When you think of Vail, a mountain town in Summit County, Colo., you probably think of skiing. But even though winter is here, the town of Eagle-Vail has swimming on its mind lately. The town is about to unveil a new community pool—one that will be heated by the sun.

Solar installation and plumbing are finished on the new community pool, which is slated for completion by Thanksgiving. Workers from Capitol Solar Energy in Denver have installed 54 solar panels on the south-facing roofs of the pool and the neighboring pool shelter.

“We’re installing two different types of panels,” said Capitol Solar Energy owner Bruce Pagett. “We’ve got 17 year-round flat-plate solar thermal panels that are insulated, glazed, and set at a steep angle so the snow will melt and slide off. These panels will help heat the pool to keep it from freezing during the winter months when it’s covered but still full. We are also installing about 37 un-insulated and un-glazed solar pool panels that will enhance the heating power during the spring, summer, and fall when the pool is open and in use.”

An energy consultant for Eagle-Vail estimates the solar panels will cover 60 percent of the pool’s electricity, saving close to $100,000 a year in energy costs.

“Because the sun doesn’t always shine, and it’s a Colorado mountain town, we can’t power the pool 100 percent with solar,” said Pagett.

The Eagle-Vail pool is being built with $24,000 in county funds from Eco-Build fund to help cover the costs of the $86,000 solar panel project. The community pool in Eagle-Vail features a 25 meter, 6-lane competition pool as well as a large recreational pool with a pool deck and a lawn. Slides and spray features highlight the recreational pool.

The town plans to heat the pool for the grand opening celebration on Thanksgiving Day, after the Eagle-Vail Turkey Trot, to allow residents a chance to view the new facility or take a warm dip before the pool closes for the winter.

Official opening of the community pool is slated for Memorial Day, 2011.

Photo: Dominique Taylor for the Vail Daily.