Common Glitches and Restoration Issues with Solar Pool Heating

The solar pool heating system you installed may fail at times to function as it should. It is a machine, and the mechanical components within are subject to wear and tear. Moreover, there may be issues with the power generation and supply unit.

In short, there are innumerable reasons for the Solar Pool Heaters to malfunction.  

However, there is no need to worry because there are quite a few simple and practical DIY fixes. If you know what you are doing, you can rectify the issues in it pretty quickly and bring things back on track.

If you are unsure about any issue or its fixes, or the issue is a major one according to your understanding, it is prudent to leave it for the certified service technician. Do not engage in any trial-and-error fixes. It will do more damage to the water heater system and jeopardize the entire mechanism.

Here are some of the most common issues that may prevent the solar pool heating system from functioning correctly and their solutions. You can try these simple solutions to troubleshoot before you make the call to a professional service.

Check the Connection of the Solar Pool Heaters

Start with the basics when the Solar pool heating systems stop working. Check the connections to ensure nothing is unplugged or loose.

Also, check the cables, sockets, and switches for any anomalies or signs of damage. A simple replacement of any of these, if damaged, will make the system work again.

In addition, check the pool heat pump and ensure it is connected properly to the base of the solar panel or the controller.

Often these simple checks are overlooked by the users, and they end up paying the high service charge to the professional technician who simply plugs in an unplugged device or fixes a loose connection.

Check the Solar Controller

The pump and the solar controller are perfect allies and work as a team to make your solar pool heating system function.

So, when you check the pump, you might as well check the controller. You may try setting it to manual mode and see whether things change and are operational again. More often than not, this will turn the pump on.

If it does not, then you can try using another power point and check whether the pump turns on.

If both these attempts are in vain, consider there is some issue with the solar controller. In that case, it is better to get it inspected and repaired by a certified technician.

Check the Timeclock

Depending on the type or model of the solar controller, it may have a time clock included in its design. If your pool heating system comes with such a time clock, check it and make sure that set to the right time.

If not, you will require resetting it. If you do not know the process or are not very confident about it, refer to the user manual, go to the solar controllers’ page, and follow the instructions and steps described there.

As you may have figured out by now that the majority of issues with the pool heating systems Sydney is related to the controller. So, it is advised that you perform a thorough check on it and do not rush things.

Hole in the Collector

However, solar controllers are not the only component in the pol heating system that may fail. The collector is equally vulnerable to issues due to mechanical or natural causes.

Look for signs of water leaks. If you cannot see any wet spots, it is better to turn the pump on and leave it running while you examine the collector for any spots from where water may be leaking.

Once you find a leak, turn the system off and follow these steps to repair the leak or a hole in the collector:

• Expose the hole by squeezing g the collector upward.
• You will see a webbing between the tubes. Make a cut on either verge of the hole.
• Expose at least 5 cm of the collector.
• Remove the collector by cutting it on either side of the hole.
• Use a pressure sleeve there.
• On one of the sides, insert a barb for joining. Use lubricant if it is too hard.

Do the same for the other side of the collector.

A Broken Barb

Another common issue with the solar pool heating system is a broken barb. You will find it on the manifold.

Follow these specific steps to fix it:

• Strip the collector
• Cut the broken barb from the end or below the joint
• Remove it
• Use an 8.5- or 8.7-mm drill bit to make a hole
• Clean the hole
• Place the grommet into the hole
• Lubricate it
• Insert the joining barb
• Expose a solitary strip by peeling the additional collector
• Place the pressure sleeve over it
• Push it on the barb using lubricant
• Now, push it down on the strip

Once you are done repairing, turn the pump on again and check whether it is repaired properly.

Heating Issues

If the pool water is not hot enough, there may be issues with the thermostat settings. Adjust the settings, and things will be back to normal again.

Dirty Filters

The filters getting clogged or dirty is a common issue that may cause below-par performance by the solar pool heating system.

The best way to fix this issue is to clean them and check them regularly for debris or dirt accumulation.

Dirty filters will not only cause reduced water flow but also result in insufficient heating and lower performance. Replace them as and when necessary.

Conclusion

It is not surprising when the solar pool heating system in your backyard malfunctions or simply won’t work. There is no need to call a professional technician to get it repaired always and every time it happens.

Follow the simple techniques mentioned above to identify the issue and repair it yourself quickly if you have the required tools for repairing it. Of course, leave the major one for the pro.