Frequently Asked Questions

There are a number of different ways a solar pool heating system can be purchased such as via the Zane Dealer network, retail stores, pool builders, and pool shops. These outlets are able to professionally install your system, guaranteeing you many years of trouble free operation.

The level of protection provided to the purchaser is usually commensurate with the size of the principal supplier and the extent of their involvement in marketing the product by training designers and installers. They should also be engaged directly in the after sales service and warranty activities offered with the product.

In short, the situation is very much “buyer beware” when a product is readily available with no real effort being made to ensure the system design is appropriate and the product is correctly installed and fully operational for the benefit of the end user. If the principal supplier stands behind every aspect of the product, the end user is more likely to end up with a satisfactory result and be afforded a much greater level of protection in terms of workmanship, product warranties and system performance.

Zane’s solar pool heating systems are only available from Authorised Zane Dealers. This not only ensures every system sold is correctly designed and installed but also serviced by specially trained inspectors.

Correct installation is critical if optimum system performance is to be achieved and the final result is visually pleasing. Consequently, Australian-made Zane is only available from Authorised Zane Dealers. This not only ensures every system sold is correctly designed and installed but also serviced by specially trained inspectors.

Authorised Zane Dealers routinely undertake intensive training to ensure they adhere to the company’s quality controlled design and professional installation practices. In addition, every Zane system is individually inspected with a comprehensive ‘Commissioning Report’ checklist. A Warranty Certificate is then issued by an Authorised Zane Dealer and officially registered on Zane’s central records.

A Zane Authorised Dealer is specially trained to perform the following duties:

1. Provide the appropriate solar absorber to achieve the desired result.
2. Position the solar collector in the best possible location, preferably a north-facing surface.
3. Correctly size pipe work i.e. the manifold pipes feeding water to the solar absorbers, and the delivery and return pipes between the plant room and the roof.
4. Correct install the hydraulic arrangement of all pipe work to ensure an even distribution of water to all points in the solar collector array, and eliminate airlocks.
5. Provide adequate water flow to the solar collectors, which is a critical part of Zane solar system design. This involves inspecting the suitability of the existing filter pump and, if necessary, installing an additional circulation pump.
6. Install a vacuum relief valve in the correct location to allow the system to drain down, and to avoid damage from negative internal pressure.
7. Install a non-return or check to prevent water draining back to the pool via the filter. This prevents filtered debris backwashed into the pool.
8. Install a flow protection device if a separate solar circulating pump is required (see 5), which needs to operate in tandem with the filter pump.
9. Supply an automatic solar controller to ensure the solar system perform to its full capability. If not, it is possible for a manually controlled system to overheat the pool to an undesirable level, or incorrectly cool the pool instead of heating it.
10. Thoroughly test the system for leaks and correct solar performance, and then hand over to the owner with appropriate training and operating instructions.

In the event that a Zane Authorised Dealer changes hands, Zane will continue to honour product warranty obligations.

Furthermore, all Zane solar heating systems are independently tested to meet exacting Australian Standards.

An integrated system involves diverting the flow of water from existing filtration lines. Generally speaking, a secondary pump pushes filtered water up to the solar absorber on the roof and returns the heated water back to the pool via the existing pool water return lines.

If you wish to include an independent solar heating system, independent systems require the pool builder to install separate plumbing lines for supply and return pool water. It’s always a good idea to have the professional support of a Zane solar professional from the initial stages.

With an independent system, pool water is pumped directly from the pool to the solar absorber on the roof and then returned as heated water back to the pool. This type of system runs independently to the pool filtration and does not interrupt pool filtration times.

Most swimming pools will achieve a comfortable temperature of 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 89°F), though factors including the amount of absorber, location of the collector, pool size and usage will affect this.

Depending upon the weather and the system, most pools can be heated in less than 24 hours.

A Zane solar heated pool can often double the average swimming season – increasing it from two to three months to eight or nine months.

Zane solar systems only require a small pump to push water onto the roof; the actual heating of the water is carried out by the sun at no extra cost. So there is no costly electricity bills required when heating your pool water.

Yes. Solar controllers allow you to heat pool water initially with the sun’s free energy, and then switch automatically switch over to secondary heating (i.e. heat pump or gas heater) when required. If you currently use either of these heating systems, the addition of a solar system will greatly reduce your running cost.

The most effective way to prevent heat loss is to install a pool cover. An un-blanketed pool loses 2-3 times more heat than a blanketed pool. Pool covers virtually eliminate evaporation and reduce heat loss by insulating the surface of the pool and greatly reducing pool-heating costs. As with all pool heaters, Zane recommends using a pool cover at night and when the pool is not being used.

No. Zane Solar systems do not require any maintenance other than checking the strainer if you have an independent system. An annual system check-over is recommended at the start of each swimming season as a preventative measure.

Ideally, leisure pools should be 28°C (82°F), while pools used for fitness and training should be 26°C (78°F).

Solar is not traditionally recommended as the only form of heating for a spa; however it can be used in conjunction with a secondary heater system like a heat pump or gas heater. The reason being that the additional heat required for spas require considerably more absorber installed per square metre of water surface area than a swimming pool.

Yes. The solar absorber will collect any heat being radiated, although not as much as when the sun is directly in view.

Yes. Heating pool water is one of the best possible applications of solar technology. In a survey of existing owners of solar pool heaters, the Victorian Solar Energy Council found that 94% of existing owners would make the same decision again. They cited the fact that solar energy is free plus the increase in pool usage and comfort as their main reasons for buying.

This technique is used to determine which solar heating system best suits your pool and includes factors such as geographical location, type of roofing material, prevailing weather conditions, roof colour, pool size and available shade.

Only Zane Authorised Dealers are trained in the officially Calculation Method, ensuring the right product is installed for the right pool.

The darker the surface colour the more effective the absorber is able to soak up solar radiation and heat pool water.