Solar Heater, Brand, Cost and Hookup

[BigDave]

That eliminates the static head of putting the solar collector on the garage roof. I don't think 10" of extra hose will be a problem. I'm not following the line diagram. Is the bypass valve a three-way valve? Where do the solar line and bypass line rejoin?

[eblade21]

Big Dave

Thank you for the response I have attached a diagram on 2 options, Please feel free to add and comment, i like the best choice from the professional like yourself.

One more question should i stay with 1.5 inch hoses or drop to 1.25 inch hoses?

[BigDave]

Option 1 looks good. I don't really get option 2. Why a sprinkler? I seems to me that would cool the water you just heated.

If you can keep it 1.5" you'll have better flow.

I am not a pro. Please understand, my advice is only that of a fellow residential pool owner. But thanks, I'm flattered.

[eblade21]

BigDave

I considered option 2 for the simple reason to just have the sprinkler effect. I do understand it would cool the water, but in theory if there is warm water in the dome it would it still cool the water? Another option was to add a another diverter (return valve) to the pool instead of the sprinkler.

I feel option 1 is better they designed the system like that so i assume that would be the perfect setup.

The next mission is to find fittings to adapt screw-in hoses I really hate screw clamps, they rust and actually look horrible after a while. I found fitting to screw into the 3 way valve and the tee, but now i need fittings to screw into the inex hoses. I want to keep the intex hose type to screw into everything.

Thanks you Big Dave.

[eblade21]

Big Dave

Quick question

When I use option 1, should I install the tee after the SWCG to prevent the warm water from going thru the SWCG? I was also thinking of eliminating the tee and add a second 3 way valve? What do you think?

Thank you
Eddie

[BigDave]

I think Tee would be better, no reason to risk shutting it off on accident. I don't see any reason not to pass the solar heated water through the SWCG. It's shouldn't get any kind of "Hot".

[eblade21]

BigDave

Over the weekend i installed my solar heater, and i must say i wasn't disappointed at all, on a pretty somewhat sunny day it raised the water temperature from 75 to 81 which i expect to raise a bit more if the sun is completely out all day.

I like to verify some things with the unit i purchased:
1. The instructions said to install a reducer which is included with the kit on the feed side of the solar heater?
2. The instructions said to set the bypass valve between 1 and 2 so the feed to the solar heater is at half pressure?
3. Not part of the instructions but i installed a check valve on the feed side between the pump and the solar heater?

What do you think?

I have included some pictures of the work completed, sorry for the landscaping waiting on the in law to plant some trees.