- An endless summer is as close as
your own backyard! 
- SunStar Solar Pool systems are made by the world's largest solar pool heating manufacturer! Our technologically advanced design makes SunStar the most efficient, maintenance-free collector on the market today. We invite you to compare our features to other solar manufacturers and see why SunStar is the best solar investment you can make!
Call toll-free (877)426-7483 today for more information about a SunStar Endless Summer
| Frequently Asked Questions | ||||
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How
does SunStar heat my pool? How does SunStar save me money? When can I use my SunStar system? Is there any maintenance involved with SunStar solar heating systems? Does SunStar work in all climates? Does SunStar work when it is cloudy outside? Does my pool pump need to be on? Will SunStar cause my pool to change color? Can SunStar be used with my existing pool heater? What happens if the pool water is too warm? Where is the SunStar solar pool heating system installed? Will a roof-mounted system harm my roof? How big of a collector do I need? Can I install a SunStar solar pool system myself? Can I use SunStar to heat the water I use in my house? Can I use a domestic hot water solar system to heat my pool water? Can I use a metal solar collector to heat my pool? How is SunStar different from a solar pool blanket? How do I purchase a SunStar system? How do I find my local SunStar dealer? What does SunStar's SRCC rating mean to me? |
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| How does SunStar heat my pool? | ||||
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| How does SunStar save me money? | ||||
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Owning a SunStar system means drastically reducing or even eliminating
expensive pool heating utility bills. Year after year, the savings
continue while you extend your swimming season. SunStar solar pool
heating is the most economical way to heat your pool. Zero operating
costs, virtually no maintenance and the longest and most comprehensive
warranty ensures the savings will continue for decades to come. Back To Top |
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| When can I use my SunStar system? | ||||
|
SunStar solar heating systems are
designed to heat your swimming pool using free heat from the sun. The
SunStar system should be in operation during the daytime when solar
radiation can be absorbed. A SunStar system equipped with an automatic
controller turns on and off effortlessly whenever there is sufficient
solar energy. In some
regions, the use of a SunStar solar heating system can lengthen your
swim season to 12 months, while in other regions, SunStar can
drastically extend your swim season. Regardless of geographic region,
you will enjoy months of additional fun in the pool without the added
expenses associated with other fossil fuel heaters. |
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| Is there any maintenance involved with SunStar solar heating systems? | ||||
|
A properly installed SunStar solar heating system should require very
little, or no, maintenance. Check your SunStar solar heating system
for proper operation at the beginning of each swimming season,
particularly if it has an automatic controller. Back To Top |
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| Does SunStar work in all climates? | ||||
|
SunStar systems are currently
heating pools in all weather conditions around the world. SunStar
systems provide year-round pool heating in warm climates and extend
the swimming season in colder climates.
The patented individual tube
design and mounting hardware can sustain 140 mph winds and are
guaranteed with the most comprehensive warranty of any heater
available. |
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| Does SunStar work when it is cloudy outside? | ||||
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As long as it is daytime, the SunStar system absorbs solar radiation.
Any solar radiation absorbed by the SunStar system is then transferred
into the pool water. Therefore, even in cloudy conditions, the SunStar
system will heat your pool. It is important to note that increasing
the number of solar panels in your system will help absorb more heat.
As with any heater, using a pool blanket is advisable, as it will
reduce heat loss. Back To Top |
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| Does my pool pump need to be on? | ||||
|
Yes, the SunStar system works by circulating water through the solar
panels using your existing pool pump. Therefore, your pump must be in
operation for sufficient water to flow through the solar panels. Back To Top |
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| Will SunStar cause my pool to change color? | ||||
|
The SunStar system is guaranteed not to discolor your pool due to
deterioration of the solar panel material. SunStar panels are made of
polypropylene with special ultraviolet inhibitor additives. Other
manufacturers use cheaper grade plastics like EPDM or pure
polypropylene, which are known to corrode and discolor pool water. Back To Top |
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| Can SunStar be used with my existing pool heater? | ||||
|
Some of our SunStar customers choose to use their SunStar solar
heating system in conjunction with an existing pool heater. The
SunStar solar heating system is designed to serve as the primary heat
source for your pool water, while your existing pool heater serves as
an auxiliary, or backup, heater. By using a SunStar solar heating
system as your primary heat source, you can lengthen the life of your
existing pool heater while minimizing the utility bills associated
with heating your pool. Back To Top |
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| What happens if the pool water is too warm? | ||||
|
An automatic controller allows you
to set your desired pool temperature. When the desired temperature is
reached, your SunStar system will automatically turn off to maintain
the desired temperature.
In some climates, the swimming pool can naturally reach uncomfortable
temperatures during peak summer months. The SunStar system can
dissipate excess heat in the pool water by circulating the water
through the collectors at night. |
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| Where is the SunStar solar pool heating system installed? | ||||
|
SunStar solar collectors can be mounted on roofs or any area near the
pool that provides the proper exposure, orientation and tilt toward
the sun. Ideally, SunStar solar collectors should face south. However,
an orientation up to 45 degrees east or west of due south will not
significantly decrease performance as long as shading is avoided.
SunStar systems can also be installed on the ground or on racks. Back To Top |
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| Will a roof-mounted system harm my roof? | ||||
|
SunStar's individual tube design eliminates competitors’ cumbersome
and unattractive straps, which can damage roof surfaces. Instead,
SunStar's solar collectors are affixed with Mounting
Pads, which minimizes or eliminates roof penetrations. Back To Top |
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| How big of a collector do I need? | ||||
|
The area needed
for SunStar solar collectors to heat your pool depends on many
factors. Depending on the pool's geographic location, roof
orientation, pool configuration and your heating requirements, the
surface area of a SunStar solar heating system can range from 50% to
120% of the pool's surface area. Back To Top |
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| Can I install a SunStar solar pool system myself? | ||||
|
Though we recommend a SunStar trained installer complete all
installations, customers with basic plumbing skills can install a
solar pool-heating system themselves. However, customers are advised
to thoroughly read SunStar's installation manual prior to
installation to ensure compliance with manufacturer directives. Back To Top |
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| Can I use SunStar to heat the water I use in my house? | ||||
|
While SunStar solar collectors are
used around the world for heating swimming pool water, they are also
used in many warm-climate countries to heat water for home use. Since
SunStar solar collectors do not require glazing, insulation or metal
components, they are much less expensive and lighter weight than other
domestic hot water solar collectors. It is important to note however
that SunStar solar collectors are not suitable for use during freezing
weather or in areas which mandate that only copper pipes carry potable
water. Be sure to check your local plumbing codes to ensure that you
are in compliance. Back To Top |
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| Can I use a domestic hot water solar system to heat my pool water? | ||||
|
SunStar solar collectors are
designed to heat large volumes of water (thousands of gallons) to
relatively low temperatures (under 95 degrees Fahrenheit) by
circulating the water at a relatively fast rate through the
collectors. Domestic hot water systems raise a small volume of water
(less than one hundred gallons) to very high temperatures (139 degrees
Fahrenheit) by circulating the water slowly through the collector.
These two different solar technologies are meant for different
applications. A domestic hot water system cannot sufficiently heat a
large body of water such as a pool to comfortable temperatures while a
SunStar system cannot reach the very high temperatures needed for
domestic use. In addition, domestic hot water systems are made of
copper, which deteriorates quickly when in contact with the corrosive
pool water. However, in some countries, SunStar systems are used to
'pre-heat' domestic hot water. SunStar solar collectors do not require
glazing or insulation making them much cheaper and lightweight then
domestic hot water panels. Back To Top |
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| Can I use a metal solar collector to heat my pool? | ||||
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Metal collectors are generally made of copper tubing mounted on an
aluminum plate. The disadvantages of metal collectors are that they
are more susceptible to corrosion and freeze damage, and the copper
tubes may react with your pool's chlorine if the pH level falls below
7.2. An abundance of copper ions in pool water may form dark-colored
precipitates, which can coat the pool's walls. Only draining, cleaning
and repainting the pool can remove discoloration. Back To Top |
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| How is SunStar different from a solar pool blanket? | ||||
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The greatest loss of heat from a
pool occurs from its surface due to evaporation. By reducing this
evaporation loss, solar pool covers or blankets are very effective in
lengthening the swimming season. However, it is important to note that
there is a key difference between SunStar solar heating systems and
solar pool blankets. A SunStar heating system adds heat to your pool
while a pool blanket helps to maintain the heat that already exists in
the pool water. When used together, your pool water can be heated and
maintained at your desired temperatures most efficiently. Back To Top |
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| How do I purchase a SunStar system? | ||||
|
SunStar solar heating systems are sold through our global network of
dealers. Locate a trained, authorized dealer in your area to schedule
a customized solar analysis for your swimming pool by emailing
sales@umasolar.com.
Back To Top |
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| How do I find my local SunStar dealer? | ||||
|
To locate an authorized SunStar dealer in your area, contact a
customer service representative at 1(800) 79-SOLAR or via email
at:
sales@umasolar.com. Back To Top |
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| What does SunStar's SRCC rating mean to me? | ||||
|
SRCC is an independent, non-profit
organization dedicated to the development and implementation of
certification programs and national rating standards that establish
durability and performance criteria for solar energy equipment.
SRCC rates the product's ability to effectively heat your pool in the
area you live. With
SunStar's SRCC rating, be rest assured that you are purchasing a solar
collector with proven performance and tested integrity. |
The
SunStar system uses the sun's energy to heat your pool. The
sun's heat is transferred into your pool by circulating pool
water through the patented SunStar solar panel. In most cases,
the pool's existing pump is used to circulate the pool water
through the SunStar panels. The water is continually
circulated through the solar panels until the pool has
attained the desired temperature.©Copyright 2008 SunStar Pool Heating. All rights reserved.
SunStar Solar Pool Heating, 950 Sunshine Lane, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 Toll Free 1(877)426-7483