SunGrabber IN-GROUND SOLAR POOL HEATER installation Guide

SunGrabber

IN-GROUND

- SOLAR POOL HEATER -

TM

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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.

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Your Best Choice?.....................................

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………………..………………………

SOLAR COLLECTORS ARE OFTEN INSTALLED ON THE ROOF OF BUILDINGS OR RESIDENTIAL HOMES. UNLESS YOU ARE

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Page 3 & 4
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Winterizing Your SunGrabber
Troubleshooting……..…………………….……..
Frequently Asked Questions……………….…..
Customer Support………….……………………
Warranty……………………..…………………...

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….…………....

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COMPONENTS

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DEALER. ALWAYS

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SOLAR

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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

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and allow you to enjoy a

warmer pool!

HOW DOES THE SUNGRABBERTM SYSTEM WORK?

x The system is designed to be installed horizontally (20’ long panels) or vertically (10’ and 12’ long panels)

x Pool water moves through the solar panel(s) picking up the sun’s solar heat along the way.

x Warmed pool water is then returned back to the pool.

x During 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

available solar heat to your pool water.

2

WHAT’S NEEDED TO INSTALL YOUR SUNGRABBERTM?

SunGrabber

Product

P/N 260-1
P/N 260-5

40,000 BTU’s

Box Contents Box Contents

Item Quantity Description Item Quantity Description

A
B
C

Additional Parts Required: (1) - System Kit, PVC Solvent Primer/Cement, Teflon
Tape, Roofing Mastic, and plumbing from roof to pool equipment.

SunGrabber

Product

P/N 270-2
P/N 280-2

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Box Contents by Item

(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown)

SunGrabber

Product

P/N 260-2

B

A

1
3
6

2’ x 20’ in-ground solar panel
36” mounting straps
2” x 1/4” mounting screws

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(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown)

C

Box Contents by Item

P/N 260-6

80,000 BTU’s

A

B
C
D
E

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Additional Parts Required: (1) - System Kit, PVC Solvent Primer/Cement, Teflon
Tape, Roofing Mastic, and plumbing from roof to pool equipment.

SunGrabber

Product

P/N 280-3

DB

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(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown)

A E

2
3
9
2
4

2’ x 20’ in-ground solar panel
60” mounting straps
2” x 1/4” mounting screws
1 1/2” rubber coupler
1 1/2” hose clamp

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(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown)

40,000 BTU’s

40,000 BTU’s

Box Contents Box Contents

Item Quantity Description Item Quantity Description

A
B
C
D
E

Additional Parts Required: (1) - System Kit, PVC Solvent Primer/Cement, Teflon
Tape, Roofing Mastic, and plumbing from roof to pool equipment.

SunGrabber

2
3
9
2
4

Product

A E

2’ x 10’ in-ground solar panel
60” mounting straps
2” x 1/4” mounting screws
1 1/2” rubber coupler
1 1/2” hose clamp

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C A E

Box Contents by Item

(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown)

Includes P/N 267
System Kit

A
B
C
D
E

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Additional Parts Required: PVC Solvent Primer/Cement, Teflon
Mastic, and plumbing from roof to pool equipment.

2
3
9
2
4
1

SunGrabber

Product

2’ x 10’ in-ground solar panel
60” mounting straps
2” x 1/4” mounting screws
1 1/2” rubber coupler
1 1/2” hose clamp
P/N 267 System Kit

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(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown)

Box Contents by Item

B

C

Box Contents by Item

C

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Tape, Roofing

Box Contents by Item

D

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DB

P/N 272-2

DB

P/N 267

A

B

46,000 BTU’s

Box Contents Box Contents

Item Quantity Description Item Quantity Description

A
B
C
D
E

Additional Parts Required: (1) - System Kit, PVC Solvent Primer/Cement, Teflon
Tape, Roofing Mastic, and plumbing from roof to pool equipment.

2
3
9
2
4

A E

2’ x 12’ in-ground solar panel
60” mounting straps
2” x 1/4” mounting screws
1 1/2” rubber coupler
1 1/2” hose clamp

C

SYSTEM KIT

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H

I

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Additional Parts Required: (1) - System Kit, PVC Solvent Primer/Cement, Teflon
Tape, Roofing Mastic, and plumbing from roof to pool equipment.

1
1
1
6
2
1

14

1
1

C

1 1/2” ball valve
1 1/2” check valve
Vacuum relief valve (VRV)
1 1/2” rubber coupler
1 1/2” male rib adapter (MRA)
1 1/2” x 2” bell reducer rubber coupler
1 1/2” hose clamp
2” hose clamp
1 1/2” rubber cap

3

D

E

F

G

H

I

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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

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ACCESSORIES

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system is a south-facing

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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

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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

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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