How does my solar heater plan look? (and questions)

[Marineris]

Hi all! New member, first post!

I’ve only owned a pool for a year so I’m still learning. I want to keep this solar heating panel setup as low-cost as possible since I want to test its effectiveness for a season or two before putting more time, effort, and money into any permanent change.

Do you see any issues in the first draft of my schematic? Anything I haven’t thought of?

Pictures illustrate better:

Please excuse the weeds!

Some questions
1) Since the whole system is separate from the pool filter/pump, it’s only under unidirectional pressure when turned on, do I actually need a vacuum release or any other valves? (The panels came with a diverter valve that I don’t think I need, maybe I can use that as drainage at D (see picture), if needed?)

2) Is there another way to connect joints besides gluing rigid PVC fittings for joints ABC? I like the impermanence of a flexible PVC coupling with clamps, but I don’t think they can withstand sun/heat and pressure? For example the description here says may use for “non-pressure drain”. Any other options?

3) Lower priority: Possible near-future upgrade - The current plan involves just manually plugging the pump in when the sun is out and trying to remember to unplug it before it starts cooling off. Is a simple automation system possible for under $100? I’m thinking 2 wireless app-enabled temperature sensors, a smart outlet (z-wave or similar), and software to connect the two and decide when to turn on/off (IFTTT or Home Assistant?). ( I understand this may be more appropriate to post in the Automation forum but they seem much more hardcore than I need!)

TIA for any comments/advice/suggestions!

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! I'm sure we can get @mas985 to give you some tips on that set up. Stand by .......

 

[mas985]

ome questions
1) Since the whole system is separate from the pool filter/pump, it’s only under unidirectional pressure when turned on, do I actually need a vacuum release or any other valves? (The panels came with a diverter valve that I don’t think I need, maybe I can use that as drainage at D (see picture), if needed?)

The purpose of self draining panels is so water does not remain in the panels with the pump off and continue to heat up so much that the piping and panels could possibly soften and/or melt. If the panels are going to be on most of the time, then it may not matter much.

However, in order for the panels and plumbing to be self draining, they must be above the pool water without any low spots so everything can gravity drain to the pool.

2) Is there another way to connect joints besides gluing rigid PVC fittings for joints ABC? I like the impermanence of a flexible PVC coupling with clamps, but I don’t think they can withstand sun/heat and pressure? For example the description here says may use for “non-pressure drain”. Any other options?

You can use rubber couplings with hose clamps.

https://www.amazon.com/Rubber-Coupling-Solar-Pool-Heaters/dp/B07S4DF2YP/ref=asc_df_B07S39RH46/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693713553073&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4414874507165378765&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032030&hvtargid=pla-1948146280056&mcid=8b254ba699f7355db365f9376c351c3f&gad_source=1&th=1

3) Lower priority: Possible near-future upgrade - The current plan involves just manually plugging the pump in when the sun is out and trying to remember to unplug it before it starts cooling off. Is a simple automation system possible for under $100? I’m thinking 2 wireless app-enabled temperature sensors, a smart outlet (z-wave or similar), and software to connect the two and decide when to turn on/off (IFTTT or Home Assistant?). ( I understand this may be more appropriate to post in the Automation forum but they seem much more hardcore than I need!)

I think some of these may interface with HA but you can run them independently too:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=water+temperature+switch&i=tools&crid=1D2HJN0MBJWGD&sprefix=water+temperature+switch%2Ctools%2C147&ref=nb_sb_noss_2