Replies

1. 
   MikeSmith | Jul 05, 2009 06:52pm | #1

   yes  and no

   if it was a continuous circulation...could work..... but you have to keep the water flowing to avoid overheating the pvc

   Mike Hussein Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

   
   

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   Edited 7/5/2009 11:54 am ET by MikeSmith

1. 
   banaster | Jul 05, 2009 07:02pm | #2

   Would over heating cause pipe to deform or would there be a problem from chemicals leeching out? woluld CPVC be best or could I use pressure PVC?

1. 
   WayneL5 | Jul 05, 2009 09:12pm | #3

   PVC pipe handles full rated pressure up to 140°F.  Above that the strength gradually decreases until it softens into uselessness around 180° to 200°.  CPVC handles full rated pressure up to 180°.

1. 
   jej | Jul 05, 2009 11:13pm | #4

   shouldnt it be covered from the sun or is it uv protected ?

1. 
   WayneL5 | Jul 05, 2009 11:20pm | #5

   I don't know.  I've only used it indoors.  Probably UV resistant CPVC is available if not all CPVC is.  Or, it can be painted.

2. 
   gfretwell | Jul 06, 2009 07:46pm | #6

   Grey conduit PVC is UV protected. They usually use ABS for solar collectors in Florida but it does deform a bit in the summer when the pipe is dry. For that reason the connectors to the collectors are usually hoses with clamps in them, not PVC couplers. That way, if the pipe is slightly oval, they can still be used

2. 
   Clewless1 | Jul 17, 2009 04:04pm | #7

   Why would you want to? My guess is PVC or even CPVC would be routinely used ... except it has poor heat transfer properties. Use copper, not plastic. You'll probably get 3-4 times the output for the same collector size.

1. 
   gfretwell | Jul 17, 2009 07:46pm | #8

   The collectors are usually going to be PVC, (or similar plastic) because pool water eats copper. This is not like a domestic hot water system. From my experience, unless you have a cover on the pool, you won't get much more than ambient air temperature anyway.

1. 
   Clewless1 | Jul 18, 2009 04:27am | #9

   OK ... then you use the collectors designed for it ... I think they use EDPM or polypropelene. Marketed 'in the old days' as "Solaroll", they are designed for this application.  The other option is to use a heat exchanger and copper collectors. The solaroll is an inexpensive way to go, though.

   While I don't understand all the details, rigid PVC spells trouble. Plus it will degrade in sunlight, I think.

1. 
   gfretwell | Jul 18, 2009 05:05am | #10

   I always hear about the problem with the sun but since the rest of the pool equipment is plumbed in white PVC am not that worried about a few feet going up to the roof. Most people's well pumps are plumbed in PVC too.

   Edited 7/17/2009 10:42 pm ET by gfretwell