SunHeater solar which is in and out?

[Poconos]

I think your heaters are in a loopback mode. My definition. Input and output on the same end. If you are going to series them then feed one at the bottom, out at the top then to the other heater at the bottom and the final output at the top of the 2nd one. Personally, I would parallel them. Split the feed to both bottoms and combine the two tops. Better flow and better heat transfer efficiency. In parallel you wouldn't be feeding water that's already warmed to the 2nd panel.
Al

[kaybinster]

Unless there is something very odd to these panels there should be two connections to each one and it really should not matter which is used for inlet and which for outlet -- it is a very simple heat exchanger. You have two of these, so you have a choice of using them in series or in parallel. If you use it in series (cold water in to unit one and hot water coming out goes to input of second unit) you will get the hottest possible water coming out but lower flow due to pressure drop. It is also possible that the heat of the outlet may exceed the temperature limits of the plastic -- you need to check that. If you run them in parallel you will get maximum flow, and get the most heat out of the system; althought the outlet temperature will not be as high as had you run them in series.

[Ellie]

I am finally getting it. I think the parallel is better. I can also then use one or two if I put a valve in.

Now, if I split the line coming in to go to both bottom "in" lines in the solar panel.. you said to combine the top. Where then would they come out and back to the pool? Now, am I going to the ends where I had them capped off?

Plan to get this done tuesday. Thanks for any help.

Ellie

[Poconos]

Ellie,
Just to be sure it is clear, you don't want the 'hottest' water. You would get that with low flow and series panels. You want MAX HEAT transfer which would be at max flow which implies parallel hookup. Temperature is different than heat. If this concept still isn't clear, we can explain it further with some analogies but it will take some words.
Al

[Ellie]

Thanks, Al. I am understanding that. This is what I plan to do: let me know if it needs correction or more work.

These are on the fence making it look 40' long with a space in the middle of them for plumbing and I am putting the pipes under ground right next to the fence...then up to each panel.

From pool to solar... a "tee" to right panel into right bottom
an "elbow" and up to left panel into left bottom

From solar to pool a "tee" to right panel out of right top
an elbow to left panel out of left top

Both panel ends will be capped... the far ones.

I will put a gate valve in each line just before the elbow going to the second or left panel so that I can use either one or both panels at one time depending on the season and how much I need.

How did I do?
Ellie

[Poconos]

Ellie,
Think you have the definitions of left and right panels reversed. The way I reworded it, the feeds are in the center space between the panels.
Al


From pool to solar... a "tee" to LEFT panel into right bottom
an "elbow" and up to RIGHT panel into left bottom

From solar to pool a "tee" to LEFT panel out of right top
an elbow to RIGHT panel out of left top

Both panel ends will be capped... the far ones.

[Ellie]

Yes, that is it exactly. Thank you for clarifiying. Gee, unbelievable how much effort this took me. It was easier taking the cover off the 15x31 ag pool by myself yesterday!!

Thanks for the advice and patience. I will now be able to use one or two panels. I like that.

ellie