Mountain View center harnesses sunshine for pool

ANNIE BOON
NORTHWEST VALLEY NEWSPAPERS

(Daily News-Sun, Oct. 6, 2006) — The pool at Mountain View Recreation Center is now heated by the sun. Solar panels were activated last week, marking the first step in a study of cost effectiveness and energy efficiency of the solar heating system. The $103,000 project is expected to be paid back through energy cost savings in 2 years, said Jim Wellman, senior manager of centers operations for the Recreation Centers of Sun City. "This will significantly reduce electric bills," Wellman said.

Mountain View Recreation Centersolar panels

He said the switch to solar may save approximately 2.4 million BTUs of electricity to operate the gas boiler used to heat the pool. The solar panels aim to heat the pool to between 83 and 84 degrees, and only if the temperature falls below the target will the boiler be activated, Wellman said.

"It's saving energy because we're not using the natural gas we used before, and it's saving the life of the boiler because it doesn't have to run as often," he said. "If the sun is warm enough and the panels are able to heat the water to our desired our temperature, the heater won't even come on. "We'll continue preliminary testing on Mountain View to make sure it is saving energy."

The pool at Lakeview Recreation Center is next on the list to have solar heating installed, Wellman said. The cost for the project is proposed in next year's budget, on which the board will vote in December.

The RCSC also is looking into incorporating salt-water technology into its pools. Wellman said he has requested some funds in next year's budget to be dedicated to a salt-water pool study at Oakmont center. Current technology in this area is advancing, he said, and salt-water systems are being adapted to suit larger, commercial-use pools.

"We wouldn't have to buy chlorine, it's better on swim suits and better on eyes," he said of salt-water pool systems.

Annie Boon may be reached at 876-2532 or aboon@aztrib.com.