confused about solar panels (or mats)

[chem geek]

There are different kinds of solar panels for use with pools. Even with an above-ground pool, the panel design may be similar as with an in-ground pool except that they are usually longer (in-ground pool panels are usually roof mounted so are typically sized at 4 feet by 8, 10 or 12 feet while in-ground panels are typically mounted at ground-level and are frequently 4 feet by 20 feet. This link shows in-ground [EDIT] I mean above-ground [END-EDIT] pool solar panels from FAFCO. These are the "many small tubes" kind of panels and are the same, except for size, as their in-ground panels. The flow rates for each panel are the same as for their in-ground pool panels, namely a minimum of 3 GPM, recommended 4 GPM, maximum 8 GPM. So clearly if only two panels are used then there must be a diverter since the flow rates from typical pumps are much higher than 6-16 GPM (assuming two panels are used in parallel).

Do you know what brand of solar panel you are using? Perhaps we can find its specs on the web and figure this out. Also, when you were running water through your panels, if they were hot from the sun before the pump went on and then stayed hot, then water wasn't flowing through them with enough volume. If they cooled off (to ambient air temperature) when the pump went on, then they are working at least somewhat properly.

Richard