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- 16,594
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- Reno NV
Well, I'm probably 95% done, so thought I'd post a pic. Need to pick up a couple of more cans of 'Fusion' plastic spraypaint.
Already had the rack to mount it on. Actually, it used to be about 4 foot longer, but took part of it off. Added a 1 foot extension up top, then painted it all black. It's facing due south.
Basically, just a bunch of PVC all glued up together. 210 feet of 1/2" pipe between two manifolds. I figure the 7 1/2" pipe gives me a decent enough flow rate. That way I can run the filter and the heater on the one circuit.
Use some cheap flat black paint on the rack. Used a couple of cans of fusion plastic spray paint on the tubes. Still need a couple more cans, but I figure this should be a good start.
I've got a bunch of valves rigged up so I can easily shut off the flow to clean the filter, or to send the water through the heater.
Can't use flexible hoses, or sprinker type tubing, because there are some kind of critters around here that like that plastic. I have to splice in repairs to the drip irrigation pretty frequently. Don't really want a hole to pop open while the pump is running and drain the pool...
So physicists, start your engines and debate for me the relative qualities of flow rate, and tubing size versus length.
I'm of the opinion that slower flow rates result in higher output temps, but that it doesn't really matter to the overall rate of temperature increase to the pool.
The more tubing, the better. The thinner the tubing, the better.
The pool temp started at 55 degrees today, which, I believe, is hypothermia inducing!
We'll see how long it takes for this heater and the solar cover to get the pool to a decent swimming temp. I'd like the pool to be in the low 80's, but I'll still use it in the 70's, if the outdoor temp is warm enough...
Already had the rack to mount it on. Actually, it used to be about 4 foot longer, but took part of it off. Added a 1 foot extension up top, then painted it all black. It's facing due south.
Basically, just a bunch of PVC all glued up together. 210 feet of 1/2" pipe between two manifolds. I figure the 7 1/2" pipe gives me a decent enough flow rate. That way I can run the filter and the heater on the one circuit.
Use some cheap flat black paint on the rack. Used a couple of cans of fusion plastic spray paint on the tubes. Still need a couple more cans, but I figure this should be a good start.
I've got a bunch of valves rigged up so I can easily shut off the flow to clean the filter, or to send the water through the heater.
Can't use flexible hoses, or sprinker type tubing, because there are some kind of critters around here that like that plastic. I have to splice in repairs to the drip irrigation pretty frequently. Don't really want a hole to pop open while the pump is running and drain the pool...
So physicists, start your engines and debate for me the relative qualities of flow rate, and tubing size versus length.
I'm of the opinion that slower flow rates result in higher output temps, but that it doesn't really matter to the overall rate of temperature increase to the pool.
The more tubing, the better. The thinner the tubing, the better.
The pool temp started at 55 degrees today, which, I believe, is hypothermia inducing!
We'll see how long it takes for this heater and the solar cover to get the pool to a decent swimming temp. I'd like the pool to be in the low 80's, but I'll still use it in the 70's, if the outdoor temp is warm enough...
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