Solmate Solar Energy Pool Heating System Maintenance & Fault Diagnosis Guide

Solmate Solar Energy Swimming Pool Heating System
Maintenance Guide
The Solmate solar energy pool heating system you have had installed is fully automated
and requires very little maintenance. However, there are some procedures you can follow to
ensure a longer life and a more efficient performance of the system. If you feel you would like any
help with these checks Solar in Spain will be happy to discuss a maintenance contract with you.
Weekly Maintenance
Visually check that the solar pump basket is clear. If the basket contains debris, turn off
the system, close the ball valves either side of the pump, take of the lid and clear the basket.
Replace and ensure ball valves are opened and the system is switched on.
Annual Maintenance
1. Clean solar collectors of any dust and other materials.
2. Check the supports for the collectors and pipes are still secure.
3. Examine the pipe connections. In particular the fittings at the valves and pump may
sometimes loosen with vibration. These can easily be hand tightened if loose.
4. Check electrical connections and that no moisture has entered the electrical housing.
5. Check that there is no shading developing on the collectors.
6. In extreme winters it is recommended to drain-down the collectors so there is no risk of
freezing. At the end of winter the system can be easily re-commissioned. Alternatively your
system is fitted with an anti-freeze setting.
Bi-Annual Maintenance
1. Thoroughly clean the solar collectors.
2. Remove sensor sleeves and check for corrosion.
3. Re-calibrate the sensors.
4. Remove pump and rinse through with clear water.
5. Check electrical connections in the pump and in the electrical housing and that no moisture
has entered either.
6. Examine all pipe connections.
7. Check the supports for the collectors and pipes are still firm.
8. Check that there is no shading developing on the collectors.
Troubleshooting Guide
The Solmate solar energy system involves a series of valves. Valves inadvertently being
shut are the most likely causes of any problems with a Solmate system. It is important that these
valves are always open when the system is running to ensure the system is able to draw water
from the pool (the skimmer and sink valves are open).
Potential Issues:
Solar pump does not operate even though the sun is shining
1. Is there a power supply to the pump? Check that the LED display is lit (this may be difficult
to see in direct sunlight). If the LED is not lit it could be that a circuit breaker has tripped.
Check that all circuit breakers connected with the pump are in the ´on’ position and that
there is mains electricity supplied to the system.
2. Check the temperature of the collector (panel) by pressing the ‘Tcol’ button. The normal
temperature shown is that of the accumulator (pool). The solar pump turns on when there
is a 4C difference between the panels and the pool and turns off when there only remains
a 2C difference.
3. Alternatively, the pool water may have reached its set maximum temperature. This setting
can be altered at any time by following the instructions in the controller manual. Also
check that the temperature differentials and maximum temperature settings have not been
mistakenly changed.
If the pump still is not working even when conditions dictate that it should, contact Solar in Spain.
If an error symbol is displayed on the controller there is likely to be a sensor fault. This may come
about from a wire being damaged or a sensor problem. If this is the case, contact Solar in Spain.
Solar pump is working but appears to not be pumping water into the pool.
Check that all valves are open. If the skimmer valve is used check that water is above the level of
the skimmer. If the level is below the skimmer, fill the pool above it and in the interim open
another valve, preferably that of the sink (fondo).
When the solar pump operates large amounts of bubbles come out of the pool jets.
1. It is inevitable that a small amount of air will find its way into the panels and when the
system starts up, particularly for the first time in the morning, there is likely to be a small
amount of bubbles for less than one minute.
2. Is there any water leaking from the system? This will also let air into the system. On rare
occasions valves in the pump house may loosen. If accessible these may be handtightened which should resolve the issue. If a leak is identified, contact Solar in Spain.
3. Check the lid of the sand filter is on tightly. Occasionally following maintenance to the sand
filter, the lid of the filter may not have been tightened adequately. This will let air into the
system.
NOTES