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PHASE IV — Routine Maintenance
Winterization
Note: Panels are not warrantied against freeze dam-
age.
CT Panels must be completely drained and isolated be-
fore winter to prevent freeze damage. Not all climates
have cold enough weather to cause freeze damage, so
the rule of thumb is if the ambient temperature drops
below 45°F at any point, the system needs to be winter-
ized.
In most cases, winterizations will be performed through-
out September and October but may be performed as
late as November. The best time to winterize a system is
when it is no longer producing additional heating to the
pool during typical solar heating hours.
Solar Panels will withstand freezing conditions when
properly drained and isolated as follows (refer to Figure
13 for component locations):
1. Turn off the pool pump and pool sweep (1)
Turn off the solar system controller (2)
3. Open optional solar drain valves if included (3)
4. Remove end caps (4) and vacuum relief valve (5).
Leave off and store in a safe place for winter
5. Let the system completely drain for 5 minutes
Note: Blowing the lines with a shop vac, leaf
blower, or compressor will NOT remove water
completely
6. Close isolation valve(s) (7) for winter (Figure 14)
7. Ensure the solar system remains off for winter
8. The pool pump, filter, and sweep can now be used
while isolated from the solar system
Spring Startup
Spring Startup for solar Panels is essentially the oppo-
site order of winterizing but also includes checking for
leaks and any damage which could have occurred during
the winter season.
Typically a system should be recommissioned for sum-
mer use whenever ambient temperatures and sunshine
is able to produce reasonable heat to exchange with the
pool. The startup season will vary by location, but is
usually anywhere from early to late Spring.
Follow the below steps to recommission the solar system
(refer to Figure 13 for component locations):
1. Put system into service mode, (turn off the pool
pump and pool sweep (1) if running)
2. Close optional solar drain valves if included (3)
3. Reinstall end caps (4) and vacuum relief valve (5)
(Retrieve from stored location during winter)
4. Inspect plumbing lines and service if attention is
needed
Open the solar isolation valves (7) for spring startup
(Figure 15)
Turn on the pool pump (1) and run the solar system
controller (2)
Inspect the system for any leaking, and address as
needed
Watch the pool inlet to ensure that all air is purged
and that no champagne bubbles remain. If bubbles
remain, address the issue
9. Run through the automation system (2) and ensure
the system is operating as intended
10. Repaint any solar plumbing that needs touch-ups.
Note: If Flexible PVC Hoses are used, ensure
there is not degradation of paint or other UV pro-
tective materials. Address as needed.
11. Check all mounting components and roof penetra-
tions to ensure that everything is secure and proper-
ly sealed
12. The pool pump, filter, sweep, and solar system can
now be used for the summer
®
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