Re: SmartPool/Fafco Solar panel install.. build notes/questions on lack of psi change
You can also just move the handle manually until you get the flow you want, then set the cams to follow.
To move the valve manually, be sure the controller is set to off, loosen the thumbscrew on the valve handle a few turns and push it down. While you hold the thumbscrew down you should be able to freely move the handle. If it doesn't move, back off a couple of more turns so it pushes down further.
This is explained in the actuator instructions.
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Once you reset the cams, test the actuator movement with the pump off. This way if it does something unexpected you can't dead-head the pump (if it's not running).
I had seen this in the instructions but couldnt quite understand or get it to work.. i guess i can try your tip as well.. though i already messed with it manually tonight by removing the whole actuator..
I'm not sure how the flow vis is supposed to look if the right flow is going into it.. ie: filled with water to the top or like it is for the most part, real low in the check valve.. slight pulsing of the water.. showing maybe a 2.5 by looking at the lower red plastic piece as the indicator..
I move the handle further to the right, so as to start blocking the flow to the swg/return area and nearly all water going through the panels.. wait about 1 minute.. no change in the indicator.. still at the 2.5.. still low in the glass, certainly never gets "full" to the top or the valve doesnt open.
Then as i made the "mistake" early on.. if i move the handle so it completely closes the path to the SWG, the swg hoses start pulsing and gasping (for air?), the pool is gurgling.. the check valve shows water come up a bit briefly, then suddenly it vacates all the way down.. as the pool continues to make horrid sounds.. so based on that i hurry and pull the plug (this all within 10-20 seconds of moving the handle full closed to the right).
I dont know what to make of any of this.. for now i set the cams to allow it to be slightly more to the right than center, but not close enough to close off that side or cause the gurgling.
In any case the psi stays the same.. 19.. throughout, on or off (strange).
I"m at a loss.. i'm wondering if another test maybe i dare have the pump on, solar on.. and start to unscrew the drain plug on the garage wall for the return and see if water shoots out, as if it just trickles out or slowly leaks out, then there surely cant be enough return pressure coming back.. if it shoots out then maybe the valve is fine? Or some other safe test to prove or disprove parts of this equation?
EDIT: perhaps it really needs to go so its closed to the right, despite the gurgling and pulsing.. maybe i should just let it even out, maybe it takes more than 30sec to 1min? It just "felt" unsafe..
IE: diagrams with the ports arranged differently like this, dont have a split going on at all
http://www.solarsouthwestflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/SOLAR-POOL-HEAT-MANIFOLD.png