CaptainBusy

I have a 15x30 aboveground pool that makes use of a solar heater. My first pool filter/pump was 1 HP and that proved to be too much for both a small pool and two banks of 4x20 solar collectors plumbed into the system. I replaced the pump with a 3/4 HP Hayward pump and both elevated and added an additional solar panel. Still... the output from even a 3/4 HP pump is more than the solar needs to have water pumped through the system. Is there a way to reduce pressure from creating more back or head pressure in the system verses stressing the system by gating down flow, or is this acceptable, using ball valves in the system to reduce the diameter of the discharge piping in the valve? Thank you in advance for you response and assistance, Mike Schlags mschlags@yahoo.com Santa Barbara, CA

You may have already tackled this problem but in case you have not, and for the benefit of others, I share the following: As far as solar covers, the typical one here in the states is sold by companies such as Leslie Pools. Leslie Pool Solar Covers: http://www.lesliespool.com/Home/Pool-Covers/Solar-Covers.html I strongly recommend the light blue style with a flat surface on the top and bubbles on the bottom. The light blue color is more effective because it allows light to travel deeper into the water. Initially, I had only two solar panels but they were located on the ground which I eventually figured out was a giant heat sink, robbing the solar panels of the solar heating. I solved this by elevating the solar panels and installing a check valve, vapor pressure valve and pressure gauge to monitor output into the pool. I also installed a gas fired heater but do not need it yet because the solar panels are delivering a constant 85-88˚F after a day of solar heating in conjunction with use of the solar blanket. I am very happy with my design.