Installation & Owners Manual
Contents
1. Sungrabber Solar Pool Heater for above and inground swimming pools Not recommended for Inflatable Pools Installation amp Owners Manual Thank you for choosing the Sungrabber solar pool heating system Sungrabber is proudly manufactured in the United States Since 1969 we have provided high quality long lasting products that help our customers save money on energy costs and reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional energy sources Read this manual completely before installing your system Use caution when selecting the location to mount your solar collectors Failure to observe safe practices on a roof or other elevated structure may result in falling leading to serious injury Unless you are experienced and have proper safety equipment hire someone with the necessary experience to do the installation If you build a ground rack ensure that it does not en able children access into the pool Overview Installation Operation amp Winterization Troubleshooting Warranty Made inthe USA Overview How it works 1 Sun shine heats the solar collectors 2 The pool pump circulates pool water through the heated solar collectors 3 Warm solar heated water flows back into your pool 4 You enjoy swimming in a solar heated pool System Diagrams Ground Mount Flexible pool hose gt E AAA gt gt HO RUBBER END CAPS WITH HOSE CL2. AMPS RUBBER COUPLER WITH HOSE CLAMPS BYPASS BALL VALVE FLEX HOSE SOLAR COLLECTORS Roof Rack Mount Pp a RUBBER COUPLER Rigid PVC pipe WITH PVC PIPE ADAPTER RUBBER END CAP MOUNTING STRAPS AND HOSE CLAMPS Outlet WITH HOSE CLAMPS WITH CAPS AND BASES At Highest Point RUBBER COUPLER WITH Q END CAPS WITH HOSE CLAMPS ISOLATION BALL VALVE OPTIONAL RUBBER END CAP ISOLATION WITH HOSE CLAMPS BALL VALVE OPTIONAL POOL CHECK CLEANER VALVE Note The
3. Buimo joJ ayy Installation continued 2 Roll out solar collectors and connect together Lay the box containing the solar system near the selected installation location En sure there are no rocks or other sharp objects lying on the ground that could puncture the solar collectors Remove the contents and verify quantities using list shown in the overview on page 2 Position the rolled up solar collectors so that they will unroll into the area you have cho sen Remove and discard the plastic end caps used for shipping Cut the solar col lector strap with scissors Be careful so you don t damage the solar collectors Gently unroll the solar collectors Place a smooth object of no more than 15 pounds on each end of the solar collectors to hold them flat After 30 minutes or so in the sun the pan els will stay flat On the far end of the solar collectors furthest from the pool equipment place rubber end caps with hose clamps on the outer solar collector ends If you have more than one solar collector join them together on the far end with a rubber coupler with two hose clamps Position the hose clamps about 1 4 from the end of the rubber caps and tighten On the other end of the solar collectors nearest to the pool equipment place rubber end clamps each with hose clamps on the inner solar collector ends For inground pools using rigid PVC pipe place rubber couplers each with hose clamps on the outer solar collector ends Position th
4. ar col lectors 3 Ball valve 4 Tee for solar outlet with one end leading to the solar col lectors The check valve prevents debris in the pool filter from backflushing into the pool when the pool pump turns off and water drains from the solar collectors into the pool The ball valve acts as a bypass valve to optimize the flow and back pressure on the system e Install pipe and elbows to connect solar inlet tee to bottom solar collector end and to connect solar outlet tee to top solar collector end f Turn the ball valve handle so that it is perpendicular to the ball valve or fully closed solar on position Solar is not used when the ball valve handle is completely in line with the ball valve solar off position Unblock pool inlet and outlet and turn on pump The air that was in the solar collectors will bubble out into your pool for a few minutes this is normal Repair any leaks that appear After running the pump for about 5 minutes slowly turn the ball valve handle until the pressure gauge reads below 30 psi or 10 psi less than the pressure reading you took before installing the solar system g Save the provided repair plugs Discard any other unused parts Operation WARNING If the solar collectors are full of water and has been sitting in the sun without the pump running the water can get very hot Hot water can cause burns so be sure that everyone is away from the pool inlet each time the solar is turned on When the sol
5. ar system is running efficiently the solar collectors will be cool to the touch The sun s heat will be carried into your pool immediately For best results turn on your Sungrabber whenever the solar collectors are in the sun Turn the solar and or the pump off at night when it s cloudy or when it s raining to prevent cooling of the pool If your pool system has a timer set it to operate from 9 a m until 5 p m This is the best solar heating period Using a pool blanket in addition to the solar system will hold the warmth in the pool and help it heat more quickly It is particularly important to use the blanket at night or when it s windy If your pool becomes too warm during the season turn the pump and solar on at night to help cool the pool Winterization SOLAR COLLECTOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY FREEZING WATER IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOLLOW THIS WINTERIZATION PROCEDURE TO AVOID FREEZE DAMAGE The solar collectors must be completely drained and isolated before winter to prevent freeze damage Solar collectors will not be damaged by freezing conditions when properly drained and isolated as follows 1 Turn off the pool pump and plug pool inlet and outlet 2 Disconnect solar collectors 3 The solar collectors must be manually lifted and drained Unmount solar collectors and fully drain them by tilting them back and forth until no evidence of water remains inside of them 4 Store solar collectors in a conditioned space above 40 F
6. at by running your pump when the sun goes down or bypassing the solar system with the bypass valve During the hottest part of the sum mer running the solar system at night can cool a pool to a more refreshing swimming temperature down several degrees in one night if the conditions are right Also if your pool is too warm leave the solar blanket off at night to allow more heat to escape 6 have a leak in my solar A tube leak can be repaired if damage is located at least 3 away from the header The collector following procedure outlines the steps to repair a tube leak using supplied repair plugs Refer to the warranty for information regarding other damage Panel Repair Plug Instructions Required Repair plugs included with system soapy water utility knife small 4 inch hex head or phillips screw driver 1 Locate the leaking tube and mark the tube location on each end of the solar collector Using a utility knife start approximately 3 away from the end of the solar collector then cutting back away from the header scoop out the top portion of the collector tube 1 to 1 1 2 long to insert the plug through Do not cut adjacent tubes Apply soapy water to the repair and inside of the tube Insert the plug pointed end first into the opened tube section Using a small screw driver or hex wrench push the plug gently without stopping into the tube until it reaches the end of the solar collector Remove the small screw
7. b x slip PVC adapters Tools required 6 1 1 2 PVC elbows varying with installation PVC pipe cutters or equivalent 2 e PVC ball valves optional isolation valves Flat head screwdriver or 5 16 nut driver for tightening hose clamps Tools required e Power drill with 1 8 pilot drill bit and a Phillips head bit Flat head screwdriver or 5 16 nut driver Optional roof or rack mounting Power drill with 1 8 pilot drill bit and a Phillips head bit Installation 1 Determine location to install solar collectors Select an unshaded location on the ground or roof near the pool that is at least 5 x 20 and receives full sun for most of the day The solar collectors operate most efficiently when tilted 10 to 30 degrees towards the South although they are still effective when facing West East or mounted flat The solar collectors must be mounted horizontally on a smooth and flat surface using the provided mounting hardware to prevent dam age The solar collector inlet water coming from the pump and filter must always be at the lowest point of the solar collectors unless mounted flat They need to be ac cessible for annual winterizing For ground installation consider laying the solar collectors on grass gravel landscap ing bark or similar If available ground surfaces are not smooth and flat consider build ing a wooden rack platform or deck An example ground rack is shown on the next page For roof insta
8. cordance with the following proration schedule Credited Toward Replacement IN ADDITION TO THE CHARGES FOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE SOLAR COLLECTOR YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PAYMENT OF ANY COSTS AND EXPENSES OF DISASSEMBLY REMOVAL AND RE INSTALLATION OF THE SOLAR COLLECTOR AND ANY OTHER INCIDENTAL SERVICES INVOLVED NONE OF SUCH COSTS OR EXPENSES ARE COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY AND SUNGRABBER IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY OF THEM 7 NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES THESE REMEDIES ARE EXCLUSIVE Unless otherwise explicitly agreed to in writing it is understood that this is the only written warranty given by SunGrabber and SunGrabber neither assumes nor authorizes anyone to assume for it any other obligations or liability in connection with its products INNO EVENT SHALL SUNGRABBER BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY LOST PROFITS INJURY TO GOODWILL OR ANY OTHER SPECIAL INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECTIVE SOLAR COLLEC TOR OR ANY BREACH OF THE ABOVE EXPRESS WARRANTY FOR NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so this exclusion or limitation may not apply to you The above warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state 435 Otterson Drive Chico California 95928 866 SUNGRAB 866 786 4722 Sungrabber 800 994 7652 www sungrabber com P N 09009 12 10
9. ct in a component or part which is not part of the SunGrabber collector 2 To conditions resulting from a significant departure from SunGrabber s installation instructions 3 To conditions such as internal freezing freeze damage resulting from failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance or storage in ac cordance with SunGrabber s operating and maintenance instructions 4 To conditions resulting from any misuse abuse neglect accident or alterations 5 To normal fading and minor deterioration of exterior surfaces resulting from exposure to the elements except conditions that do or will affect performance 6 Damage caused by natural phenomenon B NO WARRANTY OF PERFORMANCE OF THE SOLAR COLLECTORS AND SYSTEM SunGrabber makes no warranty as to the performance of its solar collectors as to any particular temperature or level to which the water will be heated since this depends upon the amount and intensity of sunlight and other variable factors which are impossible to predict and which cannot be controlled C LIMITATIONS ON EXCLUSION FROM COVERAGE The above warranty shall not be considered to be violated or its coverage in any way reduced by conditions that may occur in the normal operation of the system 5 SOME THINGS BUYER MUST DO A PROPER INSTALLATION INSTALLATIONS MUST BE PERFORMED ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED WITH THE PRODUCT B ROUTINE MAINTENANCE Provide reasonable and necessary maintenance in accordance
10. driver or hex wrench with a quick twisting motion Take a second plug and slide it in stopping as it hits the first plug Repeat this procedure at the opposite end as well This repair completely isolated the damaged tube Repeat as necessary to repair additional damaged tubes SMALL SCREW DRIVER an AE A OR HEX WRENCH N L_ HEADER S gt gt gt S N i a ai m y E A nN 1 1 2 1 1 2 PLUG CUT OUT CUT OUT Eh NO o dl 7 LIMITED FIVE YEAR WARRANTY FOR THE SUNGRABBER SOLAR POOL COLLECTOR 1 SCOPE OF COVERAGE This warranty applies only to new swimming pool solar collectors manufactured by SunGrabber and installed according to SunGrabber instructions on premises owned by the original consumer buyer 2 IDENTITY OF WARRANTOR AND WARRANTEE The warranty is extended by SunGrabber to the original consumer buyer of the solar collector 3 LIMITED FIVE YEAR WARRANTY The SunGrabber solar collectors are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under nor mal use and service for the heating of either an inground or above ground swimming pool for five 5 years from date of purchase subject to the terms conditions and limitations described below 4 WHAT IS NOT COVERED A EXCLUSIONS The above warranty does not apply 1 To conditions resulting from a defe
11. e hose clamps about 1 4 from the end of the rubber caps and tighten Insert PVC pipe adapters with hose clamps into rubber couplers and tighten 3 Strap down the solar collectors Lay the mounting straps evenly spaced across the solar collectors The outside mounting straps should be roughly 6 inches away from solar collector ends Place mounting bases under mounting straps a couple inches away from both sides of the solar collectors For ground installations anchor the mounting bases to the ground using ground spikes not provided For roof or ground rack installations align straps with rafter locations in order to anchor mounting bases to rafters Locate rafters by looking under roof eves or by finding rafter nails on fascia boards Lift mounting strap away and drive 1 4 x 2 outdoor screws with roof sealant into mounting bases Thread on mounting caps Installation continued 4 Connect to pool and start up Flexible Pool Hose a The solar collector ends are 1 1 2 hose size If your pool uses a different hose size purchase appropriate reducers from a pool supply store b Turn on your pool pump and record the pressure shown on the pressure gauge on the pool filter Turn off your pool pump and block the inlet and outlet of your pool using the plugs supplied by your pool manufacturer or a suitable alternative c Disconnect the hose at the pool filter outlet d Use a new or existing 1 1 2 flexible hose to connect th
12. e pool filter outlet to the solar h collector The solar collector inlet is at the bottom of solar collector unless laid flat in which case either end can be the inlet Place a hose clamp on the end of the hose and push the hose onto solar collector end at least one inch past the raised ribs Slide the hose clamp into place and tighten Note You may need to warm the hose end by placing it in hot water for several seconds to make it more pliable Use a new or existing 1 1 2 flexible hose to connect the remaining solar collector end to the pool inlet or existing pool heater inlet Unblock the inlet and outlet of the pool Turn on the pump and check for leaks The air in the solar collectors will bubble out into the pool for a few minutes this is nor mal If there s a leak you may have to loosen a hose clamp then push the hose further up onto the barb and retighten the hose clamp After the pump is on and has run for about 5 minutes watch the pressure gauge on the pool filter If the pressure is above 30 psi or if it is 10 psi higher than the pressure reading you took before in Stalling the solar system install the optional bypass valve per the next step g Optional bypass valve to reduce system pressure Glue two 1 1 2 slip PVC tees not supplied on each end of the supplied ball valve Glue four 1 1 2 PVC barb x slip adapters not supplied into the remaining ends of the two tees Using two ad ditional 1 1 2 flexib
13. for the winter 9 Use rubber end caps and hose clamps to plug open pipe or hose connections 6 The pool pump filter and sweep can now be used while the solar collectors are properly stored for the winter Note Operating your solar system during freezing conditions is not an approved freeze protection method Blowing the lines and or solar collectors with a shop vacuum leaf blower or compressor will NOT remove water completely and is not an approved freeze protection method TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE PROBLEM SOLUTION 1 My system doesn t seem Turn off pool pump midday in bright sunlight for approximately 10 minutes and feel solar to be working The water collector It should be quite warm Turn pool pump on again for 10 minutes and feel returning to my pool is not the solar collector which should have become quite cool to the touch The difference in hot temperature is the heat being added to your swimming pool Ensure the bypass valve is properly adjusted so that sufficient flow is circulating through the solar collectors without excessive back pressure If you have a high horsepower pump a significant portion of that water may be bypassed causing the return water to seem only slightly warmer than the pool water 2 My pool is not warm e A properly sized system will raise pool temperatures 10 15 degrees during the swim enough ming season e Solar will not work as well when it is cloudy or rainy you most likely won t be swimmin
14. g during those times After one or two warm days your water will be back up to a comfort able temperature e Be sure the solar collector is getting sun the entire day and is not shaded e If installed on a rack be sure the solar collector is pointed near south tilted 10 to 30 e Be sure the inlet side of the solar collector is on the bottom The solar collector will not function if fed from the top e Consider adding a pool blanket A pool blanket traps the solar heat captured by the solar collectors during the day This is very complementary to the solar system e Consider adding additional solar collectors 3 There are bubbles in the This is normal during startup because air is being purged from the solar collectors If pool air bubbles never stop adjust the bypass valve Turn the bypass valve to Solar Off to determine if you have an issue with your pool pump and not with the solar system 4 Flow seems greatly Check that the plastic caps were removed from the inlet and outlet prior to installation reduced and the filter pres Also be sure the inlet and outlet are properly connected Check the bypass valve adjust sure excessive ment Ensure the pump and filter are in good working condition Aone HP pump will handle installations up to 30 feet away from the pool equipment and one story high You are getting enough flow if the panel is cool to the touch on a hot day 5 My pool is too hot You can turn you reduce your solar he
15. le hoses with hose clamps With pool pump off and pool inlet and outlet blocked insert this bypass valve assembly between the solar collectors and pool equipment as shown in the overview diagram Turn the SOLAR OFF ball valve handle so that it is parallel SOLAR OFF to the ball valve _ Unblock pool inlet and outlet turn on pump and slowly turn ball LO valve handle until pressure gauge reads below 10 psi SOLAR ON Again the air that was in the panel will bubble out into your pool for e a few minutes this is normal h Save the provided repair plugs Discard any other unused parts SOLAR ON Installation continued Rigid PVC Pipe a The supplied valves and fittings are 1 1 2 pipe size If your pool uses a different pipe size consider using appropriate reducers or replacing the valves and fittings with ones that are the same size as your pool plumbing b Turn on your pool pump and record the pressure shown on the pressure gauge on the pool filter Turn off your pool pump If the pump is lower than the top of the pool block the inlet and outlet of the pool c Cut out approximately 2 foot section of pipe directly after the pool filter using PVC pipe cutters or equivalent d Using appropriate PVC primer and cement glue the following valves and fittings directly after the pool filter in the following order 1 Check valve with arrow pointing away from the pool filter 2 Tee for solar inlet with one end leading to the sol
16. llations the roof must be composition asphalt or equivalent The solar collectors cannot be mounted directly on roof surfaces that are not smooth and flat such as tile roofs and metal roofs Installation continued Ground Rack Example 99 29 SYOLIITION avoe OZXZ OML Loo 100d 3H us MO Ol SSA99V NASOIHO MOTIV NWO LYHL Ove Y qng 01931109 yy OS OZX JNO LON O NNOYD JHI NO s301 931109 ONITIVLSNI NAHM CP LIM LNNON 4008 YOLOSTION YVIOS ONISN STSNVd 34N93S CE Sid dd VES ISNV Y ONIGENY LNOHLIM LOVYLNOO ONY ANVYdAXF3 113393 NYO GANY JLMYOddNS A1YI3404d 34V DNIdld ANY YOLA TTO YNVIOS JUN NAA Mn THOLId Z1 L 49 Ofc YO NOISSG SI NOVY CL SALON OX HS 44 al ob 2 a JOLDO J OD JO OS ar rs coon oor ann e Tor 01 931109 GOL 430 JANN tX ANOIIS Y I 1 SMO 931109 Xy 10S TH0ddNS HOLOFIIOD SVIOS N WESIS S JOJOS INO JOL 19DJ D JO UONONNSUOD y Jo uonssbBns o sp psp nold si Bulmbup
17. solar collector inlet water com ing from the pump and filter must be at the lowest point of the solar collectors Overview continued Sizing To determine the optimal number of solar collectors needed to heat your pool visit www sungrabber com You may order additional solar collectors from your Sungrabber dealer Contents Your system includes one or two solar collectors along with mounting hardware con nection hardware and operation valves See the list below for the contents of your exact system Component Add on Collector u 2 2 o 3 1 1 2 Wide Solar Collector 20 Fr 10 a 10 vr 20 a 10f le Mounting Cap Mounting Base cK ac e e e mom foe Po Po Te e COC E EN Flexible Pool Hose Rigid PVC Pipe Additional materials required mr materials required 1 1 2 D flexible hose Mounting screws 1 4 x 2 long outdoor screws amp roof sealant Ground spikes ground installation PVC primer PVC cement and PVC fittings Optional roof or rack mounting 2 1 1 2 PVC tees 6 1 1 2 PVC elbows varying with installation Mounting screws 1 4 x 2 long outdoor screws amp roof sealant 2 1 1 2 PVC ball valves optional isolation valves Ground rack lumber and materials 1 1 2 Sch 40 PVC pipe to connect solar system to pool equipment Optional bypass valve For additional collectors purchase a solar collector add on kit 2 1 1 2 PVC tees and 4 1 1 2 Bar
18. with SunGrabber s operating and maintenance instructions C KEEPING SUNGRABBER INFORMED If it appears to you that any warranted component or part is not functioning properly promptly notify SunGrabber Early attention to a minor problem may help avoid serious problems later 6 WHAT SUNGRABBER WILL DO A REPAIR OR SERVICE If a defect in material or workmanship becomes evident during the warranty period SunGrabber will repair or at its option replace the malfunctioning solar collector with a new solar collector of at least the same quality within a reasonable time upon payment of the charges described below All replace ment parts and repairs shall assume the remaining warranty period of the part s repaired or replaced To verify that your warranty is still in effect you should be prepared to furnish evidence of date of Purchase purchase price and send photos showing that the installation was performed according to the instructions included with the collector The system must be returned to dealer distributor or SunGrabber at homeowner s expense B IF REPLACEMENT IS REQUIRED To obtain replacement of the defective solar collector under the warranty you are required to pay the difference between a SunGrabber s suggested retail price for the solar collector at the time the warranty claim is made and b the prorated portion of SunGrabber s suggested retail price for the solar collector at the time of the original purchase in ac
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