In July 2002, the City of Burbank began heating the McCambridge Park pool with a solar water heating system. The system works by pumping water to the roof where it runs through sunlight-absorbing solar panels. As the water travels through these solar panels it collects the sun's radiant energy. The water that is returned to the pool is naturally heated, free of charge, and with no adverse environmental impact.

We partnered with Environmental Solar Design to install 4,500 square feet of solar collecting panels on the southern exposure of the McCambridge gymnasium roof. As you drive down Glenoaks Blvd., take a look at the roof to see the installation.

Solar water heating for swimming pools is the most cost effective use of solar energy. This system has the ability to pay for itself within two years if used year-round. However, if in use just during the summer months, the project will pay for itself in natural gas savings in about six years. The good news is that these solar water systems last about 20 years. That means that Burbank will enjoy free heated water at the nearly Olympic-sized McCambridge Park pool for over a decade!