Aquathem 10204-12 Installation Manual - Page 10

Browse online or download pdf Installation Manual for Swimming Pool Heater Aquathem 10204-12. Aquathem 10204-12 12 pages. Swimming pool solar heating systems

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Figure 12

Manual Control of System

To test collector operation, follow either the flow-rate or

temperature-rise procedure. Divert water through the col-

lectors. Turn on the pump and either observe flow rate or

temperature rise. The flow rate or temperature rise would

be the same as that specified in the "System Start-Up and

Test" section. If it is not, then check for the indicated prob-

able causes and make necessary corrections.

Flow Rate Test Method

The preferred system test method is flow rate. This is also

the easiest and quickest method. To check flow rate, install

a flow meter in the inlet line to the collectors (follow instal-

lation instructions provided with the flowmeter).

Temperature Rise Test Method

An alternate test method is temperature rise. To prepare

the system for testing, obtain two accurate thermometers.

Aquatherm Industries dial thermometers (Part #60054-2)

are excellent for this application.

mometers is installed in the outlet line from the collectors

as shown in Figure 10. The other is used to check the

temperature of the pool water, to compare it with that of

the water leaving the solar collectors. Before installing

the thermometer in the outlet line, immerse both ther-

mometers in the pool water for several minutes to com-

pare the temperature readings. If they are not identical,

One of these ther-

make a notation of the difference and add or subtract (as

appropriate) this difference to or from the reading taken

while you are testing. This is necessary in order to pro-

vide an accurate indication of the temperature rise of the

water passing through the solar collectors.

Turn the pump on and move the flow switch to the "COLL"

position.

Observe valve action...it should divert water

through the collectors. After flow through the collectors has

continued for a least fifteen minutes, compare the pool

water temperature with the temperature of the water flow-

ing through the outlet line. On an average sunny day, with

the air temperature approximately 70

leaving the collectors should be 1 to 7

than that in the pool. If the water rise is greater than this,

insufficient water is flowing through the collectors. This

may be caused by a clogged filter, undersized piping, to

many elbows in the piping or an inadequate pump. It is

important that the temperature rise through the collec-

tors be kept as low as possible in order to deliver the

maximum amount of heat to the pool.

Vacuum Relief Valve Test

When the solar system is first turned on, air in the collec-

tors will be expelled into the pool and bubbles will appear.

The appearance of bubbles in the pool should stop after

a few minutes. If, after a few minutes, bubbles continue

to be discharged at the return to the pool,remove the vacuum

F (21

C) the water

F (1 to 4

C) higher