FAFCO Baby Bear Installation instructions

®
THE USA
MADE IN
Installation and Owner's Manual
Solar Pool Heater for Above-Ground Swimming Pools

OVERVIEW
How It Works
PRODUCT CONTENTS
BABY BEAR SPECIFICATIONS
INSTALLATION
1. Determine Location of Install
2. Remove the Baby Bear from Packaging and Assemble
3. Connect to Pool and Start-up
OPERATION
WINTERIZATION
WARRANTY
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4
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5
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6
7
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Table of Contents
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10140

Overview
Thank you for choosing FAFCO for your swimming pool solar heating solution. This solar collector is
proudly manufactured in the United States. Since 1969, we have provided high-quality, long-lasting
products that help our customers save money on energy costs and reduce the environmental impact
associated with traditional pool heating.
How It Works
1. Sunshine heats the solar collector.
2. The swimming pool pump circulates pool water through the heated solar collector.
3. Solar-heated water ows back into your pool.
4. You enjoy swimming in a solar-heated pool!
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CAUTION: This product is for use with above-ground swimming pools and above-ground
swimming pool equipment ONLY. Failure to comply could result in injury.

Product Contents
Your system includes one Baby Bear solar collector along with assembled legs and supports. Hose
and Clamp Kit sold separately. See the list below for all items needed for a basic installation.
Baby Bear Specications
The maximum ow of the Baby Bear should not exceed 30 gpm per panel. Water ows through
the lter and back to the pool decreases when connected to the Baby Bear. To keep the pool water
properly ltered, longer pump run times may be necessary. Check your pool pump user manual to
ensure the maximum run time on the pump is not exceeded to avoid damage.
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Baby Bear Kit Quantity
Baby Bear Solar Collector
Baby Bear Legs
1
1
Hose and Clamp Kit - 10080 Quantity
2
4
1-1/2 in. x 6 ft Hose
Hose Clamp

Installation
Before Installation check which hose/connection is required for setup. 1-1/4 in. and 1-1/2 in. hose
is compatible with the Baby Bear. In the case that the pool has a threaded hose connection, please
purchase an adapter from your pool manufacturer or local supply store. If additional hose and hose
clamps are needed, purchase the FAFCO Hose and Clamp Kit (PN 10080).
Flexible Pool Hose Installation
Additional Materials Required:
- (2) 1-1/2 in. x 6 ft. Flexible Hose
- (4) Hose Clamps
Tools Required:
- None
1. Determine Location of Install
Select an unshaded location on at ground near the pool that will receive full sunlight exposure for
most of the day. Due to the Baby Bear Legs, the collector will sit at the ideal angle for solar collection.
The Baby Bear should be placed in an accessible location for winterizing. Note: Winter is considered
anytime air temperature is below 40°F.
2. Remove the Baby Bear from Packaging and Assemble
Once a location is determined, unbox the Baby Bear and attach the legs to the solar collector as
shown in the images below. Orient the Baby Bear so the tilted portion is facing South.
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Installation (Cont.)
3. Connect to Pool and Start-up
Once the Baby Bear is assembled, connect the hoses. Using one exible hose and hose clamp, and
connect it from the pool lter directly to the inlet of the Baby Bear. Position the hose clamps as shown
in the gure and hand tighten them. Apply the second hose and hose clamps from the outlet of the
solar collector directly into the pool inlet. Turn the pool pump on and check for any leaks at the ends
of the exible hoses. The heating time of the pool will vary depending on the how many hours of
sunlight the Baby Bear can collect per day along with the size of the pool.
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CAUTION: If the hose clamps are overtightened, they can warp the hose and lead to leaks.
If leaks are present, the hose clamps may need to be slightly loosened.

Operation
WARNING: If the solar collector is full of water and has been sitting in the sun without the pump
running, the water can get very hot. Hot water can cause burns, so be sure that everyone is away
from the pool inlet each time the solar is turned on.
During operation, when the solar system is running efciently, the solar collector will be cool to the
touch. The sun’s heat will be carried into your pool immediately. For best results, turn on your solar
collector whenever it is in the sun.
To prevent cooling your pool, turn the solar and/or the pump off at night, when it’s cloudy, or when
it’s raining. If your pool system has a timer, set it to operate from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. This is the best
solar heating period. Using a pool blanket in addition to the solar system will hold the warmth in the
pool and help it heat more quickly. It is particularly important to use the blanket at night or when it’s
windy. If your pool becomes too warm during the season, turn the pump and solar on at night to help
cool the pool.
Winterization
1. The solar collector must be completely drained and isolated before winter to prevent freeze
damage. The solar collector will not be damaged by freezing conditions when properly drained
and isolated as follows:
2. Turn off the pool pump and plug pool inlet and outlet.
3. Disconnect solar collector
4. The solar collector must be manually lifted and drained. Unmount solar collector and fully drain
them by tilting them back and forth until no evidence of water remains inside.
5. Store solar collector in a conditioned space (above 40°F) for the winter.
6. Cap off the open pipe or hose connections.
7. The pool pump, lter, and sweep can now be used while the solar collector is properly stored
for the winter.
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Note:
Operating your solar system during freezing conditions is not an approved freeze-protection method.
Blowing the lines and/or solar collectors with a shop vacuum, leaf blower, or compressor will NOT
remove water completely and is not an approved freeze-protection method.
SOLAR COLLECTOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY FREEZING WATER IS NOT COVERED
UNDER WARRANTY. WATER WILL FREEZE AT 40°F, FOLLOW THIS WINTERIZATION
PROCEDURE TO AVOID FREEZE DAMAGE: