7
Figure 10
PLUMBING
SYSTEM
SCHEMATIC
With a roof vent pipe of 3” (8cm) in diameter, the collec-
tors can be positioned on either side of the vent. Two sys-
tem connector hoses (Part #60649-1/-2) can be employed
to couple the collectors together for vent pipes or other
obstacles up to 7” (17cm) in diameter. Mark your 51”
(1.3m) centers wherever the outlet header brackets ‘fall’
on the upper chalk line. With obstructions of over 7”
(17cm), such as attic fans and skylights, lay out the col-
lectors on either side of the obstruction using a Row
Spacer Kit (Part #12017-1 for 1 1/2”; #12017-2 for 2”).
System Piping
Refer to Figures 10 & 11, throughout this section. The
most common piping configurations use a pressure filter.
The pump draws the water from the skimmer and/or a
main drain, forcing it through the filter and sending it back
to the pool through the return lines.
If a fuel-fired heater is installed, it is located between the fil-
ter and the return line to the pool. The pipes to and from the
solar collectors are connected to the return line to the pool
before the water enters the fuel-fired heater, if one is used.
Whenever there is more than 40 gpm (151.6
l
) required
flow rate to the collectors or more than 100’ (12m) of pip-
ing used in a system, install 2” (63mm) piping to and from
the collectors.
Piping to and from the collectors should be the same type of
plastic piping and fittings approved for use with swimming
pool filters and pumps. It is recommended to always use
Schedule 40 PVC pipe and fittings. Although PVC pipe is
generally white, black is also available but may be difficult to
find locally. If for aesthetics black pipe is desired it can
always be painted black. Use a PVC cutter or a PVC wide-
blade saw (not a hacksaw) for cutting pipe. It is important to
use both a quality cleaner/primer and solvent in gluing a PVC
joint. For more detailed information on PVC gluing refer to
Engineering Bulletin No. 8701. Finally, use a cloth while
either gluing or painting to keep the job a clean one. Piping
should also be supported at intervals of 5’ (1.5m) for hori-
zontal pipe and 8’ (2.5m) for vertical pipe. Use either galva-
nized or plastic pipe clamps. Aquatherm Industries outlet
header bracket assemblies (Part #10008-1/-2), which are
made of stainless steel, are also excellent pipe hangers.
