Hi folks! I'm planning to add solar heating to my in-ground pool, but my roof is out of the question for installation since it has stone-coated steel with skip sheeting, and I can't risk leaks. With a kid now, it would be super helpful to heat the pool! I'm considering building a structure to hold four 4x8 solar panels or something similar, but I'm worried about figuring out how to support the weight of the water, panels, and piping, especially since I need it to be close to roof height. Any tips or advice on the right materials and weight considerations?
3 Answers
Make sure to check local laws; if your structure's roof area is over 120 sq. ft., you might need an engineer's plans for a permit. I can build smaller free-standing structures without permits, but any electrical work needs one. Just make sure your build can withstand weather impacts!
I was in a similar situation! I built a pergola for my solar thermal panels without needing permits. For the size, take your pool's area and multiply it by .8; for a 20x25 pool, aim for at least 400 sq. ft. of pergola. Just ensure it's anchored well and has a slight slope for drainage. My setup has been running perfectly for 8 years!
Thanks for the tips! I might go with around 25% of the pool's surface area for the panels. The drainage could be tricky since it's a long, narrow space, but I’ll make sure to plan it out right.
Weight isn't the only thing to worry about; wind loads can be tricky too! If you're in an area with earthquakes or really windy conditions, that's another factor to consider. To get a feel for what you're dealing with, check out local regulations on decking, especially for structures similar to second-story decks.
Good to know! Thankfully, snow isn't an issue for me, but wind can get strong. I guess a heavier structure might handle it better. I'll definitely look into building codes to be safe.
That’s a good point! I’ll check what applies to me. If I need a permit, I might as well design it for future solar panels too.