How to Replace a Solar Pool Heater
- 1). Turn off the pool filter and disconnect the old solar heater. To minimize the water mess, plug the skimmer and the pool return before disconnecting the old solar heater. Remove the plugs once the new heater is installed.
- 2). Place the new solar heater on the ground in a sunny location, most likely where the old heater was located. However, if you find a better place to put the solar heater, it must be close enough to reach the pool pump. Don't unroll the new solar heater until after it's fully installed.
- 3). Disconnect the hose from the pool return and attach it to the solar heater's inlet. Solar heater manufacturers label the inlets and outlets. Attach the hose to the spout marked "Inlet."
- 4). Attach a hose to the heater's outlet. Take the other end of the hose and attach it to the pool's inlet. As you look at the setup, the heater should be installed between the pool filter outlet and the pool intake.
- 5). Switch the solar heater to "Off" and start the pool filter. In the off position, water will flow into the solar heater, but won't come out on the other end. Check your connection for leaks. If you detect a leak, tighten the connection.
- 6). Turn the solar heater switch to "On" and turn on the pump. Allow the pump to stay on for about five minutes. The water will flow through the solar heater and into the pool.
- 7). Shut the pump off and roll out the solar panel. It may start to roll up again, so place a smooth object weighing no more than 15 pounds on the end of the panel. As the panel warms and the water begins to flow through, it will stop rolling up.
- 8). Start the pool pump after about 15 minutes. It takes about 15 minutes to get the panel warm, depending on the weather. Once it warms up, the water sitting in the solar panel is good and warm and ready to heat your pool.
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