How to Hook Up Solar Heaters for Above-Ground Pools
- 1). Locate a sunny area on which to place the solar heater. The best location is one that gets plenty of afternoon sun. Make sure the solar heater is within hose-length distance of the above-ground pool pump.
- 2). Place the solar heater on the ground, but do not unroll it entirely. Keep the restraining straps (which keep the solar heater rolled) on the solar heater until after the heater is installed.
- 3). Shut off the pool pump.
- 4). Insert plugs into the pool return and the skimmer. This is a temporary measure to prevent water from draining from the pool when you remove the hoses. It also stops the water from prematurely flooding the solar panel.
- 5). Loosen the clamp and remove the hose from the pool inlet (the hose that returns the filtered water to the pool) and attach it to the inlet spout on the solar heater. Solar heating manufacturers label the inlet and outlet hoses on their products. If you're having difficulty inserting the hose over the inlet spout, dip the open end of the hose in hot water to make it more pliable. Next, attach it to the spout and clamp it tight.
- 6). Place a clamp over the hose that comes with the solar heating kit. Insert the hose over the solar heater's out spout (marked "Outlet"). As with the inlet hose, dip the open end in hot water to make it easier to fit over the spout. Once it's in place, affix and tighten the clamp, and then attach the other end of the outlet hose to the pool's inlet.
- 7). Set the solar heater to the "Off" position and unplug the skimmer and the inlet openings. Run the pool pump and allow the water to flow into the solar heater. While it's flowing into the heater, check for leaks. If you detect a leak, turn off the pump and tighten the hose connections.
- 8). Turn on the solar heater after the pump has run for about five minutes. This will allow the water in the solar heater to flow into the pool. Don't be alarmed at the air bubbles entering the pool when you first turn on the solar heater. Once all of the air is out of the solar heater, the air bubbles will stop.
- 9). Unroll the solar heater. After all of the air has passed through the solar heater, turn off the pump, remove the strap from the heater and roll it out. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the sun to heat the solar panel. Once the panel is warm, turn on the filter to begin heating your pool.