A. Disconnect all power to the pump at the power panel.
B. Drain the water out of the filter, pump and support system.
C. Disconnect the plumbing pipes from the filter, pump and pool lines.
D. Create new layout of the valves, filter, pump and other parts.
1. Cut new pipe to connect the components together
2. Make a mockup of the layout by inserting pipes into valves, etc.
Do not cement parts together at this stage!
3. Complete the entire new layout to your satisfaction
a. Is everything laid out in an acceptable way?
b. Will everything function properly in the new layout?
c. Does the new layout provide for easy winterization?
d. Does the new layout provide for easy servicing?
e. Does the new layout provide for easy draining of the pool?
f. Does the new layout allow for removal of the pump? Filter?
4. Take a picture of your new layout for reference purposes.
5. Make a drawing of your new layout for reference purposes.
E. Permanently cement the various PVC parts together.
F. Connect remaining parts together.
G. Connect a short section of pipe between the PCS1 inlet and outlet lines
1. This creates a temporary “bypass loop” at the support system.
H. Test the operation of the completed support system.
1. Make sure there are no leaks.
2. Check operation of bypass valve.
3. Check operation of flowreversal valve.
4. Set proportioner valve for correct skimmer action.
NOTE: In theses notes, some comments refer specifically to flowreversal valves that allow
the pool’s water to rise from the bottom of the pool. Such a condition makes the pool more
enjoyable to use since the water is the same temperature throughout the pool. If the flowreversal
valves are not used, simply ignore these comments. See the plumbing diagrams that follow for
1. The use of a temporary bypass loop
at the support systemsimulates the attic based
PCS1 and allows the support system to be completely tested prior to plumbing the PCS1 and
bringing it on line. While this step is certainly optional, those who are inexperienced in PVC
plumbing -- should give it serious consideration.
2. The support system plumbingis the most complicated part of the PCS1
installation. Once it has been determined that the support system is plumbed properly and
functional -- the balance of the installation is relatively simple.
3. A bypass-testing loopcan be installed at the support system, within the attic, or at
any point up to where the PCS1 is to be installed.
NOTE: the bypass loop, when installed within the attic, can take the form of a section of
pipe with union fittings identical to those on the PCS1. An attic bypass loop is helpful when the
entire installation can be completed and there is a delay in the PCS1 delivery.
4. Rigid PVC pipeis used at the support system location for most connections. Use of
2” PVC pipe can make the valve installations easier. It has better flow characteristics than 1 1/2”
PVC. This helps on long pipe runs or large pools.
5. Flexible PVC pipecan be used within the attic to minimize joints and provide
installation ease. This flexible PVC pipe should be a continuous length from both inlet and outlet
through the eaves or other location where it is connected to the rigid PVC pipe with a straight SXS
6. The flexible PVC pipe end that connects to the PCS1 inlet and outlet should be equipped
with a PVC UNIONthat allows for a quick disconnect. This union should be cemented onto the
flex PVC outside of the attic environment. There is absolutely no need to do any PVC cementing
CAUTION: PVC cementing should only be done in well-ventilated areas!
7. The pool water temperature sensorshould be located directly after the filter for
best water temperature sensing. NOTE: This sensor should be insulated after its installation to
prevent weather conditions from unduly influencing the sensed temperature [of the pool] causing a
false start or stop of the solar collection process.
8. The check valveprevents water from entering the PCS1 via its outlet.
9. Any chemical dispenser is located downstream from the PCS1 and must
not distribute chlorine or other chemicals directly into the PCS1.
10. The skimmer suction linemay contain other valves to further split the suction into
additional paths. A typical example is the “vacuum line” which is usually connected to the
skimmer suction line using its own on/off gate valve.
11. Plumbing for a pool vacis left up to the installer. Such plumbing should not defeat
the purpose of flowreversal, if used, by sucking 90% of the water through the vac. In such a case,
pool heating would be heavily dependent upon the pool vac’s location. The pool vac could simply
take water one foot from the main drain and the system would return it out of the main drain in
flowreversal causing a “vortex” of water current and resulting in a false temperature condition,
premature shutdown of the solar collection process or erratic operation of the system.
12. An exploded view of the flowreversal valve, along with a more detailed description
of its operation is contained in the special report “How To Create An Energy Efficient Pool” which
is available directly from SolarAttic's web site.
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