SunGrabber Installation Manual
Contents
1. Answer If you have a gas heater or heat pump installed on your pool currently simply install your SunGrabber between the filter and the gas heater heat pump and you will see a reduction in your monthly energy bill Question left my solar panel full of water through the winter and now some of the tubes are leaking Can it be repaired Answer Yes itcan You will need to order our Panel Repair Kit from your local dealer Itis very important that your SunGrabber is properly winterized each year Reference the Winterizing Your SunGrabber section of this manual page 6 CUSTOMER SUPPORT If your issue was not addressed in our Troubleshooting or Frequently Asked Questions sections please visit us on the web at www sungrabber com or contact our customer support department at 1 866 S UNGRAB 786 4722 WARRANTY Your SunGrabber is backed by a limited ten year warranty SunGrabber 866 SUNGRAB 866 786 4722 435 Otterson Drive Chico CA 95928 www sungrabber com P N07348A 2 052. UNGRAB 786 4722 Issue My system doesn t seem to be working Resolution Turn off your pool pump midday in bright sunlight After 10 minutes have passed feel the solar panel It should be quite warm to the touch Turn your pool pump back on Wait another 10 minutes and feel the solar panel again It should be cooler to the touch The difference in temperature is the heat being added to your swimming pool and indicates that your system is functioning properly Also the water entering the pool from the solar panel through the pool inlet should be warmer than the surrounding pool water Issue My pool is not warm enough Resolution Your system should be up and running for five days to reach optimum temperature Be sure the system is turned off during the night or this will cool your pool Be sure your solar system is getting sun the entire day or at least 4 to 6 hours preferable of afternoon sun If your system is tilted be sure itis to the south or southwest with the Inlet at the bottom If the Inlet is at the top your system will not function TROUBLESHOOTING CONTINUED Issue Flow from my pool inlet seems greatly reduced and filter pressure excessive Resolution There will be some increase in backpressure on the filter and pump when the solar system is on Please perform the following checks 1 Check to see that your filter is properly cleaned 2 Checkthatthe vinyl caps were removed from the inlet and outlet prior to installatio
3. WITH THE NECESSARY EXPERIENCE TO DO THE INSTALLATION FAILURE TO OBSERVE SAFE PRACTICES ON A ROOF OR OTHER ELEVATED STRUCTURE MAY RESULT IN FALLING LEADING TO SERIOUS INJ URY WHEN INSTALLING COLLECTORS ON THE GROUND DO NOT BUILD A RACK SUPPORT THAT CAN ALLOW CHILDREN TO ACCESS THE POOL Congratulations You are about to install a SunGrabber Above Ground Solar Pool Heater AGP The best solar pool heater made Based right here in the U S A the manufacturer of SunGrabber pioneered polymer solar pool heaters over 30 years ago and today takes great pride in being the largest and oldest manufacturer in the world Backed by the longest and best warranty in the industry your SunGrabber is state of the art in solar pool heating technology and will provide years of FREE HEAT for your pool In fact when sized and installed correctly a SunGrabber will raise your pool temperatures up to 10 F and extend your swimming season R Regular use of a solar blanket will enhance the performance of your new SunGrabber and allow you to enjoy a warmer pool HOW DOES THE SUNGRABBER SYSTEM WORK e system is designed to be connected to your pool at one end of the solar panel e The Inlet accepts pool water directly from your pool pump SOLAR HEAT e integrated disc at the mid point within the Inlet Oulet header automatically diverts the right amount of flow through the solar panel PANEL OUTLET P
4. to hold them flat After 30 minutes or so in the sun the panel s will stay flat INSTALLING YOUR SUNGRABBER CONTINUED Step 2 Connecting Hardware Each panel requires installation of two 1 PVC threaded plugs Wrap the threads of each threaded plug with about three wraps of Teflon tape and screw the plugs into the ends of the panels opposite the inlet outlet pipe Hand tighten only NOTE THE INLET AND OUTLET ENDS ARE MARKED ON THE INLET OUTLET PIPE Step 3 Connecting Panels COMPACT SYSTEMS ONLY 1 Position the two panels side by side about 6 from each other making sure that the inlet outlet ends of each panel are on the same side Be sure the panels are positioned so that the inlet outlet ends are closestto your pump and filter 2 Remove the caps that cover the inlet outlet pipes on your solar panels 3 In between the two panels where the inlet outlet pipes meet push one end of the supplied rubber coupler over the pipe opening marked Outlet Be sure to push the coupler at least an inch past the raised ribs of the Outlet adapter 4 Slide the two 1 1 2 hose clamps over the coupler Do not tighten Push the other end of the rubber coupler over the adjacent panel adapter marked Inlet Be sure to push the coupler at least an inch past the raised ribs Slide the hose clamps into position at both ends of the coupler about 1 4 from either end and tighten Step 4 Connecting System to the Pool SP In th
5. ANEL INLET COOL WATER TO SOLAR PANEL e Pool water moves through the solar panel picking up the sun s solar heat along the way 1 WARM WATER TO POOL FILTER AND PUMP e Warmed pool water is then returned back to the pool from the Outlet side of the panel SWIMMING POOL e During the day solar heat is continually added each time your pool water circulates through the solar panel 5 If your pool water is too warm circulate the pool water through the solar panel at night to cool your pool WHY IS SUNGRABBER YOUR BEST CHOICE SunGrabber s patented tube to tube construction and water metering system provides even flow and heating along the entire width and length of the solar panel These features eliminate inefficient hot Spots associated with other solar brands 1 Pool water enters the header and travels through the metering holes into the subplenum without creating excessive additional backpressure on the pool pump W S to PA EL 1 wim 22 2 subplenum evenly distributes pool water simultaneously to every panel tube N 3 The pool water then flows down the panel creating fully wetted surface that is in touch with the sun s solar heat A 4 A balanced fully wetted surface optimizes transfer of the sun s available solar heat to your pool water SUBPLENUM CROSS SECTION OF HEADER METERING HOLES WHAT S NEEDED T
6. O INSTALL YOUR SUNGRABBERT SunGrabber Product AGP Compact 40 000 BTU s Box Contents by Item Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown 1 SunGrabber Product AGP jr 40 000 BTU s Box Contents by Item Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown Box Contents Item Quantity Description Box Contents Item Quantity Description 1 1 2 x 20 above ground solar panel 2 2 1 PVC threaded plug 1 1 4 X10 above ground solar panel 2 2 1 PVC threaded plug Additional Parts Required 1 Flexible 1 1 2 diameter pool hose 1 11 2 hose clamp and Teflon tape SunGrabber Product AGP Compact 80 000 BTU s Box Contents by Item Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown Additional Parts Required 1 Flexible 1 1 2 diameter pool hose 1 11 2 hose clamp and Teflon tape SunGrabber Product AGP 80 000 BTU s Box Contents by Item Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown Box Contents Description 2 x 20 above ground solar panel 1 PVC threaded plug 11 2 rubber coupler 1 1 2 hose clamp Box Contents Description 4 x 20 above ground solar panel 1 PVC threaded plug Additional Parts Required 1 Flexible 1 1 2 diameter pool hose 1 11 2 hose clamp and Teflon tape SunGrabber Product AGP Ultra Compact 80 000 BTU s Box Contents
7. SunGrabber ABOVE GROUND SOLAR POOL HEATER INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS How Does the SunGrabber System Page2 Winterizing Your Page 6 Why is SunGrabber Your Best Page 2 Page 6 amp 7 What s Needed to Install Your SunGrabber esses 3 Frequently Asked Page 7 Installing your 5 Page4 amp 5 Page 7 Heating Y our Pool senem ees Page 6 Warranty sss em Page 7 ATTENTION THIS MANUAL PROVIDES A DETAILED STEP BY STEP PROCEDURE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE SUNGRABBER SOLAR POOL HEATING SYSTEM THE DIRECTIONS SHOULD BE FOLLOWED PROPERLY AND ONLY RECOMMENDED SUNGRABBER COMPONENTS AND HARDWARE SHOULD BE USED IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A TROUBLE FREE SYSTEM READ THIS MANUAL COMPLETELY BEFORE STARTING IF YOU HAVE ANY INSTALLATION PROBLEMS OR QUESTIONS CONSULT YOUR LOCAL FAFCO DEALER ALWAYS CONFORM TO LOCAL BUILDING CODES CAUTION SOLAR COLLECTORS ARE OFTEN INSTALLLED ON THE ROOF OF BUILDINGS OR RESIDENTIAL HOMES UNLESS YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH WORKING ON ROOFS AND HAVE THE PROPER LADDERS AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR SUCH WORK YOU SHOULD HIRE SOMEONE
8. by Item Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown e Box Contents Item Quantity Description 1 2 x 20 above ground solar panel 1 PVC threaded plug 11 2 rubber coupler 1 1 2 hose clamp 11 2 ball valve use optional 1 102 x 6 flexible pool hose Additonal Parts Required 1 1 1 2 hose clamp optional for by pass valve 2 1 1 2 PVC TEE 4 1 1 2 PVC hose adapter 1 PVC Solvent P rimer C ement and 1 Flexible 1 1 2 diameter pool hose Additional Parts Required 1 Flexible 1 1 2 diameter pool hose 1 11 2 hose clamp and Teflon tape The additional parts required may be purchased at your local pool dealer or hardware store TOOLS REQUIRED flat screwdriver 1 4 socket driver AVAILABLE SUNGRABBER ACCESSORIES 1 2 to 2 P anel Add on Adapter Kit Panel Add on Kit Roof Rack Mounting Kit Manual By Pass Valve Kit By Pass Valve Panel Repair Kit INSTALLING YOUR SUNGRABBER Your SunGrabber system is quite versatile in installation and operation Locate the system where it will have the maximum exposure to sunlight during the day while keeping it out of foot traffic areas Afternoon sun is better than morning sun R Although SunGrabber solar panels are extremely durable you should never make it a practice of walking on them As long as your pool pump is of adequate horsepower you have the option of installing the
9. is step you may use your existing hose if it s long enough If itis not you will HER need to use a length of hose to reach from the solar panel s to your pool filter 1 Turn off your pool pump and block the inlet and outlet of your pool using the plugs supplied by your pool manufacturer or a suitable alternative 2 Unhook the hose from the pool inlet where the hose connects to your pool after coming from the filter If you have a gas heater or heat pump then unhook the hose from the gas heater heat pump inlet NOTE REFER TO TYPICAL ON GROUND INSTALLATION SCHEMATIC ON PAGE 4 FOR POOL INLET LOCATION 3 With the hose clamp in place over the solar panel s Inlet adapter push the hose onto the Inlet adapter being sure to slide itat least one inch pastthe raised ribs Slide the hose clamp into place and tighten NOTE YOU MAY NEED TO WARM THE HOSE END TO MAKE IT MORE PLIABLE THIS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED BY PLACING IT IN HOT WATER FOR SEVERAL SECONDS 4 Slide a hose clamp over the 1 1 2 hose that will run from the panel to the pool inlet or gas heater heat pump inlet 5 Push the hose onto the solar panel s Outlet adapter at least one inch past the raised ribs Slide the hose clamp into place and tighten 6 Attach the other end of the Outlet hose to the pool inlet or gas heater heat pump inlet Again position the hose clamp and tighten 7 Unblock the inlet and outlet of your pool 8 Turn your pump on and check the hose clam
10. n Also make sure your connections to the solar panel are atthe end labeled Inlet Outlet 3 Ifyou have a 1 horsepower pump and the solar system is not elevated and is within 30 feet of the pool you may need to install our Manual By Pass Valve Kit to regulate flow going through the panel SunGrabber systems function best at a flow rate of 4 to 8 gpm per panel FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS The following questions are those asked most frequently by our SunGrabber customers If you have a question or concern about your SunGrabber your answer may be found below Question Should use a solar pool cover with my solar system Answer A solar pool cover prevents evaporation and heat loss especially at night when the outside temperature is cooler If you do not use one there is a good chance that the heat you added during the day will be lost at night Question Can In ground pool solar panels be used to heat my above ground pool Answer Yes although In ground solar panel systems are much more expensive to buy and install And as long as pool pump is of adequate horsepower Questions Can add on more systems if want my pool warmer Answer Absolutely The more panels the warmer the pool Your SunGrabber system s modular design accepts additional panels very easily You will need to order our Panel Add on Kit along with your next SunGrabber purchase Question use my SunGrabber with a gas heater or heat pump
11. ool becomes too warm during the season turn the pump and solar on at night to help cool the pool WINTERIZING YOUR SUNGRABBER Whether mounted on the ground rack or roof your solar panel s must be drained and stored before the first frost If water is allowed to freeze in the panel damage may occur To winterize perform the following steps 1 Tum off pool pump 2 Place plugs supplied with your pool in the pool inlet and outlet Disconnect both hoses from the Inlet and Outlet adapters on the solar panel s Disconnect the hose from the pool inlet Connect the hose from the pump to the inlet on the pool and tighten the hose clamps 3 Remove the plugs from the inlet and the outlet of the pool and check for leaks 4 Remove both of the threaded plugs located at the end of the panel s opposite the Inlet Oulet pipe Roll the panel s and secure using the original carrying strap Tilt panel s until all the water drains 5 Replace the original caps onto the panel adapters and store the panel s in the garage or a shed until next spring R Freeze damage is not covered under warranty TROUBLESHOOTING If you are having an issue with your SunGrabber please review this section and the Frequently Asked Questions section that follows Usually a resolution can be found in these two sections If your particular issue is not found please visit us on the web at www sungrabber com or contact our customer support department at 1 866 S
12. ps and plumbing for leaks If there is a leak you may have to tighten the threaded plugs If a leak is ata clamp you will need to loosen the hose clamp push the hose further onto the pipe and re tighten the clamp HEATING YOUR POOL When the system starts up you will notice tiny air bubbles flowing into your pool This is the plumbing and solar panel s being purged of any air This is normal and should last a few minutes To check the performance of the system turn the pool pump off Wait 10 minutes and feel the surface of the solar panel It should be hotto the touch Now turn the pool pump back on and feel the panel getting cooler to the touch The difference in temperature is FREE solar heat being added to your pool water Warning If the panel is full of water and has been sitting in the sun without the pump running the water can get very Am3 hot Hot water can cause burns so be sure everyone is away from the pool inlet each time the system is turned on For best results turn on your solar system whenever your solar panels are in the sun Turn the solar system off at night or when it s raining to prevent cooling the pool If your pool system has a timer set it to operate from 9 a m until 5 p m This is the best solar heating period Using a solar blanket in addition to your solar pool heater will hold the warmth in the pool and help it heat more quickly It is particularly important to use the blanket at night or when it s windy If your p
13. system on the ground next to your pool on your roof or shed or on a rack A 3 4 to 1 1 2 horsepower pump will generally handle installations up to 30 feet away from the pool equipment and one story high If your pool has a gas heater or heat pump plumb your solar system in between the filter and gas heater heat pump You will see a reduction in your monthly energy bill 1 1 2 Threaded Caps 6 with Clamps X Typical On ground Installation R If you are mounting on a roof or rack please contact your local dealer for our Roof Rack Mounting Kit The optimum flow rate through a solar system is 4 to 8 gpm per panel If your pool pump is larger than 1 horsepower gt and you are installing the solar system at ground level within 30 feet of the pool equipment contact your local dealer about ordering our Manual By pass Valve Kit to regulate flow and maximize performance Step 1 Positioning the Solar Panels Once you have found the optimal location for your system be sure there are no rocks or other sharp objects lying on the ground that could potentially puncture the solar panels Turn the SunGrabber box on its side and slide the solar panel s out Position the rolled up panel s so that they will unroll into the area you have chosen Gently unroll the panel s They may try to roll back up when released If this happens place a smooth object of no more than 15 pounds on each end of the panel s
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