? Contact us and we’ll answer your questions.

Converting Your Pool to a Salt Water System: How it Works and the Benefits

Jenn Wolff on June 15, 2022

You already know that Florida Solar installs the best pool heating systems. These solar-powered systems can save you hundreds of dollars a year over electric, gas, and high-efficiency heat pumps.

But did you know that we can also convert your chlorine pool to a saltwater pool? What are the benefits to this switch? Read on to learn the benefits and why you can rely on Florida Solar as your source and partner.

Benefits of Saltwater Pools

Common table salt can safely and effectively produce all the chlorine a pool needs, whether it’s in your back yard or a commercial pool. A pool salt system has a lot of advantages over the conventional type. Here are just a few reasons why a pool salt system in the right choice for perfect pool water:

No more chlorine to buy. No chlorine means no more red eyes or damaged hair after swimming.
Easy to use. Systems like the Pool Pilot® Digital Nano+ do nearly all the work for you.
Soft, great-feeling water. Because it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, a saltwater pool leaves your skin feeling silky to the touch.

Saltwater is also gentler on your swimsuits and pool toys. The salinity in a saltwater pool is less than a tenth of that found in ocean water. Pool salt systems are also much less expensive to maintain than your chlorinated pool.

Perfect Pool Water, without the Chlorine

To find the right salt system for your pool, we assess a number of areas, including:

The size of your pool. The larger your pool, the more cleaning it requires.
How often you use your pool. Do you use your pool year-round on a daily basis – or would you like to? Do you like to host fun pool parties during birthdays? We’ll make sure your pool is always ready for every event – whether you have friends over, or you just want to relax and enjoy the water with family.

To give you crystal clear pool water, we install the Pool Pilot® Digital Nano+, which includes microprocessor controls with a digital read-out of your pool water temperature, its current salt level, purifier production level, and more.

It also tells you how much salt to add if it runs low. The Nano+ will maintain pools up to 32,000 gallons with its PPC2 patented manifold. And it’s just a simple installation away.

Maintaining Your Saltwater Pool

The great news is that pools cleaned with salt systems are easy to maintain. No more constantly shocking your pool with chlorine. They require a fraction of the maintenance of a chlorine system, and you only need to clean it a couple of times every few months.

Florida Solar can inspect your pool and let you know when the salt chlorinator cell needs to be replaced. After installation, we’ll also share our tips for keeping your filter and pump working in top condition so you can enjoy a clean pool all year long. Through our training, you’ll understand how to use pool test strips to test your water for salinity, pH balance, alkalinity, and hardness. By checking these on just a monthly basis, you’ll know your pool is always ready and safe to enjoy.

Switch to a Saltwater Pool with Florida Solar

For over 40 years, Florida Solar has been the leader in residential and commercial solar panels and pool systems. If you are interested in converting your pool to a salt system, contact us for a free quote or call us at 727-300-1515.

Already Have Solar Panels? Heat Your Pool!

Jenn Wolff on February 3, 2022

Because you live in Florida, you can enjoy warm weather for most of the year. You’re glad you just have to walk a few feet to your backyard for a refreshing dip in the pool.

By using a pool heater, you can enjoy the water just the same when it’s otherwise too cold to get in. You can also heat the temperature to a level that you prefer regardless of the time of year.

There’s a way to do this in a way that’s cost-effective and better for the environment. If you have solar panels on your home, you can heat your pool for a fraction of the cost of a traditional electricity-powered pool heater.

Using solar to heat your pool

The Omni-Swim® Hybrid Solar Pool Heat Pump can be powered by the sun as well as your regular electricity service. The Omni-Swim Hybrid Solar Pool Heat Pump can heat your pool using three methods:

Direct solar thermal: Using this method, you preheat your pool or spa water with solar panels connected to the Omni-Swim system. Doing this reduces the pump’s run time, saving you money.
Solar electric: If your home is already being powered by solar electric, the Omni-Swim can warm your pool or spa water as a 100% solar-fueled pool heater.
Indirect solar thermal: The sun heats the air, then the Omni-Swim transfers the warmth of that solar-heated air to your pool or spa.

We are pleased to announce that Florida Solar is an authorized dealer for the Omni-Swim, and we are ready to bring its benefits to your home.

Heat your pool with solar power and the Omni-Swim

Whether you’re swimming or just relaxing in the water, the Omni-Swim makes it possible at a much lower price than all-electric-powered pool heaters. When you heat your pool or spa water with the Omni-Swim, you are using less water and less electricity. You also need less plumbing, a feature that makes the Omni-Swim easy to install. Fast installation means you can start enjoying water at a comfortable temperature.

Call Florida Solar to bring solar powered heat to your pool

You have solar panels to save on electricity. Bring those saving to your pool or spa so you can enjoy them all year-round without overspending on heating.

Another reason the Omni-Swim is a great choice for heating your pool: It’s built to last. Contact us online or call us at 727-877-3175 for a free quote. Our experts are ready to answer your questions and put you on the path to comfortable year-round swimming.

Looking for a Pool Heat Pump?

Jenn Wolff on October 4, 2021

If you’ve been considering a heat pump, you’re one step closer to having a pool that you and your family and friends can enjoy year-round. But before making the move, you probably also have questions about choosing and installing your pool heat pump. We’ll provide some education in this post that should make it easier to understand what you need to know and where you need expert assistance.

Choosing the right heat pump

When looking for a heat pump for your pool, take these issues into consideration:

How you are going to heat the water. Different methods will affect your energy bill differently, and will also provide heat at different rates.
Whether you have an above-ground or in-ground pool.
Your pool size and preferred temperature. Get a heat pump that is too small and you’ll be wasting energy as it runs too hard to keep your pool warm. The higher the pump’s BTU’s, the faster it can heat the water.
How easy it is to use. The less complicated the interface, the better. You want a heat pump that can automatically do its job.

Other factors to look at include its noise level (which is rated in decibels). And there’s the coefficiency of performance (COP), which lets you know, on a scale of 3.0 to 7.0, the energy efficiency of the pump. The higher the number, the better.

While many pumps are made to be durable, you also want to make sure you work with a provider that will provide regular maintenance to keep it working at peak performance and has access to replacement parts.

Pool heat pump installation process

When installing the heat pump for your pool, you want to make sure you are:

Placing it on a sturdy concrete base that has been sized correctly
Giving enough clearance to the sides and above
Situating it for easy plumbing and access to the controls
Placing it in an area that will maximize its efficiency

You’ll also need to address two other major factors that may affect placement: the plumbing and power. As for plumbing, more straight runs are better. And with regard to power, an expert electrician will make decisions based on the power source and the need for a dedicated circuit.

Overall, this is something you want to trust to a professional who knows what they’re doing.

When to run your heat pump

Now that you have your heat pump, you want it to do its job while maximizing efficiency. You expect your pool to be at a comfortable temperature on demand. But you don’t want to overspend on your electric bill. Here are a few tips about running your heat pump:

To maximize energy efficiency, it’s best to run your heat pump during the day. This is when the air is warmer, so it will take less work for the pump to reach your desired temperature setting.
However, when you run it depends on when you want to enjoy the water. If you like to take laps in morning, then running the heat pump at night will make sense.
If you also want to use the pool during the day when the temperatures are consistently chilly in the winter months, even into the late afternoon, then you should also run the pump on a staggered basis throughout the day.

Get your free pool heat consultation

Florida Solar can provide and install a heat pump that uses the best of both worlds. And we will size your pool pump correctly.

A hybrid solution like the Omni-Swim combines direct and indirect solar thermal with solar electricity as a power source. And you’ll have a pool you can enjoy throughout the year.

Call us at 727-300-1515 or just fill in our form to schedule your free pool heat consultation.

Three Benefits of Pool Automation Systems

Jenn Wolff on August 16, 2021

You live in Florida, one of the best states in our country. You own your home and you have a pool. And owning a pool, one of our cherished luxuries, should not be a hassle.

The maintenance alone can be a time-consuming routine. It takes time to clean your pool and add the right balance of chemicals so that it’s always ready to enjoy. You shouldn’t be spending more time maintaining your pool than you or your family are enjoying it.

Taking care of a pool with advanced features can also be a chore. You may have to manually turn on the features that make your pool a pleasure.

Pool automation systems eliminate the inconvenience of making repeated trips to the equipment pad, memorizing operating sequences, opening and closing valves, and resetting the time clocks and thermostats.

Instead, you can program a pool control system to automate all the tasks that would take you away from other activities – like relaxing in or near your pool.

Advantages of pool automation

A pool automation system installed and programmed by Florida Solar will give you hands-free control over every aspect of your pool and its surroundings. You’ll be able to easily manage functions like:

Heaters
Lights
Waterfalls
Fountains

Below are just three of the benefits of having this kind of control. You’ll see that any one of them is worth the investment in this type of system.

It saves you time. Many pool owners don’t always have time each week to measure their chemical levels or clean the pool. A simple-to-use program will take care of all your pool maintenance.
It’s convenient. Your pool and spa is all about enhancing your lifestyle. A single control panel can let you enjoy your pool with one touch of a button.
It gives you flexibility. Remote access allows you total control of your pool — anywhere, anytime — using your computer or mobile digital service.

Schedule your free pool consultation today

Our experts at Florida Solar are ready to provide the right pool automation system for your pool and/or spa.

Call us at 727-300-1515 and let’s discuss the ways a pool automation system can give you more leisure time and peace of mind that you pool is always ready to enjoy. Our experts are available to assess your needs and answer your questions about energy savings, operating costs, and installation costs. We’ll help you determine the pool automation system that’s right for you. With Florida Solar on your side, you’ll have right solution for your family.

Omni-Swim: The Hybrid Pool Heating Solution That’s Cost-Effective

Jenn Wolff on March 31, 2021

Omni-Swim: The Hybrid Pool Heating Solution That’s Cost-EffectiveHaving a pool in Florida can mean instant access to relaxation, exercise, and physical therapy. But that enjoyment depends on the cooperation of the weather. Even though our temperatures stay warm enough most of the year, for about three months, using your pool isn’t an option. But you can get back to enjoying your pool year-round when you have an economical heating system.

The Difference between Omni-Swim, Solar Pool Heat, and a Heat Pump

Not all pool heating systems are alike. Traditional solar panels are convenient and can be very efficient when it comes to warming the water. But they can only heat your pool or spa nine months out of the year. A heat pump works all 12 months, but it’s very expensive to run.Omni-Swim bridges these two systems to create a hybrid that works for you year-round, but at a fraction of the energy cost you’d spend using a traditional heat pump. That’s because it’s made with solar in mind. When your pool is heated by the Omni-Swim, you can run it 12 months out of the year and pay less that you would with a heat pump.The Omni-Swim takes advantage of the sun’s power in three ways:

Direct solar thermal. Omni-Swim works solar thermal collectors, which preheat pool or spa water and reduce the heat pump’s runtime.
Indirect solar thermal. Omni-Swim transfer heat from the air to your pool.
Solar electric. Already have a photovoltaic system? The Omni-Swim can heat your pool or spa while being entirely fueled by solar.

BecauseFlorida Solaroffers the Omni-Swim Hybrid Pool Heating System, you can enjoy your pool or spa every day of the year at a fraction of the cost that comes with a traditional heating system.

Advantages of Omni-Swim Pool Heating System

The Omni-Swim includes a heat pump and solar panels that work together. The result is the most efficient pool heating system on the market. Its benefits include:

Less equipment
Less plumbing
Less energy usage

Let us connect the Omni-Swim to your pool, and you’ll be swimming without limits.GET A CUSTOM QUOTE

Rely on Florida Solar to heat your pool

Contact us now at Florida Solarso that we can provide you with a long-term investment that saves money and improves your quality of life. We have over 40 years of experience installing residential and commercial solar energy systems. And because we can install and service your system, you can rely on us for everything you need when it comes to solar.Schedule your free consultation today.Or you can call us at 727-300-1515. Our experts are available to explain the benefits and get you started on a path to peace of mind and energy savings.

The Benefits of Having a Heated Pool

Jenn Wolff on January 28, 2021

Maybe you’ve been using your pool for therapy or are considering using it for that purpose. Aquatic therapy has applications that can help with physical fitness, rehabilitation, pain relief, and a host of other ailments. It can also provide many benefits, including better balance, relaxation, and strength.

With a heated pool, people with arthritis and those recovering from an accident can use water therapy as part of their healing routine. Others with conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic pain can also benefit greatly from doing their exercises in warm water, which is usually between 80 and 90 degrees. But even if you don’t suffer from any conditions like those we’ve mentioned, having a heated pool can extend the use of your pool to the entire year. And you can rely on Florida Solar to deliver that experience you expect from your heated pool.

How heated pool therapy works.

When you exercise in water, you use its buoyancy to relieve the stress you would otherwise experience on land. Water provides resistance against your muscles so you can strengthen them. Heating the pool can add to these benefits because it:

Promotes blood flow to damaged areas
Reduces stress on your joints
Diminishes pain during exercise
Accelerates healing to damaged areas
Warm water can also relax your muscles and improve balance. Before engaging in a water therapy program, please be sure to consult with your doctor or physical therapist.

Benefits of solar heated pools delivered by Florida Solar

Because Florida Solar offers the Omni-Swim Hybrid Pool Heating System, you can enjoy your pool or spa every day of the year at a fraction of the cost that comes with a traditional heating system.

The Omni-Swim includes a heat pump and solar panels that work together. The result is the most efficient pool heating system on the market.

Other benefits of having a pool heated with solar heat pumps:

Warm water can also relax your muscles and improve balance. Before engaging in a water therapy program, please be sure to consult with your doctor or physical therapist.
It drives value. You’ll be able use your pool more months during the year.
It’s dependable. Because today’s solar pool heating systems are made out of plastic or polypropylene, you’ll enjoy more consistent heating throughout the year.

Another reason to rely on us for your heated pool: Florida Solar is a Master Dealer for Aquatherm, which is the largest U.S. manufacturer of solar pool heating systems.

And if you need a heated pool for therapy, verified by a doctor’s written prescription, you might be eligible for a tax write off. Call us today to find out what it takes to qualify. GET A CUSTOM QUOTE

Rely on Florida Solar to heat your pool.

Contact us now at Florida Solar so that we can provide you with a long-term investment that saves money and improves your quality of life. Just a few of the benefits of working with Florida Solar:

Nearly 40 years of experience installing residential and commercial solar energy systems
We can sell, install, and service your system
We partner with various lenders, so you can find the financing that works for you
A commitment to outstanding customer service

If you have any questions about heating your pool or would like more information about our services, email us today at

sales@floridasolar.solar or call 727-300-1515. Our experts are available to discuss the savings you can expect, and your financing options. Schedule a FREE Solar Energy Consultation Today!

Omni-Swim® Hybrid Pool Heating System

Jenn Wolff on November 19, 2020

One of the pleasures of living in Florida is the ability to enjoy the water for most of the year. And if you have a pool, spa, or both, a water-heating system can make them a year-round pleasure – even on those days that dip into chilly temperatures.

Pool heating systems have long been a staple of those who need to relax or get their daily laps while it’s cold enough for a jacket or who just prefer warmer water. With the Omni-Swim Hybrid Pool Heating System, you’ll be able to enjoy your pool or spa 365 days of the year at just a fraction of the cost that comes with a traditional heating system.

How the Omni-Swim Hybrid Pool Heating System Works

At Florida Solar, we think of the Omni-Swim the future of pool heating. That’s because it includes a heat pump and solar panels that work together. The result is the most efficient pool system on the market.
• Direct solar thermal power: By using the Omni-Swim’s solar panels, you’re able to preheat your water.
• Indirect solar thermal power: When the sun heats up the air, the Omni-Swim transfers that warmth to your pool or spa
• Solar electric: If you’re already using solar energy to power your home, the Omni-Swim can be fueled entirely by your photo-voltaic system.

While traditional solar panels can heat your pool eight months a year, the Omni-Swim does things a little differently. When the sun isn’t able to sufficiently heat your pool in the winter months, the Omni-Swim can. Its heat pump will complete the heating process until the water reaches your desired temperature.

How the Omni-Swim Hybrid Saves You Money (and helps you go GREEN)

We know that when we use less electricity, we’re doing more than impacting our bottom line. We’re doing what’s right for our environment. So what makes the Omni-Swim the green choice that’s kind to your budget? Let’s look at three design features that drive its value:
• Less equipment: With its integrated diverter value and rear solar feed and return ports, the Omni-Swim is the first pool heating designed for solar.
• Less plumbing: The Omni-Swim has two sets of water in/out ports, making it easy to install on either side of the equipment pad. No need for extra plumbing around the unit.
• Less use of electricity: The key is its direct solar thermal power. By preheating with the solar panels, you reduce the electricity required from the heat pump to complete the heating process. Not only will you heat your pool year-round, you’ll be doing it cost-effectively. Using the Omni-Swim can cut your pool-heating expenses by as much as 75 percent below what you might currently pay.

Why the Omni-Swim the Only Choice for Your Pool or Spa

The Omni-Swim is the right choice for residential and commercial applications. Not only because of the efficiency and money savings, but because it’s built to last. It includes a best-in-class titanium shell and advanced tube heat exchanger technology, so you’ll be enjoying your pool or spa all year long for many years to come.

Choose Florida Solar for Your Pool and Spa Heating

Schedule your free consultation today to see firsthand why the Omni-Swim Hybrid Pool System is the right choice for your family and budget. Call Florida Solar at 727-300-3515 to speak to one of our renewable energy experts. Or you can visit floridasolar.solar to schedule a free estimate.

Is Hybrid Solar Pool Heat the Most Effective Pool Heat Option?

Jenn Wolff on March 24, 2020

Ninety-nine percent of people check the water before jumping into a pool, even in the sunshine state there are only four months out of the year a swimming pool is pleasant without any type of heating. Adding heating to your pool is maximizing your investment, allowing you to use it year-round.

Why don’t many homeowners enjoy heating their pool? The answer is easy, it’s expensive and not always efficient. Strictly electric pool heating can be quite costly, adding high prices to your energy bill due. On the other hand full solar heat is only effective 8 months of the year, even in the sunshine state, meaning you still can’t comfortably enjoy your pool for 4 months of the year.

So how do you find a system that overcomes these massive issues? The Omni-Swim Hybrid heat pump takes the best of both these pool heating options and combines them. Omni-Swim has many unique benefits, such as cutting your pool heat costs roughly 75%. The Omni-Swim works for spa heat too, not only pools!

Is Omni-Swim a financially viable choice? Absolutely! With solar technology developing and evolving, the cost of investing in solar systems is suitable for nearly all homeowners now. Additionally Florida Solar does offer financing to help you through every step of owning your solar system, start to install to finish.

Using the Omni-Swim is the most efficient way to heat your pool, saving you energy costs and using as much solar energy as available, there is no doubt that the Omni-Swim is the next big thing in pool heat. This new technology is available through Florida Solar, who is proud to be the exclusive Florida dealer of this system. For more information about the most efficient pool and spa heating available, contact Florida Solar today 727-513-5254 or sales@floridasolar.solar.

The Future of Pool Heat is Here – Omni-Swim Hybrid-Solar Heat Pump

Jenn Wolff on November 4, 2019

The world’s first pool heat pump designed with solar in mind is here, and it is changing the pool heating industry, and it is the Omni-Swim. Traditional solar panels are great, but they are only able to heat your pool for two-thirds of the year, leaving four entire months where you can’t fully enjoy your pool. Sure you could use a traditional heat pump, but they are substantially more costly to run. That’s where Omni-Swim comes in and combines the best of both worlds.

How Does Omni-Swim Work?

Omni-Swim works by making your pool heat pump and solar work together. When solar has enough energy, that is the primary source of heat for your pool. However, when solar doesn’t provide enough energy to keep your pool warm, Omni-Swim steps up to the plate and heats your pool the rest of the way!

Where Does Omni-Swim Get its Energy?

Omni-Swim harvests the endless energy the sun provides in three unique ways. First is through direct solar thermal energy, taking the energy from the sunlight. Secondly through indirect solar thermal, meaning Omni-Swim can take energy from the solar-heated air to help heat your pool. Last but not least is through Solar Electric, meaning if you have a photo-voltaic solar electric system, Omni-Swim can work as a 100% solar-fueled heater for your pool.

What Benefits does Omni-Swim Provide?

Omni-Swim is the first of its kind, that’s is why Bill Park of Florida Solar stated confidently, “Omni-Swim will change the future of pool heating.” With a statement like that, you just know Omni Swim is something special.

Less equipment and less plumbing. Omni-Swim is pre-plumbed with two sets of water in and out ports allow installation on either side of the equipment without needing to plumb around the unit.
Omni Swim cuts costs. Your electrical costs for pool heat will decrease by about 75%!
High quality and efficiency. Omni Swim is hydraulically-efficient compatible with two-speed and variable speed and flow pumps. The unit also utilizes a titanium shell and top of the line tube heat exchanger technology.

In short Omni-Swim, the world’s first Hybrid-Solar heat pump allows you to enjoy your pool or spa year-round while being energy and cost efficient. This makes Omni-Swim an optimal choice for homeowners, vacation property owners, and commercial properties. You can’t go wrong with Omni-Swim.

Where Can You Get Omni-Swim Hybrid-Solar Heat Pump?

The Omni-Swim unit is sold in the state of Florida exclusively by Florida Solar. If you are interested or would like to learn more about how a hybrid-solar heat pump can benefit you, contact Florida Solar anytime at sales@floridasolar.solar or (727) 300-1515.