Solar Heater valve ????

[mas985]

Here is a diagram on how solar is typically installed. The return side of the solar is plumbed through a check valve and teed back into the return line for the pool. Both check valves are a good idea especially if the panels will be elevated so water doesn't drain backwards through the filter. Also, if you want the panels to be self draining, they will need a vacuum release valve.

[Watermom]

Mark,
That is a good diagram. Hopefully it will help our poster with his panel. Also, I noticed that you have commented on several of the threads I bumped up this morning that had not had any replies. Thanks for taking the time to do so. I'm sure these people will really appreciate your input.

[mas985]

No problem. It was actually hard to find a diagram that actually had the panels installed properly. Some had the return pipe of the wrong side, some didn't have the check valves and some didn't show the vacuum release. This one though was closest to ideal that I could find. However, a ground based installation could do without the VRC and filter check valve. Also, the isolation valves are nice to have but not necessary either.

[edlentz]

Thanks for the diagram. Looks like it has everything. And it got me thinking about the "diverted kit". I will post a drawing that I think might work later.

[edlentz]

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!!

[CarlD]

actually, that's not necessarily true. Instead of a T-valve, I have ball valves around a Sched 40 standard T. The pressure there is so strong, I open the valves to my solar panels just a little, barely a trickle.

But my panels aren't on a roof.

[edlentz]

My panels are actually on a platform 4' high right next to the pool. So the most pressure I will have is from the pump. Which I should have is a day or two. I purchased a new 1 hp pump on line and got one that leaked like a sieve, so I am waiting on a replacement. At the moment I am using the small cartridge pump/filter that came with the pool.