Plumbing Requirements

Overview:

When planning plumbing system layout, reference the plumbing schematics following this section as a guide to the sequence of equipment, valves, fittings, etc. The plumbing configurations for typical installations are diagrammed. In operation, it is imperative the heat pump receive water flow within the minimum-maximum ranges specified for the particular heat pump. Should the system installation under consideration not closely match any of the schematics, contact AquaCal Technical Support for advice and guidance: (800) 786-7751.

Parts and Materials:

Industry technology changes much too rapidly for AquaCal to specify, with exactness, any items outside and beyond the heat pump. What is specified is that the heat pump must be installed in accordance with all applicable local, state, or national codes & standards.

Connection to Heat Pump:

All TropiCal heat pumps come equipped with 2" PVC, plumbing unions. Connection to site plumbing is made via PVC solvent cement to the female slip socket of the plumbing unions.

Ability to Winterize:

In regions where hard winters are typical, the unions mentioned above allow for easy disconnection/reconnecting of the heater from the plumbing system. Caution: do not defeat the function of the unions–use no glue on the threaded portion of the unions.

Maximum Operating Pressure: 50 PSI

Minimum/Maximum Water Flow Rates:

All TropiCal models are designed to operate successfully between flow rates of 20 to 70 gallons-per-minute (GPM) . Design the plumbing system to maintain at least 20 GPM flow through the heater; the heat pump will not operate correctly, nor reliably, with less than 20 GPM of water flow supplied. If water flow rates through the heater will exceed 70 GPM, a spring-check bypass valve will be required; generally speaking, most residential pools and spas will not require a bypass unless a pump of 2 HP or larger is used (for bypass valve details, see information and plumbing schematic, following).

External Bypass Check Valve Requirement

For installations where flow rates exceed 70 gpm an additional spring bypass check valve must be installed.

NOTE:

Use of the wrong size check valve may compromise the heat pump’s efficiency, reliability, and may void the factory warranty. For models T135, T115 & T65, a 5 lb. Spring check valve is required. (AquaCal Part #2556.)

Bypass Check