Steinbach Solar Collector Loop: Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Steinbach product. We continually develop and enhance our items, however, should this product be faulty, we apologise for any inconvenience and politely ask you to get in contact with our service centre.
Read operating manual and store safely.
This instruction manual relates to the Steinbach solar collector Loop. It contains important information on starting your product for the first time and how to operate it. Carefully read through the instruction manual - particularly the safety instructions - before using this product. Non-compliance with this instruction manual may lead to major injuries or damage to your product. The instruction manual is based on standards and regulations applicable within the European Union. If the product is being used abroad, please follow any country-specific guidelines and laws. Store the instruction manual in a safe location for later consultation and submission to third parties, where applicable.
Intended Use
This product is solely intended for private use and is not suitable for commercial use. The solar collector is used for the heating of your pool water by solar power and is intended for pools in the ground and above ground pools. Only use the product as described in this instruction manual. Any other use is considered improper use and may lead to personal injury or damage to property. This item is not a toy. The manufacturer or retailer assumes no liability for damage resulting from improper or incorrect use.
Warnings and Safety Instructions
Read and observe all instructions. Non-compliance with these warnings and instructions may result in damage to property, severe personal injury or even death. These product warnings, instructions and safety regulations are extensive but cannot cover all potential risks and dangers and are thus not to be considered exhaustive. Please be cautious and assess potential dangers appropriately. Incorrect use/handling of the product can lead to life-threatening situations.
Caution! Leave repairs to experts in order to prevent hazards. Consult a specialist workshop. Liability is waived and warranty claims expire if repairs are carried out independently of if the product is improperly installed or used incorrectly. Only original parts corresponding to the original product specifications may be used during repairs.
WARNING! Hazardous for children and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental abilities (such as the handicapped, elderly individuals with impaired physical and mental abilities), or those with a lack of experience and knowledge. Children must not be allowed to play with this product. Cleaning may not be performed by children and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental abilities.
NOTE! Risk of damage! This product may be damaged through improper use.
- Always turn off your filter system when you are working with your solar collector.
- Do not position the equipment too close to the pool (adequate safe distance).
- Do not use any petroleum-based lubricants. Petroleum attacks the product's plastic components.
Check Scope of Delivery
NOTE! Risk of damage! The product may be damaged if you open the packaging with a sharp knife or other sharp objects without due care and attention. Please open the packaging very carefully.
- Remove the product from the packaging.
- Check that all included items have been delivered in full. (See Sketch/photo L1).
- Check whether the item, or parts thereof, exhibit damage. If there is damage, do not use the product. Get in contact with the service address stated at the end of the manual.
General Information
Conditions for the installation of a solar collector
The solar collector you have purchased is intended for use with inground and above-ground pools, and is easy to install and handle. The installation instructions are based on the following conditions:
- You have a pool which is fully built and filled with water.
- Your pool has a filter system.
- You have the required connector hoses to supply the pool and filter system with water. (Ø 32/38 mm)
These are the requirements so that the solar collector can force water through the solar chambers when it is installed and fully connected to the filter pump.
Functionality
(See Figure 1)
Once the equipment is installed, it is connected between your filter system and your pool using the two hose connectors. The connector hose forces the cold water from your filter unit into the solar chambers of your solar collector. Here it is heated by the sun's energy and then fed on to the second connector hose towards the pool.
A = Feed from the filter unit to the solar collector
B = Feed from the solar collector to the swimming pool inlet nozzles
Water heating depends on the following factors: Flow rate and level of sunshine. Solar heating only functions efficiently in sunshine. It can also remain connected to the pump in poor weather as this only causes a slight loss of pressure in the pump.
Tools and Accessories Required
These tools are required for assembly, but are not included in your set:
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
Ideal Location for Your Solar Collector
Your solar collector needs to be in a location with as much sunlight as possible.
- Never position the solar collector over the surface of your pool.
- Keep it an adequate distance away from your pool (keep a safe distance).
- The solar collector is designed to allow maximum possible penetration of sunlight.
- The solar collector is also suitable for salt water.
Installation Instructions
Assembly Instructions
Before you begin installation of the collector, turn off the filter pump and close off all water connections.
- Attach the feet to the underside of the solar collector. (Fig. 2, 3)
- Fit the 2 connection adapters to the underside of the solar collector. (Fig. 4, 5, 6)
- Connect the hoses between the filter unit, the solar collector and the pool.
- Assembly with a 32 mm hose connector: This is pushed directly over the connector adapter and fastened with the hose clip. (Fig. 7)
- Assembly with a 38 mm hose connector: (Fig. 8, 9, 10) First push the rubber reduction fitting 32/38 over the connector adapter. Then push the 38 mm hose over the reduction fitting and fasten with a hose clip.
- INTEX special adapter (not included): INTEX special adapter item No.: 040934. This is needed on large INTEX pools which have swimming pool hoses with gate valves. (Fig. 11, 12)
Initial Use
Once the solar collector is assembled and the hoses are connected to the filter pump and the pool, open the water supply and ensure that water is flowing through the hose. Then turn on the filter system. Air bubbles will rise from the inlet nozzle in the pool. This happens as the air is expelled from the solar collector. If this continues for more than 2-3 minutes, check the tightness of the connections in your system.
Please note: Cover your pool overnight to avoid loss of heat.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause / Solution |
|---|---|
| The pool does not warm up. |
|
| No bubbles appear after the equipment has been attached to the pump. | Check the filter system and ensure that water from the pool is flowing through the filter pump, then through the solar collector and finally through the connector hose back to the pool. |
| Air bubbles come out of the pool return after the pump has been turned on. |
|
| Water escaping. |
|
Technical Data
- Dimensions: L x W x H 55 x 55 x 27 cm
- Maximum pressure: 1 bar at 20 °C
- Water flow rate: max. 7,500 l/h
- Water content collector: 10 l
Product Care
The solar collector should not be exposed to cold weather. The solar collector should be stored in an area protected from frost before the first frost, or at the end of the pool season. All parts must be rinsed or cleaned with water only. Detergents may damage the protective cover.
Overwintering
Drain all the water from the solar collector by closing off the pipes. Store the equipment away for winter in an area protected from frost. Remove the pool return pipes. Make sure there is no water left inside the equipment as this can freeze. Water expands as it freezes and so can damage the solar chambers.
Cleaning
Use conventional cleaning products. Do not use solvent-based or abrasive cleaning agents/tools, i.e. no hard sponges, brushes etc.
Storage
The product must be thoroughly dried after cleaning. When the product is not being used, store it in a well ventilated place out of direct sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight. Make sure the room temperature is above 5°C in winter.
Disposal
Disposing of packaging: The packaging material has been selected in view of environmental concerns and disposability and is therefore recyclable. The paper and cardboard can be recycled, as can the plastic coverings.
Disposing of the product: Applicable in the European Union and other European states with systems in place for collecting and sorting recyclable materials. Dispose of the product in accordance with any laws and regulations applicable at your place of residence.
Warranty Conditions
The respective country's legal provisions for warranty conditions shall apply accordingly.
Distribution and Copyright
© 2021 Steinbach International GmbH. Reprint or reproduction (even partial) only with permission from Steinbach International GmbH. This publication, including all its parts, is protected by copyright. Any use outside the narrow limits of copyright law is not permitted and is punishable without the consent of Steinbach International GmbH. This applies in particular to reproductions, translations, microfilms and the input and processing in electronic systems.
Distributed by:
Steinbach International GmbH
L. Steinbach Platz 1
AT-4311 Schwertberg
Contact: helpdesk.steinbach.at
Website: steinbach-group.com
For spare parts, visit: steinbach-group.com/de/ersatzteile
