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FAFCO ST - User Manual

FAFCO ST
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FAFCO
Solar Pool Heater
ST Installation Manual
About FAFCO Solar Pool Heaters:
Largest selling solar pool heating systems in the United States since 1969
Over 2 million solar pool heaters installed worldwide
Best design in the industry with patented even flow distribution and highest
solar performance
Made of a specially formulated UV resistant polymer that won’t rust,
corrode, or scale
Attention:
This manual provides a detailed step-by-step procedure for the installation of the FAFCO
solar pool heating system. The directions should be followed properly and only
recommended FAFCO components and hardware should be used in order to provide a
trouble free system that provides free service, savings, and enjoyment.
Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the FAFCO ST and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

SYSTEM DIAGRAM

WHAT DO THE VARIOUS COMPONENTS DO?

The Solar Collectors

The 'heat exchangers' collecting sun's heat and transferring it to fast-flowing water for efficiency.

The Isolation Valves

Manually operated valves to isolate the solar system for winterization or backwashing.

Diverter Valve

Diverts pool or spa water to the Solar Collectors.

Your Heater

Supplemental heat boost device, operated manually or with automatic controls.

Your Pump and Filter

Compatible with the solar system; requires isolation during filter cleaning to prevent debris.

Check Valve

Prevents backflow from panels into the filter/pool when the pump is off.

Vacuum Relief Valve

Located at the highest point to break vacuum and allow collectors to drain.

End Caps

Seal the headers on the end Solar Collectors in the system.

BEFORE YOU START

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM YOUR SYSTEM

SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

SITE SELECTION

OPTIMUM ORIENTATION

Ideal location is a SOUTH-FACING PITCHED ROOF, near the pool, with specific inclination angles for heating.

PANEL REQUIREMENTS

Recommended sizing is 65% to 100% of pool surface area in solar panels.

PANEL MOUNTING SYSTEM

Designed for differential expansion and flexibility in attaching to most roof designs.

ADDITIONAL PARTS REQUIRED

PANEL INSTALLATION SEQUENCE

MOUNTING THE SOLAR COLLECTORS

TOP HEADER BRACKET

Locate hold down bracket on roofing above subroof or sheathing. Do not attach to roof material only.

BOTTOM HEADER TIE-DOWN

Secures the bottom header using a cap, base, and vinyl strap to the roof structure.

BUILT UP ROOFING

PANEL COUPLINGS

VACUUM RELIEF AND END CAPS

FEEDING WATER IN AND OUT OF THE SOLAR COLLECTORS

POOL EQUIPMENT PLUMBING

PLUMBING SEQUENCE

PLUMBING TO AND FROM THE PANELS

BEFORE YOU CALL FOR SERVICE

IF THE SYSTEM DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE HEATING THE POOL

Troubleshooting for heating issues: check filter, timer, water temp, and panel condition.

IF THERE ARE NO INITIAL BUBBLES WHEN SOLAR TURNS ON

Checks for pump, isolation valves, and control valve position when solar starts.

TINY CHAMPAGNE BUBBLES

Indicates reduced circulation or vacuum relief valve operation; check pump, filter, piping.

OCCASIONALLY CHECK THE AUTOMATIC TIMER

POOL CLEANER TIMER

OPTIONAL AUTOMATIC SOLAR CONTROLS

SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

FAFCO ST Specifications

Flow and Pressure IconFlow and Pressure
maximum recommended flow per panel8 gpm
minimum recommended flow per panel3 gpm
recommended flow per panel4 gpm
maximum flow head loss3.47 psi (1, 817 I/hr, 0.244 kg/cm^2)
minimum flow head loss0.48 psi (681 I/hr, 0.034 kg/cm^2)
recommended flow head loss0.87 psi (908 I/hr, 0.061 kg/cm^2)
normal operating pressure at 80°F0 to 30 psi (0 - 2.2 kg/cm^2)
maximum intermittent pressure at 80°F45 psi (3.21 kg/cm^2)
normal operating pressure at 212°F0 to 5 psi (0 - 0.35 kg/cm^2)
maximum intermittent pressure at 212°F5 psi (0.35 kg/cm^2)
measured burst pressureover 300 psi (21.0 kg/cm^2)
Temperature IconTemperature
normal operating temperature60°F to 90°F (16°C to 32°C)
maximum continuous operating temperature212°F (100°C)
maximum intermittent temperature250°F (121°C)
melt temperature338°F (170°C)
Panel Weight IconPanel Weight
weight without water for 4 ft x 8 ft12.2 lbs (4.54 kg)
weight without water for 4 ft x 10 ft14.3 lbs (5.34 kg)
weight without water for 4 ft x 12 ft16.47 lbs (6.15 kg)
weight with water for 4 ft x 8 ft46 lbs (17.2 kg)
weight with water for 4 ft x 10 ft53.8 lbs (20.1 kg)
weight with water for 4 ft x 12 ft61.7 lbs (23.07 kg)
Weight and Dimensions IconWeight and Dimensions
roof mounting space width per panel50.875 in (129 cm)
rack space width per panel50.875 in (129 cm)
roof mounting space additional width24 in (61 cm)
rack space additional width2 in (5 cm)
roof mounting space additional length24 in (61 cm)
rack space additional length6 in (15 cm)

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