Pool Heating - Black Solar Panels

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PRP

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Hi
I want to add some of those black solar panels to my roof to raise the pool temp a few DegC (Small 25KL Pool) I am however very nervous as I have heard many war stories about how they dont last and the grommets leak (140/280 of them -> https://solardirect.co.za/solar-pool-heating/)
Anyone been down this road and can offer some advice?
 
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Do you plan on installing a solar PV system at any point in the future? If so rather save the roof space for your PV panels and install a heat pump for the pool...
 
Mike Hoxbig said:
Do you plan on installing a solar PV system at any point in the future? If so rather save the roof space for your PV panels and install a heat pump for the pool...
Click to expand...
I already have ~4KW of Solar and roof space to add another 4Kw. These black panels will go on a separate patio roof. The cost of the heat pump + few additional panels will be more 3-4x more than the cost of the Solar black panels. Right now I am in the sweet spot on my ROI for my solar install.
 
I have the black solar panels for pool. 9 of them for a 120kL pool. If the guy who installs them is good, you won't have any problems

My previous set (old) was destroyed by hail - I don't know how old they were, but current set has been on for nearly 6 years now and not one leak - I did replace the airvalve last year because it was dripping slightly. If you in the joburg, this guys workmanship and aftersales is top notch.

Lots of people in the community recommend him too.

https://prosolar.co.za/. His name is Conrad
 
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TedLasso said:
I have the black solar panels for pool. 9 of them for a 120kL pool. If the guy who installs them is good, you won't have any problems

My previous set (old) was destroyed by hail - I don't know how old they were, but current set has been on for nearly 6 years now and not one leak - I did replace the airvalve last year because it was dripping slightly. If you in the joburg, this guys workmanship and aftersales is top notch.

Lots of people in the community recommend him too.

https://prosolar.co.za/. His name is Conrad
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Awesome, thanks. I was planning on doing a DIY job but will give him a call to compare.
 
I have them on my roof - 5 for a 25kl pool - only had one leak in avout 8 years, but the installer replaced the panels.

Keep in mind you need to run your pool pump to benefit from the heating - but - my pool has reached 40 degrees in summer. (I turn the heating off for a couple of days).

I'm actually considering a heat pump now as my batteries are charged by 10-11am in summer - so the excess solar goes to waste.
 
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Mine never worked, it is old and leaking, so my planned is to replace some of the parts i.e. a 45 degree bend etc. Seems to be standard black pipe.
 
xrapidx said:
I have them on my roof - 5 for a 25kl pool - only had one leak in avout 8 years, but the installer replaced the panels.

Keep in mind you need to run your pool pump to benefit from the heating - but - my pool has reached 40 degrees in summer. (I turn the heating off for a couple of days).

I'm actually considering a heat pump now as my batteries are charged by 10-11am in summer - so the excess solar goes to waste.
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Do you know the type you have? There are various types floating around.
8 years is definitely good enough for me.
 
xrapidx said:
capepoolheating.co.za

Home - Cape Pool Heating

Proudly serving Cape Town and surrounding areas, we offer eco-friendly and cost-effective heating options to help you enjoy your pool to the fullest.
capepoolheating.co.za capepoolheating.co.za
Click to expand...

is there any other cpt referrals

im thinking of going solar now for heating cause its around 5-8k apparently

going full solar with batteries and installing a heater will break the bank completely
 
They seem to work pretty well. Only had them for the 2 years (moved in and were already installed) and haven’t had any issues. Recall last year it got to over 30 degrees. It’s probably 75-100k litres.

From last week pool temp is already up to 25 degrees from running it during the day so you definitely get more pool time in the year.
 
I am trying to decide what Panels to get as they range from ~R800 each for the basic ones (with 140 grommets to fail) to ~R1800 for ones that look solid. DIY Install kit is about R1200.
I called @TedLasso recommendation and he is asking for R13500 full installed with 3 panels, double the cost of DIY.
 
PRP said:
I am trying to decide what Panels to get as they range from ~R800 each for the basic ones (with 140 grommets to fail) to ~R1800 for ones that look solid. DIY Install kit is about R1200.
I called @TedLasso recommendation and he is asking for R13500 full installed with 3 panels, double the cost of DIY.
Click to expand...
Shew that expensive. 9 panels when he installed it, was about 17k , 6 years ago. Mines are I think the solid ones. As mentioned , reliable and no issues with leaks since installation except for that air valve leaking.
 
PRP said:
I am trying to decide what Panels to get as they range from ~R800 each for the basic ones (with 140 grommets to fail) to ~R1800 for ones that look solid. DIY Install kit is about R1200.
I called @TedLasso recommendation and he is asking for R13500 full installed with 3 panels, double the cost of DIY.
Click to expand...
Yea the grommet types are just crap, and don't be fooled by the price , you need double the panel count of the thin pipe grommet types vs the sun command solid panel

sure you have rubber joints joining the panels
But as long as you run the pool on hot days they don't perish

Only when you cook the panels not heating (circulating) that they perish
Mine was second hand when i bought them and only developed a leak on one after 10 years i patched it and was still using it till recently had to make space for PV (small roof)
 
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PRP said:
I am trying to decide what Panels to get as they range from ~R800 each for the basic ones (with 140 grommets to fail) to ~R1800 for ones that look solid. DIY Install kit is about R1200.
I called @TedLasso recommendation and he is asking for R13500 full installed with 3 panels, double the cost of DIY.
Click to expand...
The kit is pricey those rubber joints and end caps are pricey

But yea the kit is bought irrespective of who installs it

If handy the install is easy
With some ropes can even be done by a single person

Just dont do it on a windy day ,even a bit of wind blows you around with a 3m sail, i i attach the rope on the one corner to roof already so that once i bring up the first panel with rubber already attached pop the rope over and fasten the first corner then you can move the other corner until straight attach

Thats the hardest part the first panel
The next one is easy especially if you already clamp the rubber on the first one clamp the rubbers on the first one all 4
And the next ones 2 unpopulated to slide into the one on roof and the other side populated to catch the next panel (do this on the ground)

so when You pull up the next ones you slip it into the rubber sure you have to pull up the side that droops fix it to roof have the rubbers on to catch the next panel and so

And the in/out is important don't skimp on the pipe in and out must be on opposing corners like this from pump bottom naturally
 

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leon.davibe said:
Yea the grommet types are just crap, and don't be fooled by the price , you need double the panel count of the thin pipe grommet types vs the sun command solid panel

sure you have rubber joints joining the panels
But as long as you run the pool on hot days they don't perish

Only when you cook the panels not heating (circulating) that they perish
Mine was second hand when i bought them and only developed a leak on one after 10 years i patched it and was still using it till recently had to make space for PV (small roof)
Click to expand...

leon.davibe said:
The kit is pricey those rubber joints and end caps are pricey

But yea the kit is bought irrespective of who installs it

If handy the install is easy
With some ropes can even be done by a single person

Just dont do it on a windy day ,even a bit of wind blows you around with a 3m sail, i i attach the rope on the one corner to roof already so that once i bring up the first panel with rubber already attached pop the rope over and fasten the first corner then you can move the other corner until straight attach

Thats the hardest part the first panel
The next one is easy especially if you already clamp the rubber on the first one clamp the rubbers on the first one all 4
And the next ones 2 unpopulated to slide into the one on roof and the other side populated to catch the next panel (do this on the ground)

so when You pull up the next ones you slip it into the rubber sure you have to pull up the side that droops fix it to roof have the rubbers on to catch the next panel and so

And the in/out is important don't skimp on the pipe in and out must be on opposing corners like this from pump bottom naturally
Click to expand...

Thanks Leon, this is the advise I needed. I see you can get a kit with 3 panels for R8999 with everything except the piping and back sheeting.
My only concern is the warranty is conditional on ensuring the panels drain when the pump isnt running, I don t know if the vacuum breaker sorts this out, I have emailed them to ask.
 
PRP said:
Thanks Leon, this is the advise I needed. I see you can get a kit with 3 panels for R8999 with everything except the piping and back sheeting.
My only concern is the warranty is conditional on ensuring the panels drain when the pump isnt running, I don t know if the vacuum breaker sorts this out, I have emailed them to ask.
Click to expand...
Normally the guarantee also states warranty void if no backing panel

I never fit them because they always seem to blow out

No way to attach them

Most of the guys i know that fit these also doesn't fit them

The only portion that drains is the return pipes it is technically impossible to drain them

As you have to have a non return on push side so can't drain there
 
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Sure if you had no non return it would drain

But bad for pump as it sometimes spins of the impeller

I never ran mine in winter and always made sure full of water , since that weight helps with windy condition

There is a way to plumb to be able to drain have to put the non return before the H bypass valve never thought of doing it this way before
 
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I don't think the non return is part of the kit ,have to buy that separately
 
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