O P E RATION & MAINTENANCE

Collector Repair

IF THE COLLECTOR DEVELOPS A LEAK
Your SunHeater is guaranteed against defects in materials and workman-
ship. If a leak develops for any other reason, you may use the repair
method shown below:
SOLAR COLLECTOR REPAIR
This method allows for an easy and permanent, on-site repair of a
collector by isolating the leading riser tube. Referring to the figure below,
locate the tube to be isolated. (End tube has been shown for clarity)
Using a sharp utility knife, very carefully cut away approximately 1” of the
tube at both headers. Drive a #10 sheet metal screw, preferably stainless,
into the hole in the header. The screw must be between 1/2” and 3/4” long.
DO NOT OV E RT I G H T E N ! If the
screw strips out, or if the repair
leaks, use a #12 screw. This
repair method will not void
the collector warranty.
Enjoy your solar heated pool
for many years to come. Wi t h
proper care & winterization,
S u n H e a t e r c o l l e c t o r s
will last more than
ten years.
Kit # Qty Item # Description
17016 SunHeater Inground Collector Kit
1 16035 4’ x 20’ Polypropylene Collector
5 50077 Mounting Brackets
5 60630 2” #14 Screws
2 60001-1 4” Rubber Connector Hose
4 60003-1 1 1/2” Stainless Steel Clamps
18021 SunHeater System Plumbing Kit
1 60640 100’ Web Strap
1 60001-1 4” Rubber Connector Hose
2 30089-1 Pipe Adapter
1 30061-1 End Cap
1 10003-1 Vacuum Relief End Cap
3 60003-1 1 1/2” Stainless Steel Clamps
5 50077 Mounting Brackets
5 60630 2” #14 Screws
1 60019-2 Spring Check Valve
1 19560 Installation Manual
1 60527 3-Way Diverter Valve
Part #19560 ©2/02 SmartPool Inc. SmartPool Inc, Lakewood, NJ 732/730-9880

S t a r t u p

NOTE: If you have an automatic control, refer to the instructions packed with the control for startup.
1) Check all your connections to be sure they are tight.
2) If you are using a manual diverter system, turn the valve to send water through the solar system.
3) Turn on the pump, check for leaks and tighten any connections that need attention.
4)
You will see air bubbles being pushed into your pool as the solar system is purged of air. This should stop after a few minutes.
5 ) If you continue to see air bubbles into the pool, switch the positions of the end cap and vacuum relief.

O p e r a t i o n

1) The collector should feel cool to the touch when water is passing through. This means that the heat is being
transferred to the water.
2) The water returning to your pool will be a few degrees (3-5 degrees) warmer than the pool itself. This is the most
efficient way to heat a large body of water like a pool. Keep turning the water over and add a few degrees each pass.
3) Only circulate your water through the solar collector during the daylight hours on warm days. If you circulate your
water through it at night or on chilly days, you will cool your pool water. If you need to run your pump at night, open
the diverter valve so that water goes directly back to the pool, bypassing the solar system.

W i n t e r i z a t i o n

The solar system must be drained for winterization. Freeze damage is not covered under your warranty! You must drain your
collectors just like you drain the rest of your pool equipment. Remove an end cap to be sure the water is drained out of the
system and blow out the feed and return piping with a compressor. You can leave the collectors in place (as long as they are
completely drained) and they will withstand even the harshest winters. Of course, you can store your collectors if you like.

Kit Components

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