PUMP HORSEPOWER
- The horsepower of your swimming pool filtration pump must be adequate to supply the
solar system with enough water to provide the recommended flow rate necessary for the panels being installed. These
recommended rates in gallons per minute (GPM) are
(0.1gal/ft
²
)
.
For example: If you are installing (10)
2-1100-040 (4'x10.5')
, which is 420 sq ft of panels,
utilizing the single row
or
double row
layout
(excluding series feed),
your pump must be able to deliver 4
2
GPM to the solar array. The existing
pool recirculation pump is typically adequate for recirculating the water through the solar system. Generally, a 1-
horsepower pump is sufficient for a standard pool solar system unless there is an unusually long pipe run, a
two-story
roof,
or a large number of panels.
If you are not sure what your pump flow rate is, consult your Swim Joy
representative or
pump manufacturer for the pump’s flow characteristics.
PLUMBING
- It is important that you use the proper size PVC pipe for the size of the solar array. Under sizing the pipe
will produce too much restriction to the water flow and unnecessarily reduce the flow rate to the panels. Use the
following as a guide:
For larger flow rates, consult your Swim Joy representative for the proper pipe size or alternative series plumbing
techniques, which will reduce the necessary flow rates on larger systems.
Plumbing runs should be as short as possible and the “hot return” pipe should have the shortest run to reduce potential
heat loss in this pipe. Pipes should be supported with pipe clamps or “G” clamps at least every 4 feet to prevent sagging.
(Check with plumbing code in local jurisdiction. The pipe clamp used on pipe returns across a roof should be ½” larger
than the pipe diameter to allow for expansion and contraction. The pipe clamp used a on vertical or horizontal runs
on the same side of the building should be the same size as the pipe diameter to prevent vibration and to assure
a professional looking installation.
We highly recommend our Glass-Reinforced PP Pipe Support Brackets as they fit
snugly around the PVC pipe, expand and contract with the pipe and also utilize a flashing base to better seal the roof
penetration. We offer these pipe clamps in 2" Black (#30272-2), 2" White (#30284-2), 1.5" Black (#30272-1) and 1.5"
White (#30284-1).
Since 90-degree elbow fittings produce a high restriction to flow, you will want to use as few as possible; keep this in
mind when planning your plumbing runs. Their use cannot be avoided, but with careful forethought, you will use the
least number possible.
T
he use of (2) 45-degree fittings will eliminate a 90
and reduce flow restriction.
6. Solar Panel Layouts & Hydraulics.
- Cont.
SOLAR PANEL LAYOUTS & HYDRAULICS
- CONT
-
13
INSTALLATION MANUAL - SWIM JOY SOLAR POOL HEATER
