Feeding Water In And Out Of The Solar Collectors - FAFCO ST Installation Manual

FEEDING WATER IN AND OUT OF THE SOLAR COLLECTORS

Since the panel headers and FAFCO coupling hardware are all 2", it is advisable to adapt the existing
pump house plumbing to 2" by the use of adapters (usually 1-1/2" to 2") which will allow for the use
of all 2" PVC piping to and from the collectors. To connect the 2" PVC pipe to the solar panels:
1. Place coupler over panel header and install clamp close to the lip.
2. Insert a CPVC adapter (with lip) into the coupler.
3. Glue 2" PVC feed and return pipes to the adapters.
NOTE: It may be easier to first glue the adapter to the pipe, then insert it into the coupler.
4. Always feed the water to the lowest end of the collector bank (never feed to top header). Be
certain to always return the water from the highest point in the system.
To ensure symmetry of flow, it is recommended that opposite end returns be installed on banks in
excess of 12 solar panels (No single bank should exceed 17 Panels).
POOL EQUIPMENT PLUMBING
In the most common pool configurations, the pump draws from the skimmer and the main drain. It
then pushes the water through the filter and the heater (if there is one) then back to the pool.
Plumbing connections for the FAFCO solar pool heater are made between the filter and the heater, so
that the solar heated water can return to the pool via the standard heater. If there is no standard
heater, the FAFCO plumbing is simply hooked up after the filter. A check valve must be installed
after the filter and before the solar lines to prevent backflushing of the filter into the pool when the
system is turned off. Pool cleaners and booster pumps should be plumbed before solar.
PLUMBING SEQUENCE
Carefully plan the solar plumbing before cutting into existing piping. Make a mock-up with pipe
fittings and FAFCO components to determine size requirements. High temperature CPVC pipe is
recommended when plumbing close to the heater.
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