®
19
Pool Equipment Tie In
Once the plumbing is completed and ready to tie in
to the solar array on the roof, the pluming is ready to
be connected to the pool equipment.
Note: It is critical to manually flush any debris
out of the lines before connecting the solar array
and the pool equipment.
Follow these steps for flushing the lines:
1. Ensure all plumbing is connected except the cou-
plings to the solar array and the final lines at the
pool equipment.
2. Manually plug the solar lines at the pool equip-
ment with a rag or loose pipe cap (or at the low
point in the plumbing).
3. Using a garden hose, fill both supply and return
lines with water at the high points in the system.
4. Allow the water to release from the lines and
purge the debris from the plumbing system.
5. Repeat if necessary.
Note: This procedure can also be performed by
plumbing everything except the final connection
to the collector banks and using the pool pump to
circulate water to the roof.
Once lines are properly purged of any chips or other
debris, both the solar array and the pool equipment
can be connected. See
Figure 2
and
Appendix E
for a
complete description of all necessary components at
the pool equipment.
Automating the solar pool heating system is not re-
quired, though is highly recommended by FAFCO
®
. Sys-
tems that are automated will be able to run when ambi-
ent conditions support pool heating. If the pool system
is not automated, the solar system may be mistakenly
left on when there is not adequate solar energy to heat
the pool and could cause the pool to lose heat, thus
countering the purpose of the solar heating system. In
addition, a manual diverter valve can be left on and
overheat the pool or cause a stagnation effect when the
pump is turned off.
Caution: Stagnated solar systems
can trap water at scalding temperatures and result
in severe burns if not treated properly.
Electrically operated solar controllers are available from
a variety of manufacturers. When installing an automat-
ed system be sure to read and follow the directions for
the controls equipment to ensure their proper operation.
It is highly recommended that all solar systems be in-
stalled in conjunction with a pool automation system for
optimum system performance.
Thermal System Automation
Pool Plumbing
The solar thermal system is installed after the pump
and filter but before additional pool equipment. (
Figure
2
).
Alternatively, if pool equipment is specifically la-
beled by manufacturer as to be installed before the solar
equipment, then the it may be before the solar system.
Such equipment may include intellichems, and Ultraviolet
cleaning systems.
The first component after the filter is a check valve. Al-
ways leave room for check valves to be cut out and re-
placed. The use of pool swing or spring check valves,
such as the 7305 Jandy Pro Series, are recommended.
Next, the diverter valve and PVC tees are installed.
Install an isolation valve, such as a PVC ball valve or
equivalent, on the piping going to the solar. Install a
second isolation valve on the return line. If desired, a
check valve can be used on the return line in place of the
isolation valve. These components are always installed
before any back up pool heaters or chlorinators.
PHASE II
—
System Installation Detail Cont’d
CAUTION: If the isolation valve on the return line
were closed while the system was running, damage
to the system would result from over-
pressurization.
Always be sure to turn both valves when isolating the
solar system from the main pool equipment.
Manual solar drain valves are only recommended to
be placed on plumbing lines which don’t drain when
equipment is turned off. The primary purpose of man-
ual drain valves is to provide easy draining access for
service and winterization.
Drain valves should be installed in an accessible
location at the lowest elevation possible and MUST
adhere to the placement shown in Figures 2 and
13.
Flush out all pipes before they are connected to the
thermal system as specified in
Pool Equipment Tie In.
Once plumbing is connected, ensure all lines exposed
to the sun are properly protected from UV exposure.
Most common practice is to thoroughly paint all
plumbing.
Note: If using
Flexible PVC
lines as a means of ab-
sorbing Thermal Movement, use multiple coats of
paint or cover the segments with a UV burier such
as a braded sheathing to keep the segment thor-
oughly protected from excessive UV exposure.
