TUFLOCK
®
DIY Solar Kit
- Installation Manual
14
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
ISSUE
CAUSE/S
SOLUTION/S
Air bubbles
are
constantly
appearing
in the pool
returns
Note: Air
bubbles
appearing for
a few minutes
upon start-up
and shutdown
is normal
Air is entering
through a leak
on the supply
side of the
pump
Check that the pumps filter basket lid is on tight. Clean, lubricate or replace the
O-ring on filter basket if required.
Look inside the pumps lid for air bubbles appear. If present, run water over the lid
and joints and see if the bubbles stop. If they do, locate, mark and fix the leak/s. If
the pump doesn’t have a clear lid – repeat the above process listening for a smoother
operating sound.
If the pool is using a suction type pool cleaner, try removing it. If the bubbles stop
only use the cleaner while the system is turned “OFF
There is a leak
somewhere in
the system
Check the entire system for leaks, paying special attention to the glue joints, valves,
and rubber couplings. Locate, mark, and fix any leaks.
Air is entering
through the
Vacuum Relief
Valve
There is insufficient water pressure in the system. This results in the valve failing to
close, and air being drawn into the system. Remedy the issue by cleaning and back-
washing the filter to reduce pressure. If this fails, consider installing a Ball Valve on
the return line to produce slightly more back pressure on the system.
There is a
slight leak
from the
barbs during
pressure
testing
There is debris
on the seal/s
Mark which collector is leaking and switch the pump off. Using a long, flat tipped
screwdriver, carefully remove the barb lock and pull the collector out of the Header
Pipe. Inspect to ensure all seals are in place, intact and clean. Replace if required.
Once complete, lubricate and reinsert the collector and barb.
The water
coming from
the return
outlets of
the pool is
not as warm
as expected
The water flow
is too fast
Install a flow restricting valve along the return line to slow the flow of water through
the system. This will allow more time for the water to circulate and heat up. Use a
little common sense and do not fully shut the valve.
The pump is
oversized
The pump may be too large for the system. Australian Standards specifies that a
pump should deliver 1.8-4.8 lpm per m2 of collector (AS3634 8.1a). Size up for dou-
ble story homes or if significant flow restrictions exist. Check the calculations and
consider installing a smaller pump.
The system
is undersized
or incorrectly
positioned
Check your calculations to ensure you have installed the right amount of solar collec-
tor for your pool. Ensure that the roof is not south facing or heavily shaded. Consider
installing a larger solar system.
Seasonal /
Cooler Day
It is also important to note that the pool water will not increase in temperature as
much during the cooler months of the year, or on cool, windy or particularly cloudy
days. This is due to normal seasonal operation changes and cannot be helped.
There is a
small leak in
the tube/s
Accidental
Damage
Purchase a ‘10T or 50T Solar Repair / Trim Kit’ from Clark Rubber (you may also wish
to purchase a TufTool Rigid Collar Tool for ease of installation). Mark the position
of the leak. Shut off the pump. Cut a 3mm section around the leaking tube (do not
damage the other tubes). Using your pointy nosed pilers strip out the connecting
webs on either side of the leak by approximately 100mm. Slide a Collar on each
side of the tube, making sure the shoulder is facing the cut end. Spray some silicone
down into the tubes and onto the barb. Insert the barb into each tube, leaving a
2-3mm gap from the end (If you push it too far the collars will be difficult to install).
Using your fingers, slide the collars on as far as you can. Then use the TufTool to
ensure full engagement.
Manufacturing
Defect
Please take images and/or videos clearly showing the issue and send them through
your local Clark Rubber store along with proof of purchase.
