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Although solar pool heating systems generate heat whenever the sun is out and the pool pump is running, greater comfort and some performance gains can be achieved through the use of automated controls.

In this section we deal with the realities of day to day operation, temperature control and the pros and cons of different control strategies.

• Manual Systems Simple Manual Valve Operated Systems
• Semi-Automatic Systems Hybrid Controls ....Simple Yet Effective
• Automatic Systems Differential Controls Using Electronic Components..."Set and Forget"

Manual Systems
A solar system can be operated by simply using a 3-way valve. The system is either on or off. Although this simple method is bullet proof, in other words...no service, it has some rather severe drawbacks. the first problem being one of performance. If there is flow through the panels in cold, rainy or otherwise inclement weather not only is the system not producing any heat, it can actually cool the pool. The net result may be a pool that is actually colder than the one next door due excessive heat loss\. The next dilemma is one of comfort. During many months the system produces more daily heat input to the pool than is actually needed and this may result in a pool that is too warm. Although this may seem to a cold pool owner as a not so terrible problem, diving into a 95 Deg. F. pool may not be desirable either.