Summer start-up

[MichaelK]

Hi... New house has solar pool heating. It was and remains turned off. Wife wants pool warmer now. What do I have to do to properly start it up? I know it was drained before winter.
Pool equipment specs: New Pentair Intelliflo Variable Speed pump, Pentair DE Filter. Panels are below the equipment pad, by approx. 6-8 feet in height and about 25 feet from pool.
Also, can I run the pump at very low speeds or is there a minimum flow rate to make sure the water is capable of getting back up the hill?

Thanks, Michael

[Naptown]

Is there a diverter valve?

[MichaelK]

Yes, 1 diverter valve - Manual 3 way from filter out, then to either Solar or bypass to pool

[Naptown]

Well turn it and see what happens

[MichaelK]

OK... no need to flush it or backwash it (somehow)? Basically just close off drain and go for it?

[Naptown]

No real way to flush if that wasn't set up. You could fill and drain through an inlet if take it apart

[Szumlanski]

No real way to flush if that wasn't set up. You could fill and drain through an inlet if take it apart

Most people in climates where it freezes leave an end cap off to make sure the panels are drained. Replace the end cap before turning the diverter valve and opening any isolation valves in the system. In Florida, we often just close the diverter valve at the beginning of summer and also close the isolation valve(s). It is important to make sure the isolation valves are open before turning the diverter valves so you don't dead-head your pump. If you need help with valves, go here.

Mod note - Solar Pete already warned you about advertising attempts - next time you are history. Please feel free participate but forget the links to your site.

[russ]

Leaving an end cap of my Schucco panels wouldn't do squat - they are not designed to self drain - most are like that.