UMA Solar eco-SPARK Installation Manual

Solar pool heater

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RESIDENTIAL
INSTALLATION MANUAL
eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER
Before attempting installation, read these instructions and
acquaint yourself with the component names. Great care
has been taken to make this an easy-to-follow procedure.
A little time spent understanding the system and its parts
will assure a successful, trouble-free installation.
CAUTION: SAFETY COMES FIRST
When working on or around your roof or pool, please take
care to avoid hazards such as electrical wires and loose
shingles.
1506 | Rev. 06
ECO-INSTALL | 1506
©2015 UMA Solar

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Summary of Contents for UMA Solar eco-SPARK

  • Page 1 RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER Before attempting installation, read these instructions and acquaint yourself with the component names. Great care has been taken to make this an easy-to-follow procedure. A little time spent understanding the system and its parts will assure a successful, trouble-free installation.
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    1. Introduction/Table of Contents. eco-SPARK collectors are manufactured utilizing cutting While the manual explains how to install eco-SPARK solar edge technology and the most advanced production panels properly in typical situations, it cannot address techniques. An eco-SPARK solar system will provide years all the unique or individual circumstances possible.
  • Page 3: Getting Started

    Be sure that the layout of the collectors will allow the collectors to drain when the pool pump shuts off. Familiarize yourself with all of the eco-SPARK components and plumbing materials that you will need to complete the installation.
  • Page 4 THE FIELD. If you are not sure what your pump flow rate is, consult your eco-SPARK representative for the pump’s flow ROOF ORIENTATION - Ideally, collectors should characteristics. To limit or balance collector flow, a be located on a south facing or flat roof or on an series/parallel plumbing configuration may be used.
  • Page 5 This is especially important in areas of the country where freezing conditions occur. The eco-SPARK solar pool collectors are warranted against internal freezing when installed to allow for drain down. If, as a result of a unique roof design or...
  • Page 6 4. Installation Kits & Components. The following is a description of the installation kits that are required for a complete eco-SPARK installation. The (2- 1145-006) system kit and (2-1045-001) collector kits are always required while the (2-3045-003) row spacer kit is only required for certain installations.
  • Page 7 2-1410-017 Gasket for Panel Clamp 2-1020-007 Repair Plugs Straps, Strap Mounts 2-1160-003 2-1160-002 2-1410-005 2-1410-004 2-1410-013 2-3020-001 1-5115-023 2-1410-008 2-1410-007 2-2015-101 PIN INSERTION TOOL ½” BALL VALVE PRESSURE TEST “T” 1/4” CHISEL ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER PARTS BREAKDOWN. ©2015 UMA Solar...
  • Page 8 FIG 6.2 - DOUBLE ROW END CAP END CAP END CAPS RETURN FEED Fig. 6.3 - SINGLE ROW SPLIT FEED FIG 6.3 - SINGLE ROW SPLIT FEED INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER SOLAR PANEL LAYOUTS & HYDRAULICS. ©2015 UMA Solar...
  • Page 9 END CAP END CAP END CAP END CAP RETURN FEED RETURN FEED Fig. 6.5 - SERIES/PARALLEL FEED FIG 6.5 - SERIES/PARALLEL FEED FIGURE 5.5 SERIES/PARALLEL FEED INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER SOLAR PANEL LAYOUTS & HYDRAULICS. ©2015 UMA Solar...
  • Page 10 CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE COLLECTOR - The roof space available to you will determine which model collector to use. Since eco-SPARK manufactures collectors in four different sizes, you have great flexibility in what you can design. The four panels sizes are:...
  • Page 11 1-horsepower pump is sufficient for a standard pool solar system unless there is an unusually long pipe run, a high roof, or a large number of panels. If you are not sure what your pump flow rate is, consult your eco-SPARK representative or pump manufacturer for the pump’s flow characteristics.
  • Page 12 Keep this in mind if you design a panel layout different than the examples. Your eco-SPARK representative can also assist with this and explain the use of “balancing valves”...
  • Page 13 Interlock the tab in the top half of the clamp with the hole in the bottom half, swing the top half round over the headers. INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER CONNECTING THE SOLAR PANELS TOGETHER. - 12...
  • Page 14 ‘click’ sound and it seats flush so it cannot slide out of its position. Move your finger over the wide end of the latch to make sure it is in fact flat. This will confirm that it is positioned securely. INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER CONNECTING THE SOLAR PANELS TOGETHER. - 13...
  • Page 15: Mounting The Solar Panels Using

    The most important feature of the eco-SPARK installation method is its simplicity. The mounting pad’s flexibility allows for the relativity simple installation of the eco-SPARK collectors on any roof or rack surface regardless of pitch. To properly install collectors utilizing mounting pads follow these few steps: Prepare each collector by sliding the (2-1160-003) mounting pad onto the mounting rail molded to the top header.
  • Page 16: Eco-Spark Mounts

    The bottom S Roof Mounting Pad set is created from two separate parts: Slider Track       Slider and Track Assembly Together Fig. 8.2 INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER MOUNTING THE SUNSTAR PANELS USING SUNSTAR MOUNTS. - 15 ©2015 UMA Solar...
  • Page 17: Eco-Spark Mounts

    (and grid) so that it is closer to the icon that best defines the weather. This will allow enough room for the system to expand and contract as needed.   Fig. 8.4 INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER MOUNTING THE SUNSTAR PANELS USING SUNSTAR MOUNTS. - 16 ©2015 UMA Solar...
  • Page 18: Eco-Spark Mounts

    SPARK mount eco-SPARK Bottom Mount, ECO SPARK BOTTOM MOUNT, (2) PER COLLECTOR (2) per collector (2) CLAMPS REQUIRED FOR EACH SIDE Fig. 8.5 INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER MOUNTING THE SUNSTAR PANELS USING SUNSTAR MOUNTS. - 17 ©2015 UMA Solar...
  • Page 19: Eco-Spark Mounts

    Typical residential mounting plan shown. For additional mounting options for commercial installations please refer to addendum provided by manufacturer’s engineering department. NOTE: Install lower header based on temperature at the time of installation. INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER MOUNTING THE SOLAR PANELS USING eco-SPARK MOUNTS - 18 ©2015 UMA Solar...
  • Page 20: Eco-Spark Mounts

    USING STRAPS IN HIGH WIND AREAS - In coastal and other high wind areas mounting straps may be required in addition to stand and moutning pads. Contact your eco-SPARK dealer to determine if strapping is required on your installation. eco-SPARK Clamp (2) minimum TYP...
  • Page 21: Mounting The Solar Panels On A Flat Roof

    3” of slope down the panel length, you can use the eco-SPARK mounting pad method previously described. Use liquid adhesive to secure the eco-SPARK mounting pads to the roof, or consult A.H.J. or engineer of record to make sure installation meets code regulations.
  • Page 22: Assembly Of Row Spacer Kits

    If the distance between the collectors is over 4’ , a 2” pipe clamp should be used on both pipes to prevent sagging. NOTE: When gluing the (2-1410-005) CPVC pipe connectors, it is necessary to use good quality “multi-purpose” cement. INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER - 21 ASSEMBLY OF ROW SPACER KITS. ©2015 UMA Solar...
  • Page 23: Connecting The Collectors To The

    Attach the (2-1410-013) end caps on the corners opposite the feed and return lines using the (2-1410-004) panel clamps. Fig. 11.2 INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER CONNECTING THE COLLECTORS TO THE FEED & RETURN LINES. - 22 ©2015 UMA Solar...
  • Page 24: Uma Solar

    Secure vertical pipe runs on the side of buildings with pipe-clamps the same size as the pipe diameter using screws and anchors as needed. INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER RUNNING THE FEED & RETURN LINES FROM THE ROOF TO GROUND LEVEL.
  • Page 25 NOTE: Be sure to support all of the weight of the plumbing with eco-SPARK mounts or pipe straps. The mounting hardware is not designed to support the weight of the plumbing in addition to the weight of the collectors.
  • Page 26 Chlorinator Heater Other pool accessories (optional) PUMP FILTER Return to pool (HOT) From pool (Cool) Fig. 13.1 INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER - 25 HOW TO CONNECT THE SOLAR COLLECTORS TO THE POOL FILTRATION SYSTEM. ©2015 UMA Solar...
  • Page 27 Lines to the Filtration System. - Cont. Fig. 13.1 on page 25 shows how a typical eco-SPARK solar pool heating system is plumbed into existing pool plumbing. This drawing may not be just like every system you encounter; the feed and return plumbing on a solar system may be reversed, or it may be a different type of filter, or it may have additional equipment such as a chlorinator, pool cleaner, gas heater, etc.
  • Page 28 The 3-way valve will be installed as described in above procedure. INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER - 27 CONNECTING THE FEED & RETURN LINES TO THE FILTRATION SYSTEM.
  • Page 29 14. Pressure Testing the eco-SPARK Solar System. Pressure testing the entire solar system provides for a trouble-free installation and takes only about fifteen minutes. Any weak CPVC/PVC glue joint, fittings or pipe, and any improper panel clamp connections, will be evident while the system is put under 40 to 50 PSI of pressure.
  • Page 30 Use the back of your hand to better feel the difference in water temperature. • All the collectors should feel cool to the touch when the sun is on them. INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER - 29 OPERATING &...
  • Page 31 Turn the pool pump on to filter the pool as needed. That’s all there is to it. You have installed an eco-SPARK solar pool heating system that has been tested and proven world-wide for quality and reliability. If you run into any problems with your installation or have any future problems, call your eco-SPARK representative.
  • Page 32: Troubleshooting

    C. Use the (2-2015-019) on the return line to throttle the flow back to produce more back pressure on the system. INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER - 31 TROUBLESHOOTING. ©2015 UMA Solar...
  • Page 33 If any section of the array contains more panels than the maximum recommended on page 9 of the manual, make changes as needed to correct this. INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER - 32 TROUBLESHOOTING. ©2015 UMA Solar...
  • Page 34 Replace worn or broken parts. THE AUTOMATIC CONTROL SYSTEM IS Various Consult the manual for the automatic system you have. NOT WORKING INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER - 33 TROUBLESHOOTING. ©2015 UMA Solar...
  • Page 35 2° or 3°. Use the back of your hand to feel the water temperature difference at the pool return inlet. INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER - 34 TROUBLESHOOTING. ©2015 UMA Solar...
  • Page 36 (2) Do not install eco-SPARK collectors during temperatures lower than 35 degrees. If any of the riser tube in a eco-SPARK collector should become damaged for any reason, it can be repaired using the (RTK) repair tool kit and (138G) repair plugs. The repair tool kit consists of a 1/4” repair chisel, an insert tool, and a (PVC) carrying case.
  • Page 37 Cut the riser tube to the desired length and slide it over the stub of the poly-insert for a straight, eye pleasing fit. REPEAT steps 1-4 for the other end of the riser tube. (At the opposite header). INSTALLATION MANUAL eco-SPARK™ SOLAR POOL HEATER - 36 REPAIR PROCEDURES.
  • Page 38 Solar System does just that. An average pool in the united States, when heated by a gas heater, will introduce into our atmosphere 58 tons of C)2 and 108 pounds of NOX over a ten-year period. A eco-SPARK Solar System that is cost effective, durable , and worry-free will introduce no such health hazards into our air.

This manual is also suitable for:

Sunstar str-30Sunstar str-50Sunstar str-40

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