Solartaire - Step by Step
With the many different combinations for installing a
Poolstore Solartaire Solar System we will explain the
different components used to make a complete Solar System.
-
A system may be designed
to operate independently of the filtration system
- this will require dedicated solar lines between
the pool and the solar pump and motor (a Hair and
Lint Pot "Jogger" pump and motor is recommended).
An additional filter (part no. SF95) in-line mesh
filter may be necessary to ensure fine particles do
not clog the absorber.
-
It is generally recommended
that the swimming pool filtration pump is not sufficient
to circulate the pool water through the solar absorber.
A solar booster pump and motor should be installed to
run in conjunction with the filtration system and to
maintain standard filtration operating pressures. A
non-return valve is installed in the pool return line
immediately after the filter to prevent backwashing
the filter when the solar system drains down.
-
Absorber:
-
The Flexible 10 Tube strip absorber is manufactured
from commercial grade Thermal Plastic Rubber (TPR).
The Poolstore Solartaire Absorber is sold in 7.5sq metres
(SA75) rolls.
Prior to taking any absorber to the roof, ensure that
the roof tiles are clean where adhesive is to be placed
(Clean with water blasting or by wire brushing).
Absorber strips should be cut to length and laid loosely
on roofing material.
-
Manifold
Clips: -
(a) Tile Clip (Stainless Steel)
To install Manifold Clip/Tile Clip (SM60): -
This type of manifold clip holds up to three pipes in
place, they are to be positioned every 3 tiles under
the manifold line. To install the manifold clips, raise
the selected tile slightly with a screwdriver and fit
clip around one edge of the tile, pass the straight
end of the clip through the pressed out loops in the
clip, push the hook end of the clip around the opposite
end of the tile, twisting the wire to ensure that the
clip is hooked under the tile. Pull straight end of
the stainless wire taut through the clip and bend through
900 vertically.
Lay flow and return manifold and return pipe against
the upstand of wire. Ensure that the wire of the manifold
clip is 10-12mm from the manifold joiners- expansion
and contraction.
Pull the stainless wire tight over the pipe and manifold
and loosely fasten to the wire at the other side of
the pipe/manifold.
(b) Black Clip (Single
Screw) Plastic: -
To install Plastic Clip (S20): -
This type of clip is the most common one used today.
A single Stainless Screw is needed for the installation
of this clip. (If breakage of tiles is a possibility
use Manifold type S30). Once clip is firmly screwed
into position (quantity will vary for each installation
- rule of thumb "one per metre of pipe")
push pipe into clip - rotating the pipe with manifold
in correct direction. If needed a tie may be threaded
through the pre-drilled holes in clip and twisted
to give a more secure hold.
-
Manifolds:
-
Your design sketch will show the areas of the roof
on which manifolds are to be installed. Set out the
position of manifolds before any gluing or drilling
is done. Glue end caps on manifolds. On PVC Class
12 pipe mark the positions where the manifolds are
to be installed. Two manifolds are used for each width
of absorber. In sets of two, mark on PVC Class 12
Pipe, the positions of manifolds. The sets of two
manifolds should be placed as close together as possible,
allowing for only a slight parting (cutting) in web
section of absorber. Use 9/16 drill bit, drill hole
positions in pipe. Place small amount of detergent
inside manifold rubber grommet and push into hole
on PVC pipe - then push manifold into grommet.
If pipework is to run down one side of roof, remember
to leave a gap a little greater than the width of
the absorber between the sets of manifold to allow
for looping of absorber.
-
Absorber
to Manifold Connection: -
Using stripping pliers, strip out the webs for a distance
of about 60mm from cut end of absorber (DO NOT PENETRATE
absorber tubes). Lubricate the locking sleeve (SS100)
by placing in a container of water and detergent and
slip on onto each of the 10 tubes of absorber - slide
down as far as uncut webbing, (small tapered end first).
Wet absorber tubes with the same soapy water and push
absorber tubes onto their respective manifold barb
unti tube is just past second ridge on barb.
DO NOT PUSH the absorber tubes all the way down the
barb as it will make it difficult when tightening
up the sleeve.
-
Attaching
Absorber to Roof: -
Stretch the absorber neatly across each tile. At the
point where the absorber turns around, the tubes and
webbing need to be separated for a distance of approx.
300mm. This procedure will ensure that the absorber
turn-back sits neatly and low on the tiles.
In some installations Tile Clips - (S30) will need
to be installed in conjunction with adhesive. This
clip can be used by hooking under the tile or in most
cases the hook is removed and the clip is screwed
down onto roof. One Tile Clip (S30) is used for every
two runs - strips of absorber being laid. A small
section of web is to be removed every 5 tubes of absorber
- this is to enable the feeding of the absorber through
the tile clips. It is recommended that the tile clips
be fixed prior to the installation of adhesive. This
form of attachment is recommended for metal roofs.
IF WIND
IS VERY STRONG DO NOT ATTEMPT THE FOLLOWING
Starting at the top of the roof, glue the absorber
to the tile using Absorber Adhesive (S20N). Raise
the absorber slightly and place the adhesive under
the absorber in a thin strip on the high point of
the tile. Press the absorber into the bed of adhesive.
If the adhesive is exposed to air it will quickly
"skin off" considerably, reducing the efficiency
of the adhesive - so speed is of the essence. Continue
to glue absorber to roof every 3 tiles (more frequently
if required), across and down roof until the entire
absorber array has been adhered to roof. The adhesive
will achieve a maximum bond after 48hrs.
-
Pipework: - (with booster pump)
All pipework should be the shortest length possible.
Install the delivery and return pipes up the wall
of structure leading to the manifolds. Remember 450
or 900 elbows will be needed to extend pipwork over
any guttering. Pipes may be fixed to the structure
wall by using Plastic Clip (S20). Any underground
pipework should be deep enough to avoid damage. Dig
trench and lay both pipes and 25mm conduit (for solar
controller roof probe cable). Bring them to the surface
vertically as close as possible to the pump piping.
Draw solar controller roof probe cable through the
conduit and secure with cable ties behind the pipes
up to the roof.
Install a non-return valve (SV40) at the first convenient
point on the filter to pool line. Install a 3 way
(isolating valve) after the non-return valve but before
the booster pump.
Install the solar controller in the plant room - keep
the controller close to the pool pump and solar pump
to allow the pump's electrical leads to connect to
the bottom of the solar controller. Install the solar
controller pool probe before the first solar pipework
"T". Install the Vacuum Relief Valve (SV90
& SV60) to the top of the delivery manifold. Install
an end cap at the bottom of the return manifold fitting.
A drawing should be done prior to the installation
of all valves and fittings.
Allow 30 minutes for all glued joints to set prior
to turning on the solar system and checking the pipework
for any leaks. If there are any leaks in the solar
absorber they may be rectified utilising a joiner
(SA15) and two locking sleeves.
OTHER TYPES
OF INSTALLATIONS: -
(A)
ROOFS: -
Some systems will need to be installed on other than tiled
roofs. The method of installation on these other roofs follows
generally that of tiled roofs. However, there are some differences.
Corrugated Galvanised Iron (CGI)
The manifold fittings should be installed vertically, in
line with the corrugations. The saddles are located on the
top of the corrugations at 900mm spacing and held with tec
screws complete with appropriate water sealing washers.
(B) PIPEWORK/INSTALLATIONS : -
Independent of Filtration System
A drawing of pipework showing all fittings should be done
prior to the installation. A "Jogger" Solar
Pump complete with Hair and Lint Pot is recommended in
this instance. An In-Line Clear Filter (SF95) must be
installed if no Hair and Lint Pot is on pump. A non-return
valve (SV40) is to be fitted to the pumps discharge pipework.
(C) SOLAR CONTROLLER: -
Please find enclosed with your Poolstore Solartaire Solar
Controller (SC80) a full installation and operating system
manual.
For any further information on the Poolstore Solartaire
Solar System please contact us.
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