High Performance Solar Pool Heater Panel. Our inventory supply is one of the largest and most diverse in the nation. We house many different sizes & brands – we are capable of custom building virtually ANY package you need! SwimEasy solar panels are the perfect choice for anyone looking to replace an existing panel that uses rubber hoses & metal hose clamps. The SwimEasy solar panel is also a great choice for those looking for a premium panel without the premium price tag. This panel has been used by installers across the country for decades for one simple reason; it works, and keeps on working. Each panel is built from high-grade materials proven to last in all types of weather and deliver a life expectancy of 15-20 years. Each panel is manufactured from precompounded polypropylene with synergistic antioxidants and UV screen including carbon black. These special additives play a vital role in developing a panel capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of a rooftop, in all types of weather, for many years to come. Each panel is put up against more than 40 quality control inspections throughout the entire manufacturing process to ensure the final product. STATE OF THE ART MANUFACTURING. SwimEasy solar panels undergo a state-of-the-art manufacturing process designed to significantly increase the materials resistance to UV light. This process eliminates the inherent quality issues that plague cheaply manufactured products which typically see a lifespan of only 1-2 years. SEE BELOW: “Not All Plastic Is Created Equal” for details on the quality differences between the two primary types of resin blends. A rooftop is a harsh environment and it is not easy to produce a collector capable of withstanding its conditions for a sustained period of time, see why below. SwimEasy collectors are constructed in a “tube-and-web” design which separates each individual round tube by a thin strip or “web”. This design allows for normal expansion and contraction that occurs due to thermal heating and cooling, extending life expectancy. Each panel is comprised of 8 individual plates that are thermally-welded and insert-molded. A direct, metered manifold delivers a balanced flow through the collector and prevents hot-spots. SwimEasy solar panels fit interchangeably with any solar pool heater panel featuring a round 1.5″ or 2″ I. Header manifold and makes connections with a rubber hose type connector. The header size is a measurement of the INTERNAL DIAMETER of the manifold. PLEASE VERIFY THIS SIZE BEFORE ORDERING! This is a common mistake easily avoided. NOT ALL PLASTIC IS CREATED EQUAL. Unmodified polypropylene has a high rate of degradation from UV exposure. Sunlight breaks down the plastic and weakens it, a serious problem for a solar collector as its very nature is to collect as much sunlight as possible. Each absorber plate of a SwimEasy solar collector is made from a propylene copolymer with synergistic antioxidants and UV screen including carbon black. These special additives, coupled with state-of-the art manufacturing techniques, substantially increase the material’s resistance to UV light. These are vital components toward creating a collector able to withstand the harsh conditions of a roof-top for years to come. Products made from plastic typically start out as one-of-two types of resin blends. Masterbatch : Natural (clear) resin pellets are mixed with a concentrate during the extrusion process. This concentrate would contain additives and fillers used to affect the end-product’s physical appearance or properties. Precompounded : Compounding is a process of melt-blending plastics with other additives. This process alters the physical, thermal, or aesthetic characteristics of the plastic. Compounding starts with a base resin, which is blended with additives in an industrial mixer, producing a final resin ready for use in manufacturing. Additives are evenly distributed throughout the resin and subsequent end-products. THE IDEAL CHOICE IF YOUR LOOKING FOR. SwimEasy utilizes rubber couplings and metal hose clamps to make connections. These components are by far the fastest & simplest method for attaching & securing a solar pool heating system. They offer far more wiggle room during installation than propriety clamp style systems (less hassle & faster assembly). State-of-the-art manufacturing coupled with special additives merge to create a panel capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of a rooftop, in all types of weather, for up to 15-20 years. Constructed of 8 individual plates that are thermally-welded and insert-molded. A tube-and-web design separates each individual round tube by a thin strip or “web”. This design allows for normal expansion and contraction while collecting more heat. Made from precompounded polypropylene, a process which increases the materials resistance to UV light (lengthens service life substantially). This manufacturing process eliminates the inherent quality issues that plague cheaply manufactured products which typically see a lifespan of only 1-2 years. Replacement Solar Panels for an Existing System. SwimEasy solar panels will replace any solar pool heater that has a round 1.5″ or 2″ I. The header size is a measurement of the internal diameter. Please verify this size before ordering. (1) SwimEasy Solar Pool Heater Panel 4′ X 12′ / 2.0 I. / 2.375 O. / 2.375 in. OPEN BOX CONDITION : SolarPoolSupply adheres to an extremely strict standard of quality control. These are panels with minor/moderate scratching on the panel body or manifold from warehousing & transportation. SwimEasy panels contain 7 “zipper-seams” down the length of the panel. These allow the panel to be unzipped to fit around small roof obstructions. Some of these zippers unzip too easily. This does not effect the performance or longevity of the panel and has no effect once on your roof. This is simply a nuisance if carrying the panel unrolled. Our “Open Box” listings are likely the best value products of anything we carry. These are ONLY available while supplies last. All Open-Box orders include a free repair kit in the unlikely event a riser tube needs repairing. We do not accept the return of any open box condition item. Please verify you have selected the correct size before processing your order. HOW MANY PANELS DO I NEED? Step 1 – Overview. A few different variables should be considered when selecting a solar pool heating system to match your swimming pool. The primary factors are; your location (climate), pool size (surface area), and heating goals (how long your looking to extend your swimming season). Understanding exactly what your goals are will help determine how many panels you need and which system to ultimately select. Solar pool heaters are available in a couple different types, each with its own advantages and “ideal fit”. Because solar pool heating systems are dependent on weather and sunlight, these figures can only be used as an estimation, they cannot be guaranteed. Step 2 – Measure Your Swimming Pool. Solar pool heating systems are sized based on the. Of your swimming pool, rather than its volume. This is because the primary source of heat loss occurs through evaporation at the surface. If you have a geometrically shaped pool, this calculation is quite easy. If however, your swimming pool is a “freeform” shape, or a “kidney” shape, this calculation can be a bit more difficult. For pools matching this second classification, see our step-by-step instructions for using Google Maps to measure your pool (Step 2B). Formulas for Geometrically Shaped Pools. Pr² (radius being half the diameter of your pool, p=3.14). L x W (length x width). Step 3 – Calculate Solar Coverage, “Offset”. Generally speaking, solar pool heating systems are sized anywhere between 50%-100% of a swimming pools total surface area. IE: “50% offset” means you are matching 50% of your pool’s surface area to the total surface area of all your solar panels. If your pool has a total surface area of 400 square feet, 50% offset means you will need a total of 200 square feet of solar panels to heat it. As a reference; a single 4′x12.5′ solar panel has a surface area of 50 square feet, so a system with (4) 4′x12.5′ solar panels has a total surface area of 200 square feet. 3-4 Month Swimming Season. If you are only looking to add some additional heating during the summer months (3-4 months of warm swimming pool temperatures), 50% offset should be sufficient. 4-6 Month Swimming Season. If you are looking to heat your pool into the shoulder months (4-6 month swimming season), you will want to aim in the 60-80% range. 8-10 Month Swimming Season. If you are looking for a full spring-fall season extension (8-10 month swimming season), you will want to aim for 85%-100% offset. Step 4 – Climate Considerations. When it comes to location (climate), you will want to consider how cold/long your winter months are. Solar systems only work when the sun is out and shinning, they also need to be winterized (drained & isolated) for the winter months when temperatures drop below 42 degrees. They also need to be isolated when pools are shut down for the winter. For this reason, not all climate zones are capable of achieving a full spring through fall season extension. If you live in one of these colder climates, you will not be able to run your solar heater during these cold months when temperatures drop near freezing or below. If you are only able to keep your system running for 4-6 months a year, 50%-80% offset will be more than sufficient. Step 5 – Optimizing Efficiency. Other factors to consider are what direction the panels will be facing, how they are plumbed, and the amount of sun exposure each day. Solar pool heating systems will perform at optimal performance when the system is facing south, plumbed in parallel (if possible; to achieve a higher flow rate), and the system has full exposure during the day. If the panels are installed on a ground structure (ground rack), you will want a solid substrate beneath the panels to keep any wind from passing through the riser tubes (reduces wind load on the panels & restricts heat loss). Also, be sure the system is never installed at a pitch greater than 45 degrees (the angle the sunlight hits the panels does make a difference; efficiency nearly drops off the map once the pitch exceeds this maximum). Step 2B – Measuring Your Pool w/ Google Maps. How to Size Your Swimming Pool with Google Maps. Go to Google Maps. Type your address into the search bar and hit enter. Zoom into your address with either the mouse wheel or the (+/-) buttons located in the lower right-hand corner. To Edit Your Selection. You can move a selected point by clicking on the node, holding the mouse button, and moving it to the desired location. You can also erase and start over by right clicking anywhere on the screen and hitting “clear measurement”. This is the surface area that will be used to calculate what size system you need. Google Maps Example Pool Measurement. This tool also works well for measuring available roof space. (Satellite imaging provides pretty accurate measurements; however, they are not always 100% accurate and roof measurements should always be double checked by hand if possible). Our mission is to provide an outstanding customer experience from start to finish. Our team of dedicated experts are available to assist with any questions you have, at any point in your project. We offer design & consultation services free of charge, simply give us a call or send us a message. Our primary objective is to help you identify the best possible solar solution that will achieve your heating goals, while also providing the best possible fit to your roof type and climate. Here is a list of a few of the items we provide to our customers on a daily basis. Advanced design and layout services. Want to make sure your system is optimized for your climate, roof & heating goals? Plumbing design & tie-in assistance. Design & performance optimization. Pump sizing & speed considerations. Metal roofs, tile roofs, pergolas, ext. Achieving proper automatic gravity drainage. Winterizing systems in cold weather climates. Automation units, heat pumps, ext. At Solar Pool Supply, we are constantly seeking new and inventive ways of pioneering previously untouched challenges in the solar pool heating industry. We began with a renovation of the DIY market by custom packaging the industries leading brands into complete “do it yourself” kits for inground swimming pools. Systems of this caliber had previously only been available to select areas of the country by a professional installer. We have come a long way and have succeeded in making it possible for a homeowner anywhere in the world to have access to these very same systems, all without the need of a contract! What Hardware Do I Need? The items listed below are generally necessary if you are installing a new or replacement solar pool heating system. If you are simply replacing a couple old/damaged panels within an existing array, or are in need of replacement hardware, see “Repair & Replacement Components”. Contains the parts necessary for installing a solar pool panel to a supporting surface and making water connections from one panel to another. One (1) panel kit is required for each solar panel in the array. Each Panel Kit contains. (1) Outlet Header Hold-Down Bracket Assembly. (1) Outlet Header Bracket Flashing Base. (2) Strap Bracket, Stainless Steel. (2) Strap Bracket Flashing Base. (4) Hose Clamp, Stainless Steel. (2) Panel Connector Hose (3 3/4 long). Row Kit: Contains the parts necessary for making water connections from a row of solar pool panels to the system’s supply and return plumbing lines. Specialized pipe connectors create a leak-free seal between solar panels and PVC pipe. These pipe connectors are an extremely important component for any solar pool heating system and should always be used to connect PVC pipe to solar panels via a rubber coupling hose. Also contains the parts necessary to aid in gravity drainage of the panels and piping, as well as cap off a single row of solar panels. One (1) Add-A-Row Kit is required for each row of solar panels in the array. Each Row Kit contains. (4) Strap Clamp, Stainless Steel. (1) Vacuum Relief Valve. (2) System Connector Hose (7 long). (2) Pipe Connector, CPVC. Fastens solar pool panels to a supporting surface (roof or rack) and keeps them secure. One (1) 100′ Bulk Roll is generally sufficient for systems of 10 panels or less in normal wind conditions. For normal wind climates; two (2) straps are recommended per panel. For high wind climates, between three (3) and four (4) straps are recommended per panel. Supplemental High-Wind Panel & Row Installation Kits are available for high wind climates. The items listed below may be needed in addition to the items above if you are installing a new system from scratch (do not have a pre-existing solar pool heater), OR have specific installation requirements due to available roof spacing i. E: if you need to split the panels into multiple rows or need to bypass an obstruction like a roof or skylight. We also have supplemental high-wind add-on kits available for those living in. High-wind/storm climates and need additional mounting security. Manual Temperature Control Plumbing Kit. Contains the valve’s necessary for manual temperature control of your solar pool heating system. A 3-port diverter valve is manually adjusted to turn solar on and off. Two isolation valves are used to completely shut off solar for maintenance and winterization (prevents water from entering the solar panels). The check valve is used to prevent water from flowing backwards through your pump & filter. Includes premium Pentair lube-free valve’s, 2? E ach manual temperature control plumbing kit contains. (1) Pentair 3-Port Solar Valve w/ Drain Down, CPVC, 2? (1) Pentair 2-Port Check Valve, CPVC, 2? (2) Pentair 2-Port Isolation Valve, Positive Seal, CPVC, 2? Heavy-Duty Mounting Brackets: D. Urable, glass-reinforced polypropylene header mounting brackets, engineered for mounting solar pool heating panels in the portrait orientation (vertical). This bracket will integrate with any panel featuring a rounded 1.5? Header manifold and provide additional mounting security for high-wind installations. Fits ROUND header manifolds. (Sunsaver, Sunsaver ST, Heliocol, Techno-Solis, Sunheater, Nuvis, iSwim). Universal – removable insert fits 1.5? Up to 1.9? Headers up to 2.4? Durable & UV-resistant reinforced polypropylene; three-piece construction for ease of installation. Made in the USA; designed specifically for solar pool heating applications. Supplemental high-wind kits are recommended for installation sites with frequent high-wind weather conditions. Contains the parts necessary for securing the inlet header and adding 2 additional lines of strap per panel. The spring-tension design allows for additional mounting security while still providing flexibility for normal expansion and contraction while the panels heat and cool. One (1) high-wind panel kit is required for each solar panel in the array. Each High-Wind Panel Kit contains. (1) Inlet Header Hold-Down Bracket Assembly. (1) Inlet Header Bracket Flashing Base. High-Wind Row Kit: Contains the parts necessary for securing the final inlet header in each row of solar collectors and securing each row of strapping with a higher security mounting bracket (by use of a 2-hole bracket instead of a 1-hole). One (1) high-wind row kit is required for each row of solar panels in the array. Each High-Wind Row Kit contains. (8) 2-Hole Header Bracket, Stainless Steel. (9) Header Bracket Flashing Base. Row Spacer Kit: Contains the parts necessary to bypass mounting surface obstructions larger than 7 such as roof vents, skylights and exhaust fans. Allows the connection of PVC pipe between the panels to provide proper clearance of the obstruction. One (1) Row Spacer Kit is required for each split in a row of solar panels. Each Row Spacer Kit contains. (4) Pipe Connector, CPVC. (2) Panel Connector Hose. PVC Pipe Support Bracket. Optional component used for supporting feed and return line PVC piping on the roof or other mounting surfaces. Each bracket includes a specialized wedge attachment that allows for the natural expansion and contraction of the pipe as it heats up and cools down. Includes flashing base to support lag bolt attachment to the mounting surface and provide enhanced seal. Also used to create a low-profile, aesthetically pleasing installation. REPAIR & REPLACEMENT COMPONENTS. The items listed below are used if you are replacing old/damaged panels within an existing array, or need to repair damaged or leaking solar panels. Only hoses made specifically for pool solar applications should be used for connecting solar pool panels or any necessary hardware. Rubber coupling hoses not designed for this purpose may balloon and explode under the high operating pressure of a solar pool heating system. Molded EPDM rubber hoses designed specifically for use with solar pool heater panels. Used to connect solar panels to one another, attach end caps and vacuum relief valves. Durable UV-resistant EPDM rubber for long life in direct sun. Reinforced center prevents deformation from pressure and vacuum. Hose-clamp indicator ridges for perfect placement and seal. This replacement hardware pack features premium UV-Resistant Molded EPDM Rubber Hoses and Stainless-Steel Hose Clamps. These parts are designed specifically for use with solar pool heating systems that connect with rubber hoses and metal hose clamps. We offer both 1.5″ ID and 2″ ID header sizes. Hose connectors are used to connect solar panels to one another, attach end caps & vacuum relief valves. Each Connector Pack contains. (4) Panel Connector Hose, 3-3/4. (8) Hose Clamp, Stainless-Steel. Secures wind strap across the body of solar pool heater panels. End Cap: Used to plug a row of solar pool panels. Connects to the panel header via rubber coupling hose. Manufactured from glass-reinforced polypropylene, providing increased strength, stiffness, surface hardness, and higher continuous temperature protection reducing distortion under long-term stress. Vacuum relief valve’s allows air to enter the solar pool heating system when the pool pump shuts off to facilitate automatic gravity drainage of the panels and pipe. This is an extremely important aspect of solar pool heating systems to prevent freeze damage, as well as keep air from stagnating within the panels and piping. Solar pool heating system’s should always be plumbed in a manner which allows for this functionality. Plumbing designs that do not allow for automatic gravity drainage of the panels and piping should be manually drained when temperatures are expected to drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. A ball spring (5#) type check valve is typically installed at the highest point in a solar pool heating system. By allowing air to enter the pool solar panels, it aids in gravity drainage of solar pool collectors and piping. Internal components feature a Viton O-ring, glass-reinforced ball, and 5# stainless steel spring. Solar Panel Repair Kit (Large, 0.325 Diameter). Includes all the necessary tools and plugs to repair solar pool heater panels with leaks in the riser tubes. SwimEasy solar panels require 0.325 diameter plugs. Includes cutter tool, blade, insertion tool. 2.5mm Phillips screwdriver, & 20 repair plugs. (4) plugs are recommended per riser tube repair; (2) at the top & (2) at the bottom. Will not repair leaks at the weld where the riser tube meets the header. 20-Pack Repair Plugs (Large, 0.325 Diameter). Replacement plug pack, used to repair solar panels with leaks in the riser tubes.
