Solar Heater valve ????

[edlentz]

Hi Carl,

The larger pump is to go with the S180T Sand filter I have I dislike having to change the filter cartridges every week. So If I get most of what you are saying is that I might have to much flow and I might have to back it off some with a valve in the input to the panels. The pump I am going to use is a single speed. I have thought about re-using the original pump from the pool package but the extra hoses and stuff is unappealing.

[mas985]

With the way you are proposing your setup, there is no way to shut off the flow to the panels so they will likely always have water flowing through them. If that is what you want, then it is fine. A 3-way valve instead of the first TEE as shown in the original picture will allow control either way and probably cost the less than two two way valves.

Also, it looks like you have removed the vacuum release valve which means you will need to drain the panels manually in the winter and that they will contain water when the pump is off.

As for the pump, I agree with Carl. I am using a 1/2 HP to run solar on a 25' roof so you really don't need much of a pump to run solar. With only 4' rise, you could probably get away with the pump you have or at least try it before getting a new pump.

[edlentz]

I have a new pump (1hp)already, just not installed. I like the pump and the sand filter, it kept the pool spotless last year. The pump/filter that came with it couldn't even keep up with the floaties. I realize the pump is overkill but that is the size that came with the filter that was given to me. I thought of the 3 way valve and looked for them online. I have two two-way valves already. This is only our fourth year with a pool. So I am pretty new at this stuff. What I do like for sure is the Salt water chlorinator that came with the pool. It was maint free last year.

As far as the vacuum break, I live in Michigan so I will most likely take the solar down at the end of the season anyway.

[CarlD]

Well, I like a sand filter myself!

Since you've made the decision, let's make the most of it.

You can easily make your own setup if you've done a little PVC Schedule 40 gluing. It's easy to do. You can do it with 3 ball valves (if you want to get REALLY fancy or just 2, which is enough. AttackUgh! ATTACH a Tee at the end of the pipe coming back from the filter to your return. After the Tee, put a ball valve on each leg of the Tee. Then connect from one Tee to your return, and the other to your solar panel. Generally, your return valve will be fully open but your solar panel may be anything from full off to fully open. A little experimenting will find the optimum setting--where the panel's working GREAT and the return to the pool is strong and solid.

The third ball valve would come before the Tee as a single shut-off, but you don't need it.

[edlentz]

Thanks Carl I think I got what you are saying Does this look like what you mean?

Thanks again

[CarlD]

Yes, but I cannot answer for joining the output from the panel to the return prior to the pool. I don't know if that will actually work or create a stasis in the panel so the water doesn't move. A plumber or expert on that can tell you.

My system and preference is to have a separate return for the heated water, separate from the main return. That always works and is simple.

[Watermom]

My heated water goes to my main (and only) return. Works fine.

[CarlD]

Thanks, Lisa. That's one of those plumbing things I'm never sure of so I just avoid getting into that situation.

[mas985]

The horizontal ball valve will create a pressure differential between the input and output of the panels which then creates the flow through the panels. Even if it is completely open, there should still be enough pressure difference to cause at least a little bit of flow through the panels.

The vertical valve should only be needed if you want to isolate the panels and shut them off. However, it should be left fully open when running the panels because that path already has more head loss than the bypass route so water flow will always favor the bypass unless the horizontal valve is partially closed.

[edlentz]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I will be proceeding as soon as the Fedex guy shows up with my replacement pump! Supposedly it is on the truck for delivery.

Thanks again