Recent content by piezon50

For those with solar panels, I'd like your input as to my results here in cool PA. Today was my 7th day using my new solar panels. Over the past week, the daytime temps have ranged from 65 to 72 (mostly sunny each day) and nightime temps in the mid-upper 40's. My starting water temp on day 1 was...

took the cover off today as it was totally sunny with a high of 72 and got another 5 degree rise (66 to 71). I only lost 1 degree overnight with the cover on so it looks like the solar panels are doing their job & keeping the cover off during the day allowed the sun to warm up the water as well.

thanks. that was my thought but my wife thinks it's better to keep the cover on when trying to get the temp up. I will take it off tomorrow and see what results i get.

Re: Solar Panel update Ok. So I just completed my 2nd full day of running the water thru my new solar panels. My water temp yesterday morning before i started was 60 and, after 8 hours, it was 64 without my blue solar cover on (the outside air temp hit 65 for a high). Put the solar cover on...

I know the importance of keeping the solar cover on at night to retain as much of the heat as possible that was gained during the day. However, I've heard 2 differing opinions about whether or not to keep the cover on during a "warmer" sunny spring day (65-75 degrees). We always take it off...

Just changed out my pressure gauge and my psi with the solar off was 18 and went to 24 with the solar on @ 100%. I have a Kreepy Krauly pool cleaner that runs off the pool pump and thru the skimmer and, to my surprise, it's working just as well with the solar on as it does with the solar off...

So far, I have the bypass valve closed so 100% is going up to the panels. I assume if I divert "some" back to the pool, the psi would drop a bit? This question is for Bobby from CA. What was your water temp at the beginning of the season & how long did it take to get the temp to 81?? Thanks

I have 5 panels (4x12's) with 1 1/2" headers & pipes. Perhaps that causes a bit more pressure than 2" headers/pipes. My clean pressure used to be 15-18 but I noticed that this year it's now about 22-23 but, when the pump is off, the gauge still reads 5, rather than zero,i so I'm hoping it's...

Can those with solar panels please let me know what you experienced with your PSI after running the water thru the panels? Mine went from 20 to 27 & I'm wondering if that's normal as I have a lot of 90 degree elbows between the filter & the panels vs. only a handful between the filter & the...

you're in CA so your outside temp is probably warmer than mine is in PA this time of year. Are you keeping your solar cover on at night to maintain the temp?

Just installed my five 4x12's on the roof this morning in under 2 hours. With 2 people, it's a rather easy job provided your roof isn't too steep. Will finish up the plumbing tomorrow and it will then be time to sit back & wait for the sun to shine (once I check for leaks). :cheers:

One last thing. In looking at those 2 links, they both have diagrams showing the relief valve installed at the lower end of the panel header opposite the input side and the return line simply coming out the top end & down the roof line. My instructions from the manufacturer call for the relief...

Thanks for all your input & the links. Jason. I plan on installing a tee with a screw plug on both lines coming off the roof on the horizontal run just after the 90 degree elbow at the bottom of the vertical & will then use another 90 to bring both pipes below ground level before returning to...

Jason, I agree that I don't think I NEED the 2nd check valve but, since the system came with 2, is there any harm in installing the 2nd one at the bottom of the vertical return coming down from the roof so i can unscrew it at the end of the season for the water to gravity drain out from the roof...

Jason, I noticed in your signature that you have 500 sq. ft. of solar panels for a 20K pool and I just bought 240 sq. ft. of panels for a 30K pool because that's all i could fit on my deck roof. My feeling is that I usually get my pool to 85 in July/August without any panels so having my water...