I just hooked up a natural gas heater I got for free. After watching my gas meter spin significantly faster than I'm used to (yes I did expect this) I have decided to build a solar unit to help supplement. Does anyone have a good diagram or pictures of how you've done it? I would like to have the valves thermostatically controlled so I don't have to always be there if the sun goes away. Any help is appreciated and I'm trying to do this as budget friendly as possible. Thanks
Plumbing Solar and Gas Heater
- Thread starter JPetrocik
- Start date
Hello and welcome to the forum!
I have a small 72sq ft array on a ground rack, controlled with a Hayward Goldline controller.
Here is the rack:
The water flow (valve actuator is already removed for winter closing):
Here is the valve actuator mounted to the 3-way valve:
And the controller:
I'm out for the evening, but I would be happy to get any more pics tomorrow after work if you like.
I love the solar. My pool is in mostly shade, but the panels make up for most of it. We have been swimming since late April, and the pool has been in the mid 80's since June, and I'm in Southern New England that had a cooler spring this year.
I have a small 72sq ft array on a ground rack, controlled with a Hayward Goldline controller.
Here is the rack:
The water flow (valve actuator is already removed for winter closing):
Here is the valve actuator mounted to the 3-way valve:
And the controller:
I'm out for the evening, but I would be happy to get any more pics tomorrow after work if you like.
I love the solar. My pool is in mostly shade, but the panels make up for most of it. We have been swimming since late April, and the pool has been in the mid 80's since June, and I'm in Southern New England that had a cooler spring this year.
LOL
If you go solar just buy the panels the prices have come down so much it just doesn't make sense to DIY anymore.
Those controllers are the "bee's knees" as well, I just put in the Pentair Solar Touch same thing different company.
First day swimming this year may 10th 76 degree water, kids loved it I watched, hit 80+ a few days later and haven't looked back.
I like the controls. How would I set this up in conjunction with a gas heater?
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As for the DIY, I think I will take your advice and just buy a panel. Does it matter how vertical/ horizontal the panel lay, or is it just dependent on sunlight? Also my deck wraps around the round pool and each deck section is 6'. Can these panels bend slightly or will they kink?
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As for the DIY, I think I will take your advice and just buy a panel. Does it matter how vertical/ horizontal the panel lay, or is it just dependent on sunlight? Also my deck wraps around the round pool and each deck section is 6'. Can these panels bend slightly or will they kink?
The tilt is based on your location.
Optimum Tilt of Solar Panels
The panels are a bit flexible, I roll mine up every winter and store them inside the house. The tightest roll I can comfortably manage is about a 20" circle. They will not bend around corners without kinking.
The solar controller is independent of the heater controls.
Optimum Tilt of Solar Panels
The panels are a bit flexible, I roll mine up every winter and store them inside the house. The tightest roll I can comfortably manage is about a 20" circle. They will not bend around corners without kinking.
The solar controller is independent of the heater controls.
Google Pentair SolarTouch Manual, they have a diagram of the preferred piping arrangement in there.