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Deluxe solar heating system for above-ground pools.
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High efficiency and long-lasting. More heat with fewer pannels.
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Extra-large 2" headers do not slow down your pool's circulation
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Excellent solar heat transfer to your pool's water.
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The solar heating system will raise your pool's temperature by 10° or more using the sun's free energy. When used in conjunction with a solar blanket, it is all the heat you will need - no expensive heater to buy and maintain, and no costly gas bills.
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Extend your swimming season without worrying about the ever-increasing cost of fuel and energy bills.
KIT INCLUDES:
4’ x 20’ Solar collector with 1-1/2” barb connections (1)
Mounting cap (12)
Mounting base (12)
Ground rack mounting strap (1)
Valve handle (1)
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE:
1) Determine the location to install the solar collector
Elect an unshaded location on the ground or roof near the pool that is at least 5’ x 20’ and receives full sun for most of the day. The solar collectors operate most efficiently when tilted 10 to 30 degrees towards the South, although they are still effective when facing West, East, or mounted flat. The solar collectors must be mounted horizontally on a smooth and flat surface using the provided mounting hardware to prevent damage. The solar collector inlet (water coming from the pump and filter) must always be at the lowest point of the solar collectors (unless mounted flat). They need to be accessible for annual winterizing. For ground installation, consider laying the solar collectors on grass, gravel, landscaping bark or similar. If available ground surfaces are not smooth and flat, consider building a wooden rack, platform, or deck. An example ground rack is shown on the next page. For roof installations, the roof must be composition asphalt or equivalent. The solar collectors cannot be mounted directly on roof surfaces that are not smooth and flat, such as tile roofs and metal roofs.
2) Roll out solar collector
Lay the box containing the solar system near the selected installation location. Ensure there are no rocks or other sharp objects lying on the ground that could puncture the solar collector. Remove the contents and verify quantities using the list shown in the overview.
Position the rolled-up solar collector so that they will unroll into the area you have chosen. Remove and discard the plastic end caps used for shipping. Cut the solar collector strap with scissors. Be careful so you don’t damage the solar collector. Gently unroll the solar collector. Place a smooth object of no more than 15 pounds on each end of the solar collector to hold them flat. After 30 minutes or so in the sun, the panels will stay flat.
3) Strap down the solar collector
Lay the mounting straps evenly spaced across the solar collector. The outside mounting straps should be roughly 6 inches away from solar collector ends. Place mounting bases under mounting straps, a couple of inches away from both sides of the solar collector.
For ground installations, anchor the mounting bases to the ground using ground spikes (not provided). For roof or ground rack installations, align straps with rafter locations in order to anchor mounting bases to rafters. Locate rafters by looking under roof eves or by finding rafter nails on fascia boards. Lift mounting strap away and drive 1/4” x 2” outdoor screws with roof sealant into mounting bases. Thread on mounting caps.
4) Strap down the solar collector
Flexible Pool Hose
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The solar collector ends are 1-1/2” hose size. If your pool uses a different hose size, purchase appropriate reducers from a pool supply store.
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Turn on your pool pump and record the pressure shown on the pressure gauge on the pool filter. Turn off your pool pump and block the inlet and outlet of your pool using the plugs supplied by your pool manufacturer or a suitable alternative.
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Disconnect the hose at the pool filter outlet.
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Use a new or existing 1-1/2” flexible hose to connect the pool filter outlet to the solar collector. The solar collector inlet is at the bottom of the solar collector unless laid flat in which case either end can be the inlet.. Place a hose clamp on the end of the hose and push the hose onto the solar collector end at least one inch past the raised ribs.
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Slide the hose clamp into place and tighten. Note: You may need to warm the hose end by placing it in hot water for several seconds to make it more pliable.
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Use a new or existing 1-1/2” flexible hose to connect the remaining solar collector end to the pool inlet or existing pool heater inlet.
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Unblock the inlet and outlet of your pool. Be sure the red handle in the middle of the end-pipe of your solar collector is parallel with the end-pipe (solar off position) prior to starting the system. Turn your pump on and check the hose clamps and plumbing for leaks. If there’s a leak, you may have to loosen the clamp, then push the hose further up onto the barb. Then tighten the hose clamps or couplers again. After the pump is on and has run for about 5 minutes, slowly turn the red handle (‘Solar On’ position). Watch the pressure gauge on your filter. When it has increased 5-7 psi you have achieved optimum flow through the panel and should stop turning the handle. In most cases, the handle should never be turned completely across the pipe. The air that was in the panel will bubble out into your pool for a few minutes--this is normal.
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Save the provided repair plugs. Discard any other unused parts.
Rigid PVC Pipe
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The solar collector ends have 1-1/2” barbed hose connections. You have the option to use this connection type, or unthread the hose connections and use the 1-1/2” MPT threads on the ends of the solar collector. Common 1-1/2” threaded pipe fittings can then be used to connect to the solar collector if rigid PVC pipe is used. If your pool uses a different pipe size, consider using appropriate reducers.
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Turn on your pool pump and record the pressure shown on the pressure gauge on the pool filter. Turn off your pool pump. If the pump is lower than the top of the pool, block the inlet and outlet of the pool.
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Cut out an approximately 2-foot section of pipe directly after the pool filter using PVC pipe cutters or equivalent.
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Using appropriate PVC primer and cement, glue a 1-1/2” elbow on each open end.
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Install pipe and elbows to connect the elbow immediately after the filter to the solar inlet on the bottom of the solar collector, and to connect the other elbow to the solar collector outlet on top of the solar collector.
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Unblock the inlet and outlet of your pool. Be sure the red handle in parallel to the end-pipe of your solar collector is in line with the end-pipe (solar off position) prior to starting the system. Turn your pump on and check the hose clamps and plumbing for leaks. If there’s a leak, you may have to loosen the clamp, then push the hose further up onto the barb. Then tighten the hose clamps or couplers again. After the pump is on and has run for about 5 minutes, slowly turn the red handle (‘Solar On’ position). Watch the pressure gauge on your filter. When it has increased 5-7 psi you have achieved optimum flow through the panel and should stop turning the handle. In most cases, the handle should never be turned completely across the pipe. The air that was in the panel will bubble out into your pool for a few minutes--this is normal.
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Save the provided repair plugs. Discard any other unused parts.