How to add a solar heater?

[Stangfire]

I have a Intex model 8111 Kyrstal Clear Deluxe Saltwater System. It is the SWG and filter pump all in one. It only runs for 3 hours a day. I would like to add a solar heater. However, I think the filter pump would need to run all day to get the most use of the solar heater.

What to do?

 

[jblizzle]

Only way to add heat with a solar heater is to run water through the mats. That means running the pump

 

[Stangfire]

Exactly. However, this unit only runs 3 hours per day. Whoever designed this SWG should be shot.

 

[jblizzle]

I was not aware that some of their pumps will only run a limited amount of time. Does it have a built in timer? Can you change it?

 

[Stangfire]

You set the timer for how long you need it to generate based on your size of pool. In my case it's 3 hours. So every 24 hours it will run for 3 hours and that's it.

I googled it and there might be a hack to rewire it so the filter pump will stay on 24/7. I'll have to read more about that.

 

[jblizzle]

Oh right. The SWG is tied to the pump power. Yeah rewiring would be needed to put the SWG and pump on separate timers.