8
HEATING YOUR POOL
When the system starts up you will notice tiny air bubbles flowing into your pool. This is the plumbing and solar panel(s) being purged
of any air. This is normal and should last a few minutes. To check the performance of the system, turn off the pool pump. Wait 10
minutes and feel the surface of the solar panel. It should be hot to the touch. Now turn the pool pump back on and feel the panel
getting cooler to the touch. The difference in temperature is FREE solar heat being added to your pool water!
Warning: If the panel is full of water and has been sitting in the sun without the pump running, the water can get
very hot. Hot water can cause burns, so be sure everyone is away from the pool inlet each time the system is
turned on.
For best results, turn on your solar system whenever your solar panels are in the sun. Turn the solar system off at night or wh
en
i
t
’
s
raining to prevent cooling the pool. If your pool system has a timer, set it to operate from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. This is the best solar
heating period. Using a solar blanket in addition to your solar pool heater will hold the warmth in the pool and help it heat more
qui
c
k
l
y
.
I
t
i
s
par
t
i
c
ul
ar
l
y
i
mpor
t
ant
t
o
us
e
t
he
bl
ank
et
at
ni
ght
or
when
i
t
’
s
wi
ndy
.
I
f
y
our
pool
bec
omes
t
oo
war
m
dur
i
ng
t
he
season,
turn the pump and solar on at night to help cool the pool.
WINTERIZING YOUR SUNGRABBER
TM
A vacuum relief valve (VRV) is provided with your SunGrabber
TM
system to allow the panels to drain when the pump is off. All
plumbing designs should allow for full drainage. Turn by-pass valve and pool pump off, and allow 30 to 40 minutes for drainage.
Undo the isolation valves, remove the VRV, and allow the system to drain. Store your VRV. SunGrabber
TM
panels are designed to
be left in place through the winter months as long as they are drained. If you question the drainage of your system you should
disconnect each panel and raise each one up to check and see that no water is present.
Freeze damage is not covered under warranty.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If you are having an issue with your SunGrabber
TM
, please review this section and the Frequently Asked Question section that
follows. Usually a resolution can be found in these two sections. If your particular issue is not found, please visit us on the web at
www.sungrabber.com or contact our customer support department at 1-866-SUNGRAB (786-4722).
Issue:
My
s
y
s
t
em
does
n’
t
s
eem
t
o
be
wor
k
i
ng.
Resolution:
Turn off your pool pump midday in bright sunlight. After 10 minutes have passed, feel the solar panel. It should be quite warm to the
touch. Turn your pool pump back on. Wait another 10 minutes and feel the solar panel again. It should be cool to the touch. The difference in
temperature is the heat being added to your swimming pool and indicates that your system is functioning properly. Also, the water entering the
pool from the solar panel through the pool inlet should be warmer than the surrounding pool water.
Issue:
My pool is not warm enough.
Resolution:
Your system should be up and running for five days to reach optimum temperature. Be sure the system is turned off during the night,
or this will cool your pool. Be sure your solar system is getting sun the entire day or at least 4 to 6 hours preferable of afternoon sun, preferably on
a south-facing pitched roof.
Issue:
Flow from my pool inlet seems greatly reduced and filter pressure excessive.
Resolution:
There will be some increase in backpressure on the filter and pump when the solar system is on. Check to see that your pool filter is
properly cleaned.
