SUNSTAR RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION MANUAL
9
SYSTEM DESIGN & SIZING (CONTINUED)
PUMP & FLOW RATE
Many solar pool heating systems will employ the existing pool filtration pump to supply flow to
the solar collectors via a manual or motorized diverter valve. In these configurations the water
will flow through the solar collectors after exiting the filter before returning to the pool instead
of going to the pool directly. It is important that the pump have enough power to produce
adequate flow to solar pool heating system while maintaining the required turnover for health
and safety purposes. A solar pool heating system is an additional load on the pump and must be
factored in when designing the system.
The optimal flow rate for the solar pool heating system is a function of the size & quantity of
collectors being installed and how they will be plumbed. This flow rate should be compared to
the existing filtration system flow rate and should be equal to, or less than, the pool’s current
flow rate. If the flow rate is greater than the pool’s current flow rate, then series-parallel
plumbing or alternate connection to the pool may be employed. For more information see the
sections
The Solar Collector and Collector Layout & Plumbing later in this manual.
AUTOMATIC DRAINDOWN & FREEZE PROTECTION
The collectors & piping should be installed in a manner that allows them to drain down by
gravity when the pool pump shuts off. This is especially important in areas of the country where
freezing conditions occur.
Like most plumping components, SunStar collectors will be damaged if water is left to freeze
inside them. While SunStar collectors can handle freezing temperatures they cannot withstand,
nor are they warrantied against, water freezing within them. If, as a result of a unique roof
design or adverse pool equipment locations, it is not possible to achieve complete automatic
draindown, manual drain down valves should be installed in appropriate places in the plumbing
or at the end of the bottom (feed) manifold. These valves should be opened when shutting
down the system for the winter months or when freezing conditions are possible. Your SunStar
representative can assist you with the parts necessary for manual draindown installations. Water
should never be trapped anywhere in the solar pool heating system when not in operation.
