20 questions..

WINNERS OF THE SUSTAINABILITY AWARD AND RUNNERS UP FOR BEST NEW BUSINESS IN THE ALGARVE BUSINESS AWARDS, MIKE RUMBLE ’ S ALGARVE SOLAR POOL HEATING HAS BEEN HEATING POOLS HERE FOR THREE YEARS

11 Do solar panels also heat the house? Of course, but we recommend separating the pool heating and household heating systems.

12 Is there a set number of panels for a standard-sized pool? Our assessment and calculations are based on a number of factors, to suit specific needs.

13 Where are panels best positioned? Ideally, as close to the pool as possible, south facing and at the optimum angle, but they can be installed flat or angled on most pitched roofs, on an optimally angled custom frame, or on a structure that can serve a double purpose, for example a pergola, an entertainment area or a carport.

1 When did you arrive in the Algarve, and from where? We relocated from Cape Town, South Africa, mid pandemic.

2 What business were you in before?

Adventure tourism – I was a professional skydiver and full time drop zone operator.

3 How did you get into solar heating?

I was involved with a solar pool heating business in South Africa for many years. The first house we rented in the Algarve had a cold unheated swimming pool so, tapping into my contacts and experience, we had some of our South African tried, tested and proven panels sent over and installed. We launched Algarve Solar Pool Heating Solutions and have been busy heating pools here ever since.

4 How many pools built today have a heating system from the start? Pools here are typically non-insulated, with return jets only in the shallow end and near the surface of the water. It seems people have all been sold on the idea of heat pumps, which is crazy considering the Algarve has 300 days of sunshine and around 3,200 hours of sunlight per year. My pet hate is infinity pools; they look nice but are ultimately just an expensive waterfall cooling the pool water down all day!

5 What exactly does the system do?

Our direct heating systems utilise the existing pool pump to circulate the pool water through the solar thermal panels, which absorbs the thermal energy then flows back to the swimming pool a degree or two warmer each time. Our indirect heating systems circulate Thesol (a form of glycol) and use an inline heat exchanger to transfer the heat generated to the pool water.

6 Are there other options, too? We also have custom solutions including SolarPave that extracts the thermal energy from the paving around the pool, and hybrid panels that generate electricity and absorb thermal energy.

7 Can any pool have solar panels installed? We have different solutions for different situations. The best time to contact us is before building a pool so we can advise on the best preparation for heating.

8 So how do they actually work? The pool water warms up during the day, but typically loses some temperature at night. The trick is reducing or stopping the heat loss with a decent heat retention blanket, so temperatures rise a little each day, and are maintained overnight. With proper use of a heat retention blanket the swimming season can be massively extended.

9 Once installed, how fast do the panels do their job? A few days of good sunshine is all it takes to warm up a pool.

10 Can the temperature of the water be controlled? It is easier to cool water down than it is to heat it up! Our direct systems can be fine tuned for the different seasons using a series of control valves. And our indirect systems come with a digital temperature controller.

14 What are the installation and running costs? All of our systems have a one-off installation cost, no moving parts, zero-to-minimal additional running costs, require zero-to-minimal maintenance, and are completely silent. Costs depend on the type of solution, the size of the pool and a number of other factors.

15 Do the panels have a lifespan? Are they guaranteed? You can expect a good 20+ years of trouble-free service; warranties range from five to 20 years depending on the solution we install.

16 Does solar pool heating add to the value of a property? Without a doubt. An unheated unused swimming pool is a costly liability whereas a solar-heated swimming pool is a value add that will not only increase the property value, but also the rentability of a property.

17 How long is the total installation process? A typical solar pool heating installation takes 3 - 4 days... obviously more complex situations take a bit longer.

18 Initial reaction? Most people initially find their pool gets too warm after installing a solar pool heating system... but it is easier to cool water down than it is to heat it up!

19 Does solar panel heating really extend the swimming season? Yes, and massively so.

20 How would you summarise the chief benefits? Our company slogan says it all: Happiness is... a warm swimming pool! And that spells more swimming pool enjoyment. Raising property values and minimal maintenance is that real plus.