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.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
1. 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 : -
1. 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.
