SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. build notes/questions on check sensor?

[CJadamec]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

Not for nothing but you can get a brass vacuum relief valve on Amazon for like 14 bucks. Also supplyhouse.com is a great place to get good quality plumbing bits if you don't have a good source for them locally.

 

[n240sxguy]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

Not for nothing but you can get a brass vacuum relief valve on Amazon for like 14 bucks. Also supplyhouse.com is a great place to get good quality plumbing bits if you don't have a good source for them locally.

I saw a watts brand one on Amazon that wasn't very expensive. Maybe the same one you saw. Lowes may even carry that one. They carry a lot of watts products.


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[n240sxguy]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

I was perusing the site pooldv posted earlier and I think when I get mine I'll buy the strap components from them vs buying the smartpool kit. You can get some serious tie down straps for what the cheap smartpool kit costs.


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[theskyisthelimit99]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

I was perusing the site pooldv posted earlier and I think when I get mine I'll buy the strap components from them vs buying the smartpool kit. You can get some serious tie down straps for what the cheap smartpool kit costs.


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Which type of tie down straps are you referring to (ie: lowes?).. and if you dont buy the kit, how do you secure them down.. (i already bought two kits, but i'd cancel if i can do better locally).. i've read the straps that come in the kit often deteriorate quickly.. i think someone used some sort of truck bed tie down latching type ones (model, unsure) but how they secured them not sure (IE: clamps? or just clamps like to hold pipes to the wall or something with a slit?).. also.. i probably wont do this, but to quickly remove in winter, i think someone somewhere may have devised a way to not drill into the roof, unclear how and how they didnt blow away
edit: maybe something like this strap with holes would work + some proper screws ?
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I don't know what kind of breeze/wind you get in PA, but if that had been my pole and leaf rake, it would be bent or a quarter mile away with the wind we have been having. LOL

lol, my kids did that earlier that day, it looks funny but i actually have it on a horizontal holder on the side now.. they also got in the pool yesterday (crazy), 64F 10" in, 68 at the surface lol

 

[theskyisthelimit99]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

Does anyone know what sort of 1.5" connections the smartpool kit has where you interface the incoming/outgoing and the vac relief valves? Does the kit come with couplers..or are the threaded and since i'm using 2" pvc now, i still need to find the proper 2" reducers (lowes hopefully, though visually in the store i couldnt find them).. if the kit comes with couplers, should i not use them (quality) and just get some sort of 1.5 to 2" compression couplers?

Also.. is standard medium pvc glue good enough for this 2" pvc (i had used it for the pump connections).. i think i've seen it mentioned to use PVC medium cement (no primer?)?

 

[theskyisthelimit99]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

I'm also trying to confirm my diagram is correct, or maybe adjust it..

My original thought was like this:

However, that manual link for the other solar panel.. they show something like this (i'm thinking of going with the arrangement shown in this second image)

Is theirs basically the same, just putting the tee off the 3 way, more effective? Does the check valve keep the solar panel water from coming back down through the Tee when the diverter is "Off" for solar (being off)? Or is it better to have a turn off valve on the solar return line before the Tee? Can you manually change the diverter position when using the hayward actuator kit (or via button press i guess? override?)

edit: here is the diagram from the s601 manual i just found (not sure if the one just above or this is more correct.. still trying to determine if there is a need for 2 check valves.. i had assumed only on the incoming solar side, but the smartpool diagram shows differently)

 

[theskyisthelimit99]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

Not for nothing but you can get a brass vacuum relief valve on Amazon for like 14 bucks. Also supplyhouse.com is a great place to get good quality plumbing bits if you don't have a good source for them locally.

Maybe i'm looking at the wrong things.. but all i'm seeing is watts items like this one? N36 Water Service Vacuum Relief Valves, Vacuum Relief Valves, Water Safety Flow Control - Watts

I dont see anything 1 1/2", i do see some watts at lowes, but same size restrictions and usually in the range of $30? (doesnt it go on the end cap on one of the ends of the panels?)

 

[CJadamec]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

It doesn't need to be inch and a half you can get a reducing bushing to make the threads match. The 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch valve is plenty of valve for a system like that.

 

[theskyisthelimit99]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

It doesn't need to be inch and a half you can get a reducing bushing to make the threads match. The 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch valve is plenty of valve for a system like that.

Ok, well on the type.. should it be the one that looks like this from solar direct ($32) basically a round top? I guess the watts 3/4" one on amazon for $30 is the same as well but 1/2, i think lowes is the same one here How does this work on draining, is it automatic or do you have press it as you drain (backwash with solar inbound open and running? ) I assume this would be the 1/2 to 1 1/2 bushing here at lowes, still not sure what "bushing" or coupler i need from lowes to take the 2" off the tee back to the 1.5": edit: i think its this lasco one here

 

[theskyisthelimit99]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

Are you intending to use the pump in the picture for solar? I am not sure it has the power to pump water up onto a roof.

In your picture, the blue line should enter the panels at the bottom right and then the orange out of the top left (like pictured). The panels should also be slightly tilted with the left a few inches higher than the right.

One of the last posts i made, i added the diagram from the manual.. it seems to show the layout having the input on the bottom left, flowing down and across to the right then out the top right and back to the pool (reverse of this).. or is it ok to just turn the whole thing left to right and go the other way?

 

[theskyisthelimit99]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

I've slowly been adding an itemized section on things needed to the first post.. one of which i've settled on is the jandy 2" to 2.5" check valve ($40 amazon).. one just after the 3 way valve before the turn off valve.. then another on the return side just before the tee.. i assume its best to use two (my pump, i checked, doesnt have a built in check valve)?

 

[theskyisthelimit99]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

I've slowly been adding an itemized section on things needed to the first post.. one of which i've settled on is the jandy 2" to 2.5" check valve ($40 amazon).. one just after the 3 way valve before the turn off valve.. then another on the return side just before the tee.. i assume its best to use two (my pump, i checked, doesnt have a built in check valve)?

Actually, i guess i may only need one check valve.. and i think this diagram might be my final one i end up going with.. (input on the left, shifted upward 2" or so on the left to flow down and to right?) .. edit: actually, in looking at this diagram, i think there would still need to be a check valve ontop of the return shut off valve, for the case the solar is off, to prevent backflow to the return portion? (confused on that part)

still need to sort the vac release portion and figure out how the wiring/extending leads can occur.

 

[CJadamec]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

As for the vacuum breaker the watts valve and the pvc one from solar direct do the same thing. They are simply a check valve. A spring holds the vacuum breaker shut and water pressure when the pump is on pushes it shut even harder. When the pump is off the vacuum created by the water moving back to ground level over comes the little spring holding the valve shut and lets air into the pipes. The pvc adapter you found looks like its the right way to get the valve in the piping.

Flow direction, left to right, or right to left doesn't matter.

I'm putting a check valve on the outlet of my filter and on the return from the solar. You don't need one on the return but it doesn't hurt either.

 

[theskyisthelimit99]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

As for the vacuum breaker the watts valve and the pvc one from solar direct do the same thing. They are simply a check valve. A spring holds the vacuum breaker shut and water pressure when the pump is on pushes it shut even harder. When the pump is off the vacuum created by the water moving back to ground level over comes the little spring holding the valve shut and lets air into the pipes. The pvc adapter you found looks like its the right way to get the valve in the piping.

Flow direction, left to right, or right to left doesn't matter.

I'm putting a check valve on the outlet of my filter and on the return from the solar. You don't need one on the return but it doesn't hurt either.

Ah ok, so its just added safety to add the other check valve, i guess ill skip that part. I guess too, it doesnt matter if put the incoming Tee to the right of the 3 way valve or ontop either.. As for the the vac relief.. so the one here on amazon $25 should be the right one, coupled with (pun intended) the pvc bushing adapter i linked from lowes, in that no manual intervention is ever needed, the spring does all the work.. In the fall, whats the best way to ensure the panels actually drain? (the shop vac idea, but i think that requires a split on a line somewhere and a cap until needed)? I guess just backwashing until below the outlets wont actually drain the panels or would it.

 

[CJadamec]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

The best thing to do about draining them is to plan for it when you install. If they will be on your roof pitch the panels like you would a waste drain 1/8 - 1/4 inch per foot towards the lowest plumbing connection there is. Make sure all the horizontal runs of plumbing on the roof do the same. At the bottom of each pipe leg that runs up your wall put a clean out tee (a tee with a threaded plug on one of the outlets) so you can ensure the water is drained there. Opening both plugs there will also ensure all the plumbing on the roof is open and can vent over the winter.

In short if all the water is pitched to a drain point then there won't be any water left to freeze after you drain the system.

 

[n240sxguy]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

Which type of tie down straps are you referring to (ie: lowes?).. and if you dont buy the kit, how do you secure them down.. (i already bought two kits, but i'd cancel if i can do better locally).. i've read the straps that come in the kit often deteriorate quickly.. i think someone used some sort of truck bed tie down latching type ones (model, unsure) but how they secured them not sure (IE: clamps? or just clamps like to hold pipes to the wall or something with a slit?).. also.. i probably wont do this, but to quickly remove in winter, i think someone somewhere may have devised a way to not drill into the roof, unclear how and how they didnt blow away
edit: maybe something like this strap with holes would work + some proper screws ?
- - - Updated - - -

lol, my kids did that earlier that day, it looks funny but i actually have it on a horizontal holder on the side now.. they also got in the pool yesterday (crazy), 64F 10" in, 68 at the surface lol

I was talking about the straps and the clips they have on the solar direct website. I think they look better than the smartpool kit I saw on amazon.
Strap Clip
Header Clip
Polypropylene Seamless Strap
Stainless Steel Strap
I'm most interested in the strap clip and the polypropylene seamless strap.

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Does anyone know what sort of 1.5" connections the smartpool kit has where you interface the incoming/outgoing and the vac relief valves? Does the kit come with couplers..or are the threaded and since i'm using 2" pvc now, i still need to find the proper 2" reducers (lowes hopefully, though visually in the store i couldnt find them).. if the kit comes with couplers, should i not use them (quality) and just get some sort of 1.5 to 2" compression couplers?

Also.. is standard medium pvc glue good enough for this 2" pvc (i had used it for the pump connections).. i think i've seen it mentioned to use PVC medium cement (no primer?)?

Plain lowes pvc glue is fine. Always use primer.

 

[theskyisthelimit99]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

I was talking about the straps and the clips they have on the solar direct website. I think they look better than the smartpool kit I saw on amazon.
Strap Clip
Header Clip
Polypropylene Seamless Strap
Stainless Steel Strap
I'm most interested in the strap clip and the polypropylene seamless strap.

- - - Updated - - -



Plain lowes pvc glue is fine. Always use primer.

These are great alternative choices.. thanks for posting these.. though in the Q&A some did actually say the straps in the sk43 kit are pretty good and have lasted a few years.. i didnt as of yet do the math on getting some of these solar direct options vs buying two kits (in my case one sk43 per box), but the sk43 x 2 is about $80 for the 160sq feet/2 boxes.

I think the only thing i have left to figure out is the drain "fork", which pvc choice this is at lowes.. i assumed one that was like a Y, put that threaded connection on it (on each pipe at the base of the garage wall)



I also need to find another chaulk solution, i guess the cheaper $9 lowes one i linked isnt meant for roofs.. The $3 black jack stuff might actually be ok, unsure. yeah there is the through the roof $20, but i'm being slightly cheap on that one

 

[theskyisthelimit99]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

The best thing to do about draining them is to plan for it when you install. If they will be on your roof pitch the panels like you would a waste drain 1/8 - 1/4 inch per foot towards the lowest plumbing connection there is. Make sure all the horizontal runs of plumbing on the roof do the same. At the bottom of each pipe leg that runs up your wall put a clean out tee (a tee with a threaded plug on one of the outlets) so you can ensure the water is drained there. Opening both plugs there will also ensure all the plumbing on the roof is open and can vent over the winter.

In short if all the water is pitched to a drain point then there won't be any water left to freeze after you drain the system.

By pitch the panels, i think you meant make sure they are mounted with a shift right? So if the total height is 8 foot on this top to bottom, does that imply a 2 foot shift (originally i thought i only needed to shift it a few inches).. If i go by the last diagram i posted, with the input (cold water) on the left and return on upper right, wouldnt i shift the panel so the Right side was higher than the left (and the return line run followed allong that slant.. is this accurate? (or the reverse if i mounted it flipped the other way).. I had found this 2" wye Tee that points down (or does that matter) but its a DWV not rated for pressure like the lasco stuff.. not seeing a lasco version.. or should i just get a lasco right angle 3 way 2" tee, put on both legs, add a screw mount (or get the screw in kind), put a cap on each side.. so when i drain in the fall i just unscrew the caps and wait? (and close off the ball valves on each line)

Re-examining things, wouldnt i need that second check valve before the return tee, so when the 3 way is "off" for solar, idle/cooler water in the panel doesnt flow down into the return?

 

[n240sxguy]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

These are great alternative choices.. thanks for posting these.. though in the Q&A some did actually say the straps in the sk43 kit are pretty good and have lasted a few years.. i didnt as of yet do the math on getting some of these solar direct options vs buying two kits (in my case one sk43 per box), but the sk43 x 2 is about $80 for the 160sq feet/2 boxes.

I think the only thing i have left to figure out is the drain "fork", which pvc choice this is at lowes.. i assumed one that was like a Y, put that threaded connection on it (on each pipe at the base of the garage wall)



I also need to find another chaulk solution, i guess the cheaper $9 lowes one i linked isnt meant for roofs.. The $3 black jack stuff might actually be ok, unsure. yeah there is the through the roof $20, but i'm being slightly cheap on that one

It's two tubes for $20. What Y drain fork are you referring to?


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[theskyisthelimit99]

Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. questions and build notes

It's two tubes for $20. What Y drain fork are you referring to?


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At the bottom of the input/output lines, maybe making a right hand turn about a foot off the ground.. i figure ill just use one of these tees (threaded bottom).. I can put a plug in there, remove each when draining (only thing is, lowes doesnt seem to have plugs with an o-ring to prevent leakage), I originally thought i could use this "Y" fitting (WYE) but it wasnt the pressure rated one so this is what i figured i'd do.. (the vertical pipes will be about a foot apart, not as wide as it seems here)