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Installation (continued)

 

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 list shown in the 
overview.

 

 

Position the rolled up solar collector so that it 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 panel 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 inches away from both sides of the 
solar collector.

 

 

For ground installations, anchor the mounting bases to the ground using ground spikes 
(not included). For ground rack installations, align straps with rafter locations in order 
to anchor mounting bases to rafters (Item 2 on pg. 4). Lift mounting strap away and 
drive 

1/4” x 2” outdoor screws into mounting bases. Thread on mounting caps.

 

4) Connect to pool and start-up 

Flexible Pool (not included)

 

a. 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.

 

b. 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.

 

c. Disconnect the hose at the pool filter outlet.

 

d. 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 solar collector, unless laid flat in

 

 

5

 

Summary of Contents for Solar Bear

Page 1: ...Solar Bear Solar Pool Heater for above ground swimming pools Not recommended for Inflatable Pools Installation Owner s Manual ...

Page 2: ...result in falling leading to serious injury Unless you are experienced and have proper safety equipment hire someone with the necessary experience to do the installation If you build a ground rack ensure that it does not enable children access into the pool How it works 1 Sunshine heats the solar collector 2 The swimming pool pump circulates pool water through the heated solar collector 3 Warm sol...

Page 3: ...ver or 5 16 nut driver Optional Rack Mounting Power drill with 1 8 pilot drill bit and a Phillips head bit Rigid PVC Pipe Additional Materials Required Mounting screws 1 4 x 2 long outdoor screws PVC primer PVC cement and PVC fittings 2 1 1 2 PVC tees 6 1 1 2 PVC elbows varying with installation 1 1 2 Sch 40 PVC pipe to connect solar system to pool equipment Tools required PVC pipe cutters or equi...

Page 4: ...face 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 Note Winter is considered anytime air temperature is below 40 F For ground installation consider laying the solar collectors on grass smooth gravel...

Page 5: ...Installation continued Ground Rack Example 4 ...

Page 6: ...olar collector ends Place mounting bases under mounting straps a couple inches away from both sides of the solar collector For ground installations anchor the mounting bases to the ground using groundspikes not included For ground rack installations align straps with rafter locations in order to anchor mounting bases to rafters Item 2 on pg 4 Lift mounting strap away and drive 1 4 x 2 outdoor scre...

Page 7: ... 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 Rigid PVC Pipe Not Included a 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 fitti...

Page 8: ...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 ...

Page 9: ...t night to help cool the pool Winterization SOLAR COLLECTOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY FREEZING WATER IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY WATER WILL FREEZE AT 40 F FOLLOW THIS WINTERIZATION PROCEDURE TO AVOID FREEZE DAMAGE The solar collector must be completely drained and isolated before winter to prevent freeze damage The solar collector will not be damaged by freezing conditions when properly drained and isola...

Page 10: ...a pool blanket A pool blanket traps the solar heat captured by the solar collector during the day This is very complementary to the solar system Consider adding an additional solar collector 3 There are bubbles in the pool This is normal during startup because air is being purged from the solar collector If air bubbles never stop adjust the bypass valve red handle Turn the bypass valve to Solar Of...

Page 11: ...For above ground swimming pool use only Don t forget if you need more solar heat you can always add another Solar Bear maximum of 2 per system Solar Bear www fafco com P N 09008C 4 20 ...

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