This is simple and probably could use at least one check valve in it. My theory is that if the ball valve is closed the cool pool water will go through the solar collector and then to the pool, it has no choice. With the valve open the water will take the path of least resistance and go straight to the pool bypassing the solar. I realize it isn't an automatic operation, but hey it's cheap!

For the life of me I couldn't visualize how that kit was supposed to work, I even cruised the site where my son got the stuff with no luck. Once I say the drawing the mas895 provided it all came together in my pea brain!

If this looks like it will work or not work to you seasoned veterans please comment. thanks for the help so far!!