I installed a Sunheater (Smartpool) S240U (two 2'X20' panels) on my 24' above ground (round) pool this spring (2018). They're anchored on the ground. They replaced a 10+ year old 4'X20' panel that gave up the ghost (finally). The return flow to the pool (from the new panels) is abysmal and the back pressure on the pump is concerning (hose expansion and motor work sounds). I have diversion/mixing valves "throttled" to split return water between direct return and heater return; keeping the panel back pressure tolerable, but (obviously) that decreases the heater return even more (worthless). The two panels each have a baffle in one header. Is there an easy way to remove the baffles so the whole 2' panel is unidirectional? I read in another thread that one person's baffle fell out (accidentally) and there were further threads indicating removal was possible. Just don't know if my brand is removable nor how to do it without surgery. Found out much too late that I should have bought the Sunheater S601P which doesn't have baffles. Please advise. Thanks.
Baffle Removal from Solar Heater Header
- Thread starter Quisp54
- Start date
Anyone else? I am thinking a hole saw of the correct diameter and and extension drill bit or something would do the trick.
I didn’t realize there are different Sunheater models with and without the baffle, and unfortunately have baffles in mine (have 4 of them in parallel).
I didn’t realize there are different Sunheater models with and without the baffle, and unfortunately have baffles in mine (have 4 of them in parallel).