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®

 3 

Your Connected Tube 

CT

  

System 

Since 1969, FAFCO

®

’s goal has been to design, test, and produce the world’s 

highest  performing  solar  pool  heating  systems.  Your  Connected  Tube 

CT

 

system represents the most efficient solar system to date. By diverting pool 
water  to  the  solar  collectors,  your  pool  will  be  able  to  harness  even  more 
heat naturally than ever before. 

 
Founded in 1969, FAFCO

®

 Inc. is the oldest and largest solar thermal company in 

the United States and for decades, has been the solar thermal industry leader. 
FAFCO

®

’s Connected Tube 

CT

 collectors are the highest performing American 

made solar thermal collector; manufactured in Chico, California.  

What to Expect From Your Connected Tube System

 

1.  Raise and maintain your pool's temperature 5 to 15

°

 F over a period of several 

days of good weather. 

2.  Eliminate or significantly reduce the cost of operating your fossil fuel pool 

heater, but not necessarily replace it during the colder, less sunny months (a 

pool cover will enhance your pool’s temperature by keeping the heat from es-

caping the pool). 

3.  Give you years of trouble-free service. 

Theory of Operation 

As summer seasons approach, the strength of the sun’s rays intensify due to a more 

direct exposure to the sun. This means more and more energy can be captured for our 
use which can be harnessed and directed into swimming pools and used to increase a 

homeowner’s comfort for free. Water flows through the hundreds of small diameter 

tubes constituting each Thermal Collector, taking heat from the sun and often even re-
ducing temperatures of the roof itself.  

The heated water then returns to the swimming pool to reduce, and often eliminate, 
the need for a conventional pool heater, further reducing household energy costs. 

Summary of Contents for Connected Tube CT

Page 1: ...OWNER S MANUAL Made in the U S A S o l a r P o o l H e a t i n g S y s t e m s FOR USE WITH SWIMMING POOLS TO HARNESS THE ENERGY OF THE SUN ...

Page 2: ...ovider Freeze Protecting Your System System Start up After Freezing Conditions General Tips For Optimum Performance 3 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 Collector Insert Sheet Body Header Each Collector consists of the Sheet or Body the Collector Insert and a Header Pipe The Sheet or Body is the primary portion of the collector which collects thermal energy from the sun and may also be referred to as a Thermal Col...

Page 3: ...riod of several days of good weather 2 Eliminate or significantly reduce the cost of operating your fossil fuel pool heater but not necessarily replace it during the colder less sunny months a pool cover will enhance your pool s temperature by keeping the heat from es caping the pool 3 Give you years of trouble free service Theory of Operation As summer seasons approach the strength of the sun s r...

Page 4: ...reezing Drain at 45 F prior to Freezing Conditions Absorptivity 0 96 Emissivity 0 90 Thermal Specifications Thermal Energy Output 1800 Btu ft2 day System Operating Pressure 100 F At Bottom Header 30 psi System Intermittent Pressure 100 F At Bottom Header 40 psi Factory Test Pressure Burst Pressure Per Collector 50 psi 220 psi Recommended Flow Rate Per Collector 0 1 gal min ft2 Delta T at y interce...

Page 5: ...pment Aux Auxiliary Heater Not Shown Chlorinator Additional Pumps A Figure 3 Diverter Valve Schematic 1 2 3 5 6 7 9 8 11 12 13 15 14 4 16 17 10 Either Tee Upward or Opposing Corner Acceptable Manual Isolation Valve or Check Valve Permitted Figure 2 Example Connected Tube CT System The typical Connected Tube CT solar pool system consists of a combination of FAFCO sourced parts and standard equipmen...

Page 6: ... heat boost or when weather or special occasions demand higher pool temperatures 6 Pump and Filter For optimal performance a variable speed pump is preferred Please contact your FAFCO Inc dis tributer for more information Keeping your skimmer and pump baskets clean enhances perfor mance by ensuring the maximum flow of pool water When cleaning the filter the solar system should be isolated preventi...

Page 7: ...ake sure it is open 3 Make sure the diverter valve is in the correct position Tiny Champagne Bubbles If tiny champagne bubbles continue after the initial purging of the collectors 3 5 minutes this may be an indication that water circulation through the collectors has been reduced To ensure that the system has proper flow check the following 1 Has your filter been backwashed 2 Are the skimmer and t...

Page 8: ...lve is turned to the thermal off position and turn on the pool equip ment Let the system run for at least 5 minutes while checking to make sure no water is coming out of the end cap area of the collectors It is strongly suggested to perform a winterization and spring tune up for your Connected Tube CT system annually so that you don t void the warranty If you choose to start up the system yourself...

Page 9: ...is keeps your pool clean and clear while making the Connect ed Tube CT system perform optimally 5 In hotter summer months consider adjusting your automation system to heat only during the hottest part of the day but for a shorter duration thus reducing the need to run your pool pump This will optimize system performance without over heating your pool Whenever service is required for components in ...

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