How Does the SunGrabberTM System Work?...............................
Why is SunGrabber
What’s Needed to Install Your SunGrabber
Installing your SunGrabber
Heating Your Pool………….……………………………………...…
ATTENTION: THIS MANUAL PROVIDES A DETAILED STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE SUNGRABBER
POOL HEATING SYSTEM. THE DIRECTIONS SHOULD BE FOLLOWED PROPERLY AND ONLY RECOMMENDED SUNGRABBER
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 SUNGRABBER
CONFORM TO LOCAL BUILDING CODES.
CAUTION:
FAMILIAR WITH WORKING ON ROOFS AND HAVE THE PROPER LADDERS AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR SUCH WORK, YOU SHOULD HIRE
SOMEONE 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 INJURY. WHEN INSTALLING COLLECTORS ON THE GROUND, DO
NOT BUILD A RACK SUPPORT THAT CAN ALLOW CHILDREN TO ACCESS THE POOL.
TM
Your Best Choice?.....................................
TM
………………..………………………
SOLAR COLLECTORS ARE OFTEN INSTALLED ON THE ROOF OF BUILDINGS OR RESIDENTIAL HOMES. UNLESS YOU ARE
TM
……………………..
Page 2
Page 2
Page 3 & 4
Page 4-7
Page 8
Winterizing Your SunGrabber
Troubleshooting……..…………………….……..
Frequently Asked Questions……………….…..
Customer Support………….……………………
Warranty……………………..…………………...
TM
….…………....
TM
COMPONENTS
TM
DEALER. ALWAYS
TM
SOLAR
Page 8
Page 8
Page 9
Page 9
Page 9
Congratulations!
SUBPLENUM
METERING HOLES
CROSS-SECTION
OF HEADER
PANEL TUBES
SUBPLENUM
METERING HOLES
CROSS-SECTION
OF HEADER
PANEL TUBES
You are about to install a SunGrabber
U.S.A., the manufacturer of SunGrabber
TM
In-ground Solar Pool Heater - The best solar pool heater made! Based right here in the
TM
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
installed correctly, a SunGrabber
TM
can raise your pool temperatures up by 10°F, and extend your swimming season.
Regular use of a solar blanket will enhance the performance of your new SunGrabber
for your pool! In fact, when sized and
TM
and allow you to enjoy a
warmer pool!
HOW DOES THE SUNGRABBERTM SYSTEM WORK?
xThe system is designed to be installed horizontally (20’ long panels) or vertically (10’ and 12’ long panels)
xPool water moves through the solar panel(s) picking up the sun’s solar heat along the way.
xWarmed pool water is then returned back to the pool.
xDuring the day, between 2°F and 5°F of heat is added each time your pool water circulates through the solar panel(s).
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If your pool water is too warm, circulate the pool water through the solar panel at night to cool your pool!
WHY IS SUNGRABBERTM YOUR BEST CHOICE?
SunGrabberTM’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.
2. The subplenum evenly distributes pool water simultaneously to
every panel tube.
3. The pool water then flows down the panel creating a fully-wetted
surface that is in touch with the sun’s solar heat.
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4. A balanced fully-wetted surface optimizes transfer of the sun’s
WHAT’S NEEDED TO INSTALL YOUR SUNGRABBERTM? (CONTINUED)
Additional parts required other than P/N 267 System Kit can be purchased at you local hardware store.
TOOLS REQUIRED
Cordless drill
1/8” drill bit
7/16” socket and driver
1/2” ratchet
Flathead and Phillips screwdriver
1/4” socket driver
Tape measure
Marking pencil
Hack saw or PVC pipe cutter
AVAILABLE SUNGRABBER
P/N 241-2 1 1/2” X 2” Panel Add-on Adapter Kit
P/N 250-1 High Wind Roof/Rack Mounting Kit (1 required per (2) 2’ panels
plus 1 additional per system)
P/N 261-2 Panel Add-on Kit
P/N 262 Panel Repair Kit
For more information on accessories, please contact your nearest SunGrabber
INSTALLING YOUR SUNGRABBER
The ideal location for your SunGrabber
TM
ACCESSORIES
TM
TM
system is a south-facing
TM
pitched roof closest to your pool equipment with enough space to
mount your panel(s). West-facing would be a second choice
followed by east with north being the least desirable. Be certain
that trees or other structures do not shade the location you select.
The effectiveness of your SunGrabber
TM
system is dependent on
the amount of direct sunlight. Survey the roof to confirm a proper
fit.
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.
Large systems and remote installation may require a pump with
more horsepower. If your pool has a gas heater or heat pump,
plumb the solar system in between the filter and gas heater/heat
pump. You should see a reduction in your monthly energy bill!
dealer or visit us on the web at www.sungrabber.com
Rubber Cap
Typical Horizontal Installation
You can install up to (12) 2’ wide solar panels either
horizontally (20’ panels) or vertically (10’ and 12’
panels).
When transporting panel(s) to the roof or rack and
while positioning panel(s) before mounting, be sure
they are not dragged over any sharp surfaces.
Each SunGrabber
TM
solar panel is water pressure
tested and drained at the factory so it is common for
some residual water to be present in your solar
panel upon delivery.
VRV
(for drainage)
1 1/2” Rubber Cap
Typical Vertical Installation
4
TM
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INSTALLING YOUR SUNGRABBER
(CONTINUED)
HORIZONTAL INSTALLATION ON SHINGLE ROOF [P/N’S 260-1, 260-2, 260-5, 260-6]
CAUTION: VERTICAL INSTALLATION OF THESE MODELS WILL VOID THE WARRANTY
1. Determine the location of your panel(s). Lay out your
system so that it declines slightly (a minimum of 1/4 inch of
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fall every 10 feet) toward the bottom corner of the panel that
feeds from your pool equipment. This is needed to ensure
proper drainage during daily use and for winterizing.
2. The three mounting straps provided should be positioned
with one in the center of the panel, and one 5” in from each
header. Mark the bottom row lag screw locations. Position
the first strap with 10” of under-hang below the lag screw
location, drill an 1/8” pilot hole, remove strap, apply adhesive
to the pilot hole, re-position the strap, and screw the lag
screw through the strap into the roof. Install remaining two
straps the same way. In Step 8, you will use the 10”
underhang strapping and the same lag screw to secure
supply piping. (see photos 2)
3. If this is a multiple panel system, connect all the panels
using the rubber couplers and hose clamps provided with
your system. Make sure each coupler is pushed on at least
an inch past the raised ribs of the header adapters. Position hose clamps 1/4” from the end of the couplers and tighten. (see
photo 3)
4. Install the rubber cap and stainless steel clamp over the header adapter at the bottom corner of the system that will not have
plumbing running to it. (see photo 4)
5. Install the VRV and bell reducer as shown onto the upper most corner of the top panel that will
not have plumbing running to it. (see photo 5)
6. Install rubber couplers and clamps on the opposite corners that will receive plumbing. Insert 11/2” Male Ribbed Adapters (MRAs) with barbs into the coupler and secure with a hose clamp.
(see photo 6)
7. Follow Steps 1 and 2 for mounting remaining straps.
8. Construct plumbing as shown. Use extra strapping at the bottom to hold supply piping.
(see photos 8)
ATTENTION: P/N 250-1 HIGH WIND ROOF/RACK MOUNTING KITS may be purchased from your
dealer and used in high wind applications in addition to the roof/rack mounting hardware
included in your system. One kit is required for every two panels used in a system; one
additional kit is required to complete the system. (Example: A system with (8) 2’ panels requires
5 kits)
4.
6.
2.
2.
3.
8. 5. 8.
5
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INSTALLING YOUR SUNGRABBER
(CONTINUED)
VERTICAL INSTALLATION ON SHINGLE ROOF [P/N 270-2, 272-2, 280-2, 280-3]
ATTENTION: HORIZONTAL INSTALLATION OF THESE MODELS IS ACCEPTABLE
M
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1. Determine the location of your panel(s). Lay out your system
so that it declines slightly (a minimum of 1/4 inch of fall every
10 feet) toward the bottom corner of the panel that feeds from
your pool equipment. This is needed to ensure proper
drainage for winterizing.
2. Lay out all panels and connect them together using the rubber
couplers and hose clamps provided. Make sure the couplers
are pushed onto the header adapter at least an inch past the
raised barb, position the hose clamps 1/4” from the ends of
the couplers, and tighten.
3. Install the rubber cap and stainless steel clamp over the
header adapter at the bottom corner of the system that will not
have plumbing running to it. (see photo 4)
4. Install the VRV and bell reducer as shown onto the upper
most corner of the top panel that will not have plumbing
running to it. (see photo 5)
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5. Install rubber couplers and clamps on the opposite corners
that will receive plumbing. Insert 1-1/2” Male Ribbed Adapters
(MRAs) with barbs into the coupler and secure with a hose
clamp. (see photo 6)
6. The three mounting straps provided should be positioned with one in the center of the panel, one 3” down from the top header and
one 5” up from the bottom header.
7. Starting with the strap at the top of the panel, mark the position of the first lag 2” off the edge of
the panel, position the strap over the mark with one inch overhanging the lag screw location.
Drill an 1/8” pilot hole, remove the strap, apply roofing mastic over the pilot hole, re-position the
strap, and screw lag screw through the strap into the roof. (see photos 2 & 7)
8. Position the panel under the strap, pull the strap tight across the panel and install the second
lag screw.
9. Continue until all the panels are installed then construct plumbing from the panels to the pool
7.
equipment.
ATTENTION: P/N 250-1 HIGH WIND ROOF/RACK MOUNTING KITS may be purchased from your dealer and used in
high wind applications in addition to the roof/rack mounting hardware included in your system. One kit is required
for every two panels used in a system; one additional kit is required to complete the system. (Example: A
system with (8) 2’ panels requires 5 kits)
REQUIREMENTS FOR ROOF TYPES OTHER THAN SHINGLE ROOF
Flat Tile or Barrel Tile Roofs: Use 1-1/4” TAPCON Hex Head Screws (available at any local hardware store) in place of the provided
lag screws. This requires drilling a pilot hole with a 3/16 inch masonry drill bit in the tile before inserting the screw. Do not drill into the
substrate below the tile; doing so can promote a roof leak if not done correctly. The mounting screws should be positioned 1” to 2”
above the bottom edge of the tile. This will allow a space between the tile and the substrate due to the overlap in the tiles. On barrel tile
roofs, try to lay out the panels so that the mounting holes are on the peak or top of the barrel tile. Be sure that the tiles that the panels
are fastened to are secure. For high wind prone areas or where roof tiles are loose, consult your dealer for an alternate method.
6
INSTALLING YOUR SUNGRABBERTM (CONTINUED)
REQUIREMENTS FOR ROOF TYPES OTHER THAN SHINGLE ROOF (CONTINUED)
Cedar Shake Roofs: If the cedar shakes are installed on top of a plywood surface, use a galvanized metal flashing (approximately 4”
x 4”) under each shake where the mounting screw will penetrate. Center the flashing under the penetration location before installing
the screw. Drill a pilot hole and apply a generous amount of sealant into the hole. If the cedar shakes are installed on fir strips,
contact your dealer for alternate mounting instructions.
Flat Built-up Gravel Roofs: Use caution when installing on this type of roof. The roof must be in good condition and be completely
dry. If you are uncertain of the condition of the roof, consult a professional. At each mounting location remove the loose gravel in an
area approximately 6“ x 6”. At the exact location of the penetration, remove the gravel which is embedded into the tar surface of the
roof using a chisel or the back of a claw hammer. Scrap back the gravel until you have a smooth tar surface approximately 2“ x 2”.
Apply a generous amount of sealant under the mounting hardware and over the head of the screw once installed. Using a 2” to 2½”
fender washer under the mounting hardware will provide additional mounting surface. The screw must be tightened to hold the
hardware securely to roof surface; however, use extreme caution not to over tighten and strip the screw in the plywood. An alternate
method is to have a roofing contractor install roof curbs where the mounting hardware will be installed.
Open Beam Roofs: Any ceiling with exposed beams must be checked to avoid the screw ends from penetrating into the interior
space. Call for alternate installation method.
Metal Roofs: If the metal roof is installed on a plywood surface, you may proceed using the normal installation method. If the metal
roof is installed on fir strips, the mounting hardware must penetrate into the fir strip to insure a good seal and to avoid bending the
metal surface. If screw heads protrude above the surface of the roof, a substrate must be used to prevent damage to the panels.
Rubber or Asphalt Modified: This type of roof is typically installed flat. Using a 2” to 2½” fender washer under the mounting
hardware will provide additional mounting surface. Be sure to use a generous amount of sealant under the washer, between the
washer and the mounting hardware, and on top of the mounting screw.
Roof or Ground Mounted Rack Systems: Rack systems can be made from pressure treated wood or aluminum. For roof mounted
racks aluminum is preferred for its additional strength and longevity. See your dealer for rack mounting options.
CONNECTING TO POOL EQUIPMENT
Install check valve and by-pass ball valve as shown.
The check valve prevents the water in the panels from
flowing backwards through filter and back-flushing into
the pool. The by-pass ball valve allows you to
manually activate and deactivate your solar system
daily. When turning the system on, regulate flow using
the by-pass ball valve. The solar system works best at
flow rates ranging from 1 to 4 gpm per panel. To
regulate flow, simply document the pressure on the
pressure gauge of the filter with the by-pass valve open
and the pool pump running. Then throttle the by-pass
ball valve closed until the pressure on the filter gauge
has increased (for a maximum 12 panel system) more
than what you originally documented. Give the system
about 10 minutes to normalize, and then check the
pressure gauge again. Additional fine-tuning may be
required. Once set, mark the location of the by-pass
ball valve handle so that you can simply and accurately
activate and deactivate the solar system daily.
FROM
POOL
PUMP
FILTER
ISOLATION
BALL VALVE
(OPTIONAL)
CHECK
VALVE
TO
SOLAR
FROM
SOLAR
BYPASS
BALL
VALVE
OUTLET
TEE
BY-PASS VALVE
(OPTIONAL)
HEATER
ISOLATION
BALL VALVE
(OPTIONAL)
ISOLATION
CHECK VALVE
(OPTIONAL)
HEATER
OR
TO
POOL
True Union isolation ball valves are recommended to make Winterizing your system easier. NOTE: A MOTORIZED VALVE AND AN
AUTOMATIC SOLAR CONTROL ARE OPTIONAL ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL POOL DEALER.
7
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 off the pool pump. Wait 10
minutes and feel the surface of the solar panel. It should be hot to the touch. Now turn the pool pump back on and feel the panel
getting cooler to the touch. The difference in temperature is FREE
Warning: If the panel is full of water and has been sitting in the sun without the pump running, the water can get
very 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 pool becomes too warm during the season,
turn the pump and solar on at night to help cool the pool.
solar heat being added to your pool water!
WINTERIZING YOUR SUNGRABBER
A vacuum relief valve (VRV) is provided with your SunGrabber
TM
TM
system to allow the panels to drain when the pump is off. All
plumbing designs should allow for full drainage. Turn by-pass valve and pool pump off, and allow 30 to 40 minutes for drainage.
Undo the isolation valves, remove the VRV, and allow the system to drain. Reattach your VRV. SunGrabber
TM
panels are designed
to be left in place through the winter months as long as they are drained. If you question the drainage of your system you should
disconnect each panel and raise each one up to check and see that no water is present.
Freeze damage is not covered under warranty.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If you are having an issue with your SunGrabber
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-SUNGRAB (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 cool 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.
TM
, please review this section and the Frequently Asked Question section that
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 of afternoon sun, preferably on a southfacing pitched roof.
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. Check to see that your pool filter is
properly cleaned.
8
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TM
The following questions are those asked most frequently by our SunGrabber
your SunGrabber
Question: Should I use a solar pool cover with my solar system?
Answer: Yes. 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 above ground pool solar panels be used to heat my in-ground pool?
Answer: SunGrabberTMdoes not recommend using above ground solar panels on in-ground pools.
TM
, your answer may be found below.
customers. If you have a question or concern about
Questions: Can I add on more panels if I want my pool warmer?
Answer: Absolutely. The more panels—the warmer your pool! Your SunGrabber
TM
system’s modular design accepts additional panels very
easily.
Question: Can I use my SunGrabber
Answer: If you have a gas heater or heat pump installed on your pool currently, simply install your SunGrabber
TM
with a gas heater or heat pump?
TM
between the filter and the gas
heater/heat pump. You will notice a reduction in your monthly energy bill!
Questions: How should I time my automatic pool cleaner?
Answer: Set your pool cleaner to turn on after the solar system. This prevents air from entering and possibly damaging pool-cleaning equipment
during startup of your solar system.
Question: I left my solar panel full of water through the winter and now some of the tubes are leaking. Can it be repaired?
Answer: Yes it can. You will need to order our “Panel Repair Kit” from your local dealer. It is very important that your SunGrabber
winterized each year. (Reference the “Winterizing Your SunGrabber
TM
” section of this manual, page 8)
TM
is properly
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-SUNGRAB (786-4722).
WARRANTY
Your SunGrabber
TM
is backed by a limited 10-year warranty.
9
Notes
Notes
P/N 07347C 3/06
TM
SunGrabber
866-SUNGRAB • 866-786-4722
435 Otterson Drive
Chico, CA 95928
www.sungrabber.com
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