How to Set Up Pool Solar Panels
Solar panels are an energy-efficient way to heat your pool. These systems basically run water through flexible, heat-absorbing sheets and pump it back into the pool. Solar panel systems usually use the pool's pre-existing filter system to pump the water, so they cost little to operate. Even in a relatively cool climate, a solar panel system can heat a pool to a comfortable temperature in less than a week and maintain that temperature for the entire season. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- One or more flexible water heating panels
- Shingle glue or mounting brackets
- Header and footer pipe for each panel
- PVC connectors for each pair of header and footer pipes
- 2 hose clamps for each PVC connector
- Header and footer pipe end caps
- PVC pipe sized to fit the panel header pipes
- PVC angle fittings as needed
- PVC cement
- Hack saw or table saw to cut PVC pipe
- 2 hose clamps to fit water the pool filter outlet and the pool water inlet
Instructions
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1
Roll the panels out on the roof or other mounting surface either horizontally or vertically depending on the roof dimensions.
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2
Attach the panels to the roof using shingle adhesive or mounting brackets, according to manufacturer's recommendation.
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3
Attach a header pipe to each panel by inserting the small side nozzles into the individual tubes in the panel.
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4
Connect the header pipes together with couplers and hose clamps. Place an end cap on the end of the header pipe farthest from the pool pump.
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5
Attach a footer pipe to each panel, inserting the nozzles into the panel tubes. Place an end cap on the end of the footer pipe farthest from the pool pump.
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6
Run PVC piping from the pool filter pumps outlet to the open end of the header pipe. Cut pipe and use angle fittings as needed, making sure to glue the fittings. Secure the pipe to the pump outlet and the header pipe with hose clamps.
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7
Run PVC piping from the open end of the footer pipe to the water inlet on the pool. Secure the pipe to the footer pipe with a hose clamp.
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8
Run the filter pump until water begins to come through the pipe at the pool water inlet; then connect the pipe to the inlet and fasten with a hose clamp.
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Tips & Warnings
Depending on your climate area, you may need to connect a pool heater controller to the system. This will automatically bypass the heating system when the water in the pool reaches a maximum temperature.
If you're mounting the panels on a second-story roof or if your pool filter pump is small, you may need to add a booster pump in order to get the water through the panel system. Check with the panel manufacturer for recommendation on pump sizes for various types of panel installation.
Always exercise caution when installing water heating panels on a roof to avoid falling off or dropping tools or parts on people below. If you aren't experienced in working on roofs, consider having a qualified contractor install the panels for you or consider a ground-mounted installation.
Adhesive mounting systems are not recommended for areas with high wind exposure.
Some types of heating panels must be drained during the winter in freezing climates. Check with the panel's manufacturer for recommendations.
