This article is provided courtesy of PoolGear Plus.
Thank you for choosing the FAFCO in-ground pool solar heating system. When used properly, the system will provide you with years of free warmth for your pool. Read the following solar heaters pools plans completely before installing your system.
Your system is supplied with a pre-plumbed 4- x 20-foot solar collector and 1-1/2-inch hose fittings. See your local pool store for 1-1/2-inch hoses and clamps.
STEP 1: INSTALLATIONIdeal solar water heaters designs should have panels facing south or west on standard roof pitch. Lay the box containing the solar system on its side near where you will be making the plumbing connections. Make sure you choose a spot where the panel will be in the sun as much as possible during the day. Afternoon sun is much better than morning sun. You will need an area of approximately 20 ft x 4 ft in which to lay the collector.
1. Remove the solar heater by opening box from the end and sliding panel out. Position the rolled up panel so it will unroll into the area you have chosen for the collector.
Remove and discard the caps that cover the inlet and outlet plumbng on your FAFCO panel. Unroll the panel and secure with roof mount kit, following the instructions in that kit.
2. Turn off your pool pump.
STEP 2: HEATING YOUR POOLWARNING: If the panel is full of water and has been sitting in the sun without the pump running, the water can get very hot. Hot water can cause burns, so be sure that everyone is away from the pool inlet each time the solar is turned on.
When the solar system is running efficiently, the panel will be be cool to the touch. The sun's heat will be carried into your pool immediately. For best results, turn on your system whenever the panel is in the sun. Turn the solar and/or the pump off at night, when it's cloudy, or when it's raining to prevent cooling of the pool. If your pool system has timer, set it to operate from 9am until 5pm. This is the best solar heating period.
Using a solar blanket in addition to the solar panel will hold the warmth in the pool and help it heat more quickly. It is particularly important to use the blanket at night or when its windy.
If your pool becomes too warm during the season, turn the pump and solar on at night to help cool the pool.
COOL IS HOT! When your solar panel is working properly it will feel cool to the touch. This is because the solar energy (heat) is carried away immediately into your pool.
STEP 3: WINTERIZING
The panel must be drained and stored before the first frost. If water is allowed to freeze in the panel it may damage it. This damage is not covered by your warranty.
OPTION I: Turn off your pool pump.
1. Turn off your pool pump.
2. Disconnect both of the hoses from from the hose barbs on the solar heater. Connect a hose across the solar side of the by-pass valve.
3. With clamp in place, push and twist the hose onto the hose barb on your FAFCO solar heater. Tighten clamp.
Place the hose clamp over the new hose. Push and twist the new hose onto the solar heater's hose barb. Secure the clamp firmly, but do not over tighten.
4. Turn your pump on and check the hose clamps and plumbing for leaks. If there is 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.
NOTE: After 15 minutes, with the pump off, feel the surface of the solar panel. It should not be hot. Turn on the system, wait 10 minutes, and again feel the panel surface. It should now be much cooler. The difference in temperature is heating your pool.
*Diagram shows verticle placement, PoolGear Solar Panels are horizontal
NOTE: To optimize solar system performance and pool water circulation FAFCO strongly recommends installing a manual by-pass valve. Contact the company you purchased your system from to obtain the valve. A by-pass valve should be installed with pumps larger than 1 Horse Power..
OPTION II: If pool is completely shut down for the winter, do the following:
1. As you are preparing the pool system for winter you should open the lines to and from the solar panels and ensure that they are completely drained. The end caps should be removed so that the water can drain and if possible the panel should be lifted from one end to assist in the draining process. Any water left in the panels can cause freeze damage, which is not covered by the warranty.
2. Disconnect both of the hoses from the hose barbs on the solar heater. Connect a hose across the solar side of the by-pass valve.
OPTION III: If pool is completely shut down for the winter, do the following:
1. Remove tie down straps.
2. Carefully remove panel from roof.
3. Roll the panel and secure using the black carrying strap. Tilt panel until water no longer comes out. Replace drain plug, and store the panel and plumbing in the garage or a shed until next spring.
REPAIRING YOUR FAFCO SYSTEMIf your solar panel develops a leak, you should contact the store where you purchased it for repair information.
For other repairs, see your warranty.
PROBLEM |
SOLUTION |
| 1. My system doesn't seem to be working. | Turn off pool pump midday in bright sunlight for approximately 10 minutes and feel solar panel. It should be quite warm. Turn pool pump on again for 10 minutes and feel the solar panel, which should have become quite cool to the touch. The difference in temperature is the heat being added to your swimming pool, (See problem #2 below). |
| 2. My pool is not warm enough. | Start with problem #1 above to be sure your system is working correctly. The following can be done to optimize the performance of your system:
NOTE: If the panel is inclined, be sure the inlet side is on the bottom. The system will not function if fed from the top. If all of the above are accomplished, then consider adding an additional panel. |
| 3. There are bubbles in the pool during start up. | This is normal since during startup your pool water is purging the air in your solar panel. |
| 4. The water returning to my pool is not hot. | The solar panel works best when its surface temperature in direct sunlight is as low as possible. This indicates all of the solar energy is being drawn from the surface of the panel and conducted back into your pool. Therefore, the water returning from the solar panel should only be a few degrees warmer then the water going to it. |
| 5. Flow seems greatly reduced and filter pressure is excessive. | Check that the vinyl caps were removed from the inlet and outlet prior to installation. You must install a manual by-pass valve. (see plumbing diagram #2 with by-pass valve) |
| 6. Should I use a pool cover with my solar system? | The cover prevents evaporation loss, particularly at night. The cover traps the solar heat, which has been added during the day. This is very complementary to the solar system. The solar can be viewed as actively adding heat. The cover retains heat passively. |
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