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 8 

Freeze Protecting Your System 

The installations most prone to freeze damage include systems that have collectors below the pool 
water level and systems installed in hard freeze locations. All systems, when shut down for the win-
ter, must be checked to ensure that they are completely drained. 

It is strongly suggested to perform a winterization and spring tune-up for your Connected Tube 

CT

 

system annually so that you don’t void the warranty.

 

If you choose to winterize your system yourself, follow these steps: 

1.  Ensure that the pump is not running. 

3.  Open manual drain valves if equipped. 

4.  Remove Vacuum Relief Valve and end caps at the lowest collector and store for winter 

5.  Let the system drain completely for a few minutes. 

6.  Close the solar isolation valves. 

7.  Ensure the diverter valve is set to bypass the Connected Tube 

CT

 

System and that the automation 

equipment is properly decommissioned for winter use. 

8.  Ensure that the diverter valve is turned to the thermal off position and turn on the pool equip-

ment. Let the system run for at least 5 minutes while checking to make sure no water is coming 
out of the end cap area of the collectors.  

It is strongly suggested to perform a winterization and spring tune-up for your Connected 
Tube 

CT

 

system annually so that you don’t void the warranty.

 

If you choose to start up the system yourself, please follow the steps bellow: 

1.  Ensure the pump is not running 
2.  Close solar drain valves if included  
3.  Reinstall end caps and vacuum relief valve  
4.  Open the solar isolation valves  
5.  Turn on the pool pump and recommission the solar automation system 
6.  Inspect the system for any leaking and address as needed 
7.  Watch the pool inlet to ensure that all air is purged and that no champagne bubbles remain. If 

bubbles remain, address the issue 

8.  Run through the automation system and ensure the system is operating as intended 
9.  Address anything that may need service or attention as necessary 

10. 

The pool pump, filter, sweep, solar system and any other applicable equipment can now be used for 
the summer

 

System Start-up After Freezing Conditions 

Summary of Contents for Connected Tube CT

Page 1: ...OWNER S MANUAL Made in the U S A S o l a r P o o l H e a t i n g S y s t e m s FOR USE WITH SWIMMING POOLS TO HARNESS THE ENERGY OF THE SUN ...

Page 2: ...ovider Freeze Protecting Your System System Start up After Freezing Conditions General Tips For Optimum Performance 3 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 Collector Insert Sheet Body Header Each Collector consists of the Sheet or Body the Collector Insert and a Header Pipe The Sheet or Body is the primary portion of the collector which collects thermal energy from the sun and may also be referred to as a Thermal Col...

Page 3: ...riod of several days of good weather 2 Eliminate or significantly reduce the cost of operating your fossil fuel pool heater but not necessarily replace it during the colder less sunny months a pool cover will enhance your pool s temperature by keeping the heat from es caping the pool 3 Give you years of trouble free service Theory of Operation As summer seasons approach the strength of the sun s r...

Page 4: ...reezing Drain at 45 F prior to Freezing Conditions Absorptivity 0 96 Emissivity 0 90 Thermal Specifications Thermal Energy Output 1800 Btu ft2 day System Operating Pressure 100 F At Bottom Header 30 psi System Intermittent Pressure 100 F At Bottom Header 40 psi Factory Test Pressure Burst Pressure Per Collector 50 psi 220 psi Recommended Flow Rate Per Collector 0 1 gal min ft2 Delta T at y interce...

Page 5: ...pment Aux Auxiliary Heater Not Shown Chlorinator Additional Pumps A Figure 3 Diverter Valve Schematic 1 2 3 5 6 7 9 8 11 12 13 15 14 4 16 17 10 Either Tee Upward or Opposing Corner Acceptable Manual Isolation Valve or Check Valve Permitted Figure 2 Example Connected Tube CT System The typical Connected Tube CT solar pool system consists of a combination of FAFCO sourced parts and standard equipmen...

Page 6: ... heat boost or when weather or special occasions demand higher pool temperatures 6 Pump and Filter For optimal performance a variable speed pump is preferred Please contact your FAFCO Inc dis tributer for more information Keeping your skimmer and pump baskets clean enhances perfor mance by ensuring the maximum flow of pool water When cleaning the filter the solar system should be isolated preventi...

Page 7: ...ake sure it is open 3 Make sure the diverter valve is in the correct position Tiny Champagne Bubbles If tiny champagne bubbles continue after the initial purging of the collectors 3 5 minutes this may be an indication that water circulation through the collectors has been reduced To ensure that the system has proper flow check the following 1 Has your filter been backwashed 2 Are the skimmer and t...

Page 8: ...lve is turned to the thermal off position and turn on the pool equip ment Let the system run for at least 5 minutes while checking to make sure no water is coming out of the end cap area of the collectors It is strongly suggested to perform a winterization and spring tune up for your Connected Tube CT system annually so that you don t void the warranty If you choose to start up the system yourself...

Page 9: ...is keeps your pool clean and clear while making the Connect ed Tube CT system perform optimally 5 In hotter summer months consider adjusting your automation system to heat only during the hottest part of the day but for a shorter duration thus reducing the need to run your pool pump This will optimize system performance without over heating your pool Whenever service is required for components in ...

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