circulating pump size / type

[Wade1]

would a 1/2 HP jacuzzi style pump be sufficient to run a solar panel system (about 400' of 1/2" polypipe)?

[skeeter_ca]

I would think it would be ok for the job only if you are running multible coils coming off of a larger header pipe. Running one long 400' length may cause to much back pressure. I would recommend making two 200' coils and run a larger diameter header pipes that comes out of the pump. Minimum header pipe size coming from and going to the coils should be the same as the outlet side of the pump. Recommend going one or two sizes above that just to keep friction loss at a minimum.

Do you know what the GPM is of the pump?

skeeter

[russ]

Would 3 ducks and an apple be able to do the same as 1 goose and a lemon?

You really have to provide more detail - like what the pump really is for starts

[Wade1]

not sure the GPM on the pump, its just a standard 1/2 HP circulating pump off a jacuzzi bath tub.

plan was to run (4) 100' coils of 1/2" poly with 1 3/4" headers but I just noticed the pump draws 9 amps so i think i'll try tieing into the existing pool pump (there is already a small commercial solar collector which works well but I was thinking of adding a system on the side for quicker warm ups after cooler periods).

thanks skeeter for the advice,

russ, simply stating "we need more info to help you" is one thing, but the first half of the reply kind of comes of mocking. if it was to be condescending you succeeded. i would think other newbies might be put off from asking questions if they are met with responses like that.

[russ]

not sure the GPM on the pump, its just a standard 1/2 HP circulating pump off a jacuzzi bath tub.

plan was to run (4) 100' coils of 1/2" poly with 1 3/4" headers but I just noticed the pump draws 9 amps so i think i'll try tieing into the existing pool pump (there is already a small commercial solar collector which works well but I was thinking of adding a system on the side for quicker warm ups after cooler periods).

thanks skeeter for the advice,

russ, simply stating "we need more info to help you" is one thing, but the first half of the reply kind of comes of mocking. if it was to be condescending you succeeded. i would think other newbies might be put off from asking questions if they are met with responses like that.

Then don't ask "I have a pump - what will it do?" There are more than a few ratings of jacuzzi pumps out there - without the pump data no one can help you.

[skeeter_ca]

What is the pool pump you are using now with the existing solar panels? I would recommend using that pump if it has enough flow to handle additional panels. Make sure you add in a valve to adjust the flow through the panels if the flow is too fast.

skeeter

[russ]

What is the pool pump you are using now with the existing solar panels? I would recommend using that pump if it has enough flow to handle additional panels. Make sure you add in a valve to adjust the flow through the panels if the flow is too fast.

skeeter

Skeeter - You recommend on what basis? Please explain.

Try looking at http://rimstar.org/renewnrg/solar_po...ter_diy_fp.htm

Good information

[skeeter_ca]

I would say using the main pool pump over an additional pump would be best, as long as you can get enough flow through all the panels. You have to run the main pump for so many hours a day anyway, why not use that electricity rather than add more with another pump, again if it can handle the flow needed. Would you not agree? If not, why?

And yes i've seen that site many times. It seems to be a benchmark standard for successful DIY coil solar collectors, which also uses the main pool pump for circulation to the solar collectors.

The statement to add a valve was meant to be able to balance the flow through the collectors if needed especially since you will have two different types of collectors which may have different flow pressures. Better to have the valve there and not need it than to need it and not have it.

skeeter