Summary of Contents for AQUATHERM INDUSTRIES SOLAR POOL HEATING
- Page 1 AQUATHERM INDUSTRIES SOLAR POOL HEATING QUICK START GUIDE R e v . 3 / 2 0 1 4 SAVE INSTALLATION TIME AND AVOID CALL-BACKS READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE MOUNTING COLLECTORS...
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Page 2: Manual Contents
Manual Contents This manual provides a detailed step-by-step procedure for the installation of an Aquatherm Industries Solar Pool Heating System. If the directions are followed correctly and only recommended Aquatherm Industries hardware and components are used, the installed system should provide years of trouble free service, savings, and enjoyment. -
Page 3: Chapter 1: Mounting The Solar Collectors
1: M HAPTER OUNTING THE OLAR OLLECTORS Overview When mounting the collectors, always make provisions for inlet connections at the bottom header and outlet connections at the top. The outlet headers must be pitched a vertical distance of at least 1/8” per foot above the inlet headers to assure uniform flow and proper drainage to prevent freezing. - Page 4 1: M HAPTER OUNTING THE OLAR OLLECTORS Figure 2: Assembly on Roof Diagram IGURE Assembly on Roof Diagram...
- Page 5 1: M HAPTER OUNTING THE OLAR OLLECTORS Step One: Outlet Header Bracket Location Determine the position of the last Outlet Header Hold-Down Bracket for the row of collectors. Mark this point on the roof. The Collector Outlet Headers will be located 1” (25mm) below this mark. Using this point, snap a chalk line to the opposite end of the row.
- Page 6 1: M HAPTER OUNTING THE OLAR OLLECTORS Step Two: Outlet Header Bracket Location Using a 1/8” (3mm) drill bit for 1/4” (6mm) diameter screws drill a hole for the first Outlet Header Bracket on the first roof mark. Measure up 1” on center from the first pilot hole and drill pilot hole for second screw. Repeat this process at 51”...
- Page 7 1: M HAPTER OUNTING THE OLAR OLLECTORS Step Three: Hold-Down Strap Bracket Locations Locate the Hold-Down Strap Bracket holes using the information in Table 2A shown below. Measuring from the top outlet header bracket chalk line, snap another chalk line parallel to this line using the “A” distance. The “B” distance is the same for all collector sizes, which is 16”...
- Page 8 1: M HAPTER OUNTING THE OLAR OLLECTORS Step Four: Install Hose Bring the first collector to the roof and slip the proper hoses over both ends of the inlet and outlet headers on the last return collector. Make sure that the header with the serial number label is used for the outlet or top header with the serial number label facing downwards towards the mounting surface.
- Page 9 1: M HAPTER OUNTING THE OLAR OLLECTORS Step Five: Install Outlet Header Bracket with Hose Position the collector on the roof so that the center of the outlet connection hoses are directly beneath the secured outlet header brackets. Open the clamp that is part of the outlet header bracket, insert connection hose and LIGHTLY TIGHTEN the clamp around the hose.
- Page 10 1: M HAPTER OUNTING THE OLAR OLLECTORS Step Six: Install Hold-Down Strap Bracket Proceed to the lower chalk line previously snapped on the roof for the Hold-Down Strap Brackets. Mark a hole 2” (5cm) to the side of the first collector and continue marking holes on the chalk line centered exactly between the absorber surfaces until you reach the last collector.
- Page 11 1: M HAPTER OUNTING THE OLAR OLLECTORS Step Seven: Install Strap Slip a Strap Hold-Down Clamp over one end of the strap prior to sliding the strap between both slots of the Hold- Down Strap Bracket. Bend over approximately 3” of the strap (refer to Figure 7) and slide it through the one exposed slot of the Hold-Down Strap Bracket and then back through the Hold-Down Strap Clamp.
- Page 12 1: M HAPTER OUNTING THE OLAR OLLECTORS Step Eight: Install Vacuum Relief Valve Install the Vacuum Relief Valve (Part #10003-1 for 1 1/2”; #10003-2 for 2”) in the outlet header of each row. This will be located at the opposite end of the header that is connected to the collector return line. Refer to Figure DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE CLAMP! Also refer to...
- Page 13 1: M HAPTER OUNTING THE OLAR OLLECTORS Step Nine: Install End Cap Install an End Cap, (Part # 30061-1 for 1 1/2”; #30061-2 for 2”) in the inlet header of each row, opposite the end that is connected to the collector inlet pipe. Refer to Figure DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE CLAMP! Also refer to...
- Page 14 1: M HAPTER OUNTING THE OLAR OLLECTORS Installation in High Wind Areas When Installing in High Wind Areas it is recommended to use the Optional Supplemental High Wind Area Collector Hold-Down Kit, Part #12035-1 for 1 1/2”; #12035-2 for 2”. Install an Inlet Header Hold-Down Assembly to each of the panel’s inlet header connection hoses.
- Page 15 PVC joint. Finally, use a cloth while either gluing or painting to keep the job a clean one. Piping should also be supported at intervals based on pipe size. (See Table 3B) Aquatherm Industries Pipe • Brackets made from high-strength glass-reinforced polypropylene are available in 1 1/2”...
- Page 16 Minimum Pipe Sizes and Slope ABLE FLOW RATE, GPM MINIMUM PIPE SLOPE, PIPE SIZE, INCHES INCH/FT (LESS THAN) 1 1/2 2 1/2 1000 1/16 Note: Where Pipe sizes are not available or total pipe run exceeds 100ft, use the next larger size pipe. ABLE Support Centers for Horizontal PVC Pipe MAXIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN CENTERS(FEET)
- Page 17 YSTEM IPING Flow Rate In order to receive optimum performance from Aquatherm Industries collectors, the following recommended • flow rates and number of collectors per row should be followed. When the system is running, all the collectors should feel uniformly cool to the touch, and there should be no residual air left in the pool return lines. If either of these two conditions persist, chances are that the flow rates thru the collectors are inadequate or the system is not properly balanced.
- Page 18 2: S HAPTER YSTEM IPING Reverse Return Reverse Return IGURE Refer to Figure...
- Page 19 2: S HAPTER YSTEM IPING Direct Return Direct Return IGURE Refer to Figure ABLE Number of Recommended Collectors to Use in a Direct Return System 8’ 8’ 10’ 10’ 12’ 12’ COLLECTOR SIZE: COLLECTOR SIZE: 1 1/2” 2” 1 1/2” 2”...
- Page 20 2: S HAPTER YSTEM IPING Optional Isolation Valves • Isolation valves may be installed in the collector piping so that the pool may be operated while the collectors are being serviced or during freezing weather. Install a manually operated ball valve in the collector inlet line and a check valve on the collector return line.
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Page 21: Chapter 3: Control Systems
3: C HAPTER ONTROL YSTEMS Manual System • Some systems employ a manual control valve to divert the flow of water thru the solar collectors, though this may reduce the overall heating capacity of the system. A manual control valve usually consists of a non-positively sealed 3-way valve used in place of the motorized valve. -
Page 22: Automatic Control System
YSTEMS Automatic Control System The performance of a solar pool heating system can be maximized with the use of an electronic control and • motorized 3-way valve. The control activates the motorized valve and either sends water thru the collectors for heating (or nocturnal cooling) or automatically bypasses the collectors when the pool is warm enough or insufficient sunlight is available. - Page 23 Booster Pump System 3: C HAPTER ONTROL YSTEMS Booster Pump System • In some cases, the pool filtration pump may not be able to circulate water at a high enough flow rate to allow for proper collector operation. If so, it may be necessary to replace the filter pump with a larger one or add a booster pump.
- Page 24 4: S HAPTER YSTEM TART ESTING ROUBLESHOOTING Checking for Operations Each time the solar system cycles on, there are a few things to watch for: • Air will initially be purged into the pool. This may last several minutes. • The filter pressure will increase slightly and remain elevated as long as pool water is flowing through the solar collector.
- Page 25 Open all balancing valves completely and let the system run for several minutes. The row(s) which feel(s) warmer to the touch than the other(s), is currently receiving less flow then it should for optimum performance. Throttle the valve(s) of the other (cooler) row(s) step-by-step, each time waiting for a few minutes, and check the temperature.
- Page 26 5: M HAPTER AINTENANCE Pool Service and Maintenance It is advisable to bypass the solar collectors when either backwashing your filter or adding Diatomaceous Earth (DE). This prevents the possibility of any DE or other debris from passing through the solar system as well as any other pool equipment downstream of the filter.
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Page 27: Chapter 5: Maintenance
5: M HAPTER AINTENANCE Cold Weather Operation/Winterizing Procedures If installed according to this manual, the solar collectors should drain automatically each time the pump cycles • off. There are no special requirements for winterizing the solar collectors. The pool piping should be winterized as per your normal practice. -
Page 28: Annual Inspection
5: M HAPTER AINTENANCE Annual Inspection Annual Service Collector Clamps: • In particularly hot climates, such as Arizona and Southern Florida, the clamps which are used to connect the solar collectors may become loose. If you notice leaks around the hose couplings, use a nutdriver to tighten clamps.
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