INSTALLATION SITE CONDITIONS NECESSARY:
To get the full benefits of a solar pool heater you must have
an area for the solar collectors (panels) that is large enough
and has the proper exposure to the sun. If you install the
collectors on a pitched roof, the ideal direction should face
south. You will need to add more collectors as the angle
facing due south varies. Keep in mind that the panels can
just as easily be placed on a rack in the yard, a trellis, or
separate building altogether.

SOLAR PUMP:
In almost all cases where the filter pump is currently keeping the pool clean, it is not necessary to change it or to add a pump for the solar heater. The existing pump is usually capable of circulating pool water through the solar panels.

SOLAR CONTROLS:
Solar heating is completely automatic in a properly designed solar heating system. When your pool requires heat, the automatic control diverts the water coming from the filter to the solar collectors, if they are receiving solar energy. This continues until the pre-set desired temperature is reached or until no more solar energy is available. The solar collectors will preheat the water before it gets to the gas heater and the gas heater will use only the fuel needed to make up the difference.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE:
Operation of solar pool heaters are extremely simple. Just flip a switch on
the control to "Auto" at the beginning of the season and set the thermostat
on the control to the pool temperature you want. At the end of the season,
flip the control switch to "Off". If you have a solar system that does not drain water back completely the panels should be winterized by uncapping the
lowest solar panel to prevent the possibility of freeze damage. The only
routine maintenance you will need to do is the same as you should always
do for your pool, keep the pool clean and in proper chemical balance. It is advisable to shut off the water supply to your pool sweep and solar collectors
if you will be adding pool shock treatment or excessive amounts of chemicals.

COLLECTOR LIFE:
Solar swimming pool heating collectors can be expected to last for at least 20 years.

LIMITATIONS:
Solar pool heating can not keep up the temperature on heavily overcast or rainy days or during winter months. You may need to operate your gas heater to make up the temperature difference, if you attempt to maintain an unusually warm pool temperature. Even if you choose to use your conventional gas pool heater as well, the solar heater will still supply a large amount of free energy.