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FAFCO Solar Bear Installation & Owner's Manual page 6

Solar pool heater for above-ground swimming pools
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Installation (continued)
2) Roll out solar collector
Lay the box containing the solar system near the selected installation location. Ensure
there are no rocks or other sharp objects lying on the ground that could puncture the
solar collector. Remove the contents and verify quantities using list shown in the
overview.
Position the rolled up solar collector so that it will unroll into the area you have chosen.
Remove and discard the plastic end caps used for shipping. Cut the solar collector
strap with scissors. Be careful so you don't damage the solar collector. Gently unroll
the solar collector. Place a smooth object of no more than 15 pounds on each end of
the solar collector to hold them flat. After 30 minutes or so in the sun the panel will stay
flat.
3) Strap down the solar collector
Lay the mounting straps evenly spaced across the solar collector. The outside
mounting straps should be roughly 6 inches away from solar collector ends. Place
mounting bases under mounting straps, a couple inches away from both sides of the
solar collector.
For ground installations, anchor the mounting bases to the ground using ground spikes
(not included). For ground rack installations, align straps with rafter locations in order
to anchor mounting bases to rafters (Item 2 on pg. 4). Lift mounting strap away and
drive 1/4" x 2" outdoor screws into mounting bases. Thread on mounting caps.
4) Connect to pool and start-up
Flexible Pool (not included)
a. The solar collector ends are 1-1/2" hose size. If your pool uses a different hose size,
purchase appropriate reducers from a pool supply store.
b. Turn on your pool pump and record the pressure shown on the pressure gauge on the
pool filter. Turn off your pool pump and block the inlet and outlet of your pool using the
plugs supplied by your pool manufacturer or a suitable alternative.
c. Disconnect the hose at the pool filter outlet.
d. Use a new or existing 1-1/2" flexible hose to connect the pool filter outlet to the solar
collector. The solar collector inlet is at the bottom of solar collector, unless laid flat in
5

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