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SYSTEM PIPING
Refer to Figures 10 & 11, throughout this section. The most common
piping configurations use a pressure filter. The pump draws the water
from the skimmer and/or a main drain, forcing it through the filter and
sending it back to the pool through the return lines. If a fuel-fired
heater is installed, it is located between the filter and the return line
to the pool. The pipes to and from the solar collectors are connected
to the return line to the pool before the water enters the fuel-fired
heater, if one is used. Whenever there is more than 40 gpm (151.6l ) required
flow rate to the collectors or more than 100’ (12m) of piping used
in a system, install 2” (63mm) piping to and from the collectors.
Piping to and from the collectors should be the same type of plastic piping
and fittings approved for use with swimming pool filters and pumps. It
is recommended to always use Schedule 40 PVC pipe and fittings. Although
PVC pipe is generally white, black is also available but may be difficult
to find locally. If for aesthetics black pipe is desired it can always
be painted black. Use a PVC cutter or a PVC wideblade saw (not a hacksaw)
for cutting pipe. It is important to use both a quality cleaner/primer
and solvent in gluing a PVC joint. Finally, use a cloth while either gluing
or painting to keep the job clean. Piping should also be supported at
intervals of 5’ (1.5m) for horizontal pipe and 8’ (2.5m) for
vertical pipe. Use either galvanized or plastic pipe clamps. Outlet header
bracket assemblies, which are made of stainless steel work well as pipe
hangers.
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