First, is my pump too big for my pool? I sure get a brisk return flow, and the filter reads about 10 psi when clean.
This spring I'd like to add solar to my system. I'm wondering if I should plan on valving that will allow me to down-regulate pressure through the panels (given my pump size and the fact that I'm planning on rack mounting my panels just a few feet above pool height, with my inlets within 10 feet of the filter). I'm worried that with a 1 1/2 HP pump and panels so close to pool height that I could end up with too much flow (and pressure) in the panels. I have a single standard pool return with a standard skimmer (both Lomart). Should I just plan on a ball valve ahead of the 3-way which would allow me to shunt some of the flow past the panels? If I do this, should I measure flow out of the panels to help me adjust the valve optimally, or are there simpler ways to adjust the shunt?
Should I be looking at panels with 2 inch manifold headers vs 1 1/2, or doesn't it matter? I'm planning on panels usually sold for in-ground pools (e.g., 4X8, 10, or 12 with a total about 50% of pool surface).
Also, should my SWG cell be placed before or after the panels (will the cell work more efficiently with warm water?)
Any other special plumbing considerations?
Thanks in advance. This has been my first year with a pool, and now I'm trying to design my own solar. I suspect that good solar is not as simple as just hooking up some panels to some PVC and pulling the lever. And a lot of the technical info on the web is either confusing or contradictory.
Kelly
This spring I'd like to add solar to my system. I'm wondering if I should plan on valving that will allow me to down-regulate pressure through the panels (given my pump size and the fact that I'm planning on rack mounting my panels just a few feet above pool height, with my inlets within 10 feet of the filter). I'm worried that with a 1 1/2 HP pump and panels so close to pool height that I could end up with too much flow (and pressure) in the panels. I have a single standard pool return with a standard skimmer (both Lomart). Should I just plan on a ball valve ahead of the 3-way which would allow me to shunt some of the flow past the panels? If I do this, should I measure flow out of the panels to help me adjust the valve optimally, or are there simpler ways to adjust the shunt?
Should I be looking at panels with 2 inch manifold headers vs 1 1/2, or doesn't it matter? I'm planning on panels usually sold for in-ground pools (e.g., 4X8, 10, or 12 with a total about 50% of pool surface).
Also, should my SWG cell be placed before or after the panels (will the cell work more efficiently with warm water?)
Any other special plumbing considerations?
Thanks in advance. This has been my first year with a pool, and now I'm trying to design my own solar. I suspect that good solar is not as simple as just hooking up some panels to some PVC and pulling the lever. And a lot of the technical info on the web is either confusing or contradictory.
Kelly