Sungrabber In-ground Solar Pool Heater Owner's manual

IN-GROUND
- SOLAR POOL HEATER -
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
How Does the SunGrabberTM System Work?...............................
Why is SunGrabberTM Your Best Choice?.....................................
What’s Needed to Install Your SunGrabber
TM……………………..
Installing your SunGrabberTM………………..………………………
Heating Your Pool………….……………………………………...…
Page 2
Page 2
Page 3 & 4
Page 5, 6 & 7
Page 8
Winterizing Your SunGrabberTM….…………....
Troubleshooting……..…………………….……..
Frequently Asked Questions……………….…..
Customer Support………….……………………
Warranty……………………..…………………...
Page 8
Page 8
Page 9
Page 9
Page 9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SunGrabberTM

2
Congratulations!
You are about to install a SunGrabberTM In-ground Solar Pool Heater (ING) - The best solar pool heater made! Based right here in
the U.S.A., the manufacturer of SunGrabberTM pioneered polymer solar pool heaters over 30 years ago, and today takes great pride
in being the largest and oldest manufacturer in the world. Backed by the longest and best warranty in the industry, your
SunGrabberTM is state-of-the-art in solar pool heating technology, and will provide years of FREE HEAT for your pool! In fact, when
sized and installed correctly, a SunGrabberTM will raise your pool temperatures up to 10°F, and extend your swimming season.
Regular use of a solar blanket will enhance the performance of your new SunGrabberTM and allow you to enjoy a
warmer pool!
HOW DOES THE SUNGRABBERTM SYSTEM WORK?
 The system is designed to be installed horizontally (20’ panels) or vertically (10’ and 12’ panels)
 Pool water moves through the solar panel(s) picking up the sun’s solar heat along the way.
 Warmed pool water is then returned back to the pool.
 During the day, between 2°F and 5°F of heat is added each time your pool water circulates through the solar panel(s).
If your pool water is too warm, circulate the pool water through the solar panel at night to cool your pool!
WHY IS SUNGRABBERTM YOUR BEST CHOICE?
SunGrabberTM’s patented tube-to-tube construction and water metering system provides even
flow and heating along the entire width and length of the solar panel. These features
eliminate inefficient hot spots associated with other solar brands.
1. Pool water enters the header and travels through the metering holes into the
subplenum without creating excessive additional backpressure on the pool pump.
2. The subplenum evenly distributes pool water simultaneously to every
panel tube.
3. The pool water then flows down the panel creating a fully-wetted surface
that is in touch with the sun’s solar heat.
4. A balanced fully-wetted surface optimizes transfer of the sun’s available
solar heat to your pool water.
WARM
WATER
TO POOL
COOL
WATER TO
SOLAR
PANEL
FILTER AND
PUMP
COOL WARM
SWIMMING POOL
SOLAR HEAT
SOLAR HEAT
FILTER AND
PUMP
WARM
WATER
TO POOL
COOL
WATER TO
SOLAR
PANEL
FILTER AND
PUMP
COOL WARM
SWIMMING POOL
SOLAR HEAT
SOLAR HEAT
FILTER AND
PUMP
WARM
WATER
TO POOL
COOL
WATER TO
SOLAR
PANEL
FILTER AND
PUMP
COOL WARM
SWIMMING POOL
SOLAR HEAT SOLAR HEAT SOLAR HEAT SOLAR HEAT
WARM
WATER
TO POOL
COOL
WATER TO
SOLAR
PANEL
FILTER AND
PUMP
COOL WARM
SWIMMING POOL
SOLAR HEAT SOLAR HEAT SOLAR HEAT SOLAR HEAT

3
WHAT’S NEEDED TO INSTALL YOUR SUNGRABBERTM?
SunGrabberTM
Product
Box Contents by Item
(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown)
SunGrabberTM
Product
Box Contents by Item
(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown)
ING
(Compact)
40,000 BTU’s
ING
(Compact)
80,000 BTU’s
Box Contents Box Contents
Item Quantity Description Item Quantity Description
1
2
3
1
3
6
2’ x 20’ in-ground solar panel
36” mounting straps
2” x 1/4” stainless mounting screws
1
2
3
4
5
2
3
9
2
4
2’ x 20’ in-ground solar panel
60” mounting straps
2” x 1/4” stainless mounting screws
1 1/2” rubber coupler
1 1/2” hose clamp
Additional Parts Required: (1) - System Kit, PVC Solvent Primer/Cement, TeflonTM
Tape, Silicone Sealant, and plumbing from roof to pool equipment.
Additional Parts Required: (1) - System Kit, PVC Solvent Primer/Cement, TeflonTM
Tape, Silicone Sealant, and plumbing from roof to pool equipment.
SunGrabberTM
Product
Box Contents by Item
(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown)
SunGrabberTM
Product
Box Contents by Item
(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown)
ING
(2) - 2’ X 10’
40,000 BTU’s
ING
(2) - 2’ X 10’
40,000 BTU’s
w/ System Kit
Box Contents Box Contents
Item Quantity Description Item Quantity Description
1
2
3
4
5
2
3
9
2
4
2’ x 10’ in-ground solar panel
60” mounting straps
2” x 1/4” stainless mounting screws
1 1/2” rubber coupler
1 1/2” hose clamp
1
2
3
4
5
6
2
3
9
2
4
1
2’ x 10’ in-ground solar panel
60” mounting straps
2” x 1/4” stainless mounting screws
1 1/2” rubber coupler
1 1/2” hose clamp
SunGrabberTM System Kit
Additional Parts Required: (1) - System Kit, PVC Solvent Primer/Cement, TeflonTM
Tape, Silicone Sealant, and plumbing from roof to pool equipment.
Additional Parts Required: PVC Solvent Primer/Cement, TeflonTM Tape, Silicone
Sealant, and plumbing from roof to pool equipment.
SunGrabberTM
Product
Box Contents by Item
(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown)
SunGrabberTM
Product
Box Contents by Item
(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown)
ING
80,000 BTU’s System Kit
Box Contents Box Contents
Item Quantity Description Item Quantity Description
1
2
3
1
3
9
4’ x 20’ in-ground solar panel
60” mounting straps
2” x 1/4” stainless mounting screws
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
1
1
4
2
1
11
1
1
Additional Parts Required: (1) - System Kit, PVC Solvent Primer/Cement, TeflonTM
Tape, Silicone Sealant, and plumbing from roof to pool equipment.
1 1/2” ball valve
1 1/2” check valve
Vacuum relief valve (VRV)
1 1/2” rubber coupler
1 1/2” male rib adapter (MRA)
1 1/2” x 2” bell reducer rubber coupler
1 1/2” hose clamp
2” hose clamp
1 1/2” PVC Plug
1
2
1 5
4
3
2
3
1 5
42
3 1 5
42
3
1
2
39
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

4
WHAT’S NEEDED TO INSTALL YOUR SUNGRABBERTM? (CONTINUED)
SunGrabberTM
Product
Box Contents by Item
(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown)
SunGrabberTM
Product
Box Contents by Item
(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown)
ING
(1) - 4’ X10’
40,000 BTU’s
ING
(2) - 4’ X 10’
80,000 BTU’s
Box Contents Box Contents
Item Quantity Description Item Quantity Description
1 1 4’ x 10’ in-ground solar panel 1 2 4’ x 10’ in-ground solar panel
Additional Parts Required: (1) - System Kit, (2) - Panel Packs for first panel
and (1) per additional panel, PVC Solvent Primer/Cement, TeflonTM Tape,
Silicone Sealant, and plumbing from roof to pool equipment.
Additional Parts Required: (1) - System Kit, (2) - Panel Packs for first panel
and (1) per additional panel, PVC Solvent Primer/Cement, TeflonTM Tape,
Silicone Sealant, and plumbing from roof to pool equipment.
SunGrabberTM
Product
Box Contents by Item
(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown)
SunGrabberTM
Product
Box Contents by Item
(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown)
ING
(1) - 4’ X 12’
48,000 BTU’s
ING
(2) - 4’ x 12’
98,000 BTU’s
Box Contents Box Contents
Item Quantity Description Item Quantity Description
1 1 4’ x 12’ in-ground solar panel 1 2 4’ x 12’ in-ground solar panel
Additional Parts Required: (1) - System Kit, (2) - Panel Packs for first panel
and (1) per additional panel, PVC Solvent Primer/Cement, TeflonTM Tape,
Silicone Sealant, and plumbing from roof to pool equipment.
Additional Parts Required: (1) - System Kit, (2) - Panel Packs for first panel
and (1) per additional panel, PVC Solvent Primer/Cement, TeflonTM Tape,
Silicone Sealant, and plumbing from roof to pool equipment.
SunGrabberTM
Product
Box Contents by Item
(Manual and Warranty Card Not Shown) Additional parts required other than the System Kit and Panel Packs can be
purchased at you local hardware store.
TOOLS REQUIRED
Cordless drill
1/8” drill bit
1/2” ratchet
Flathead and Phillips screwdriver
1/4” socket driver
Tape measure
Marking pencil
Hack saw or PVC pipe cutter
AVAILABLE SUNGRABBERTM ACCESSORIES
1 1/2” X 2” Panel Add-on Adapter Kit
Panel Add-on Kit
Roof/Rack Mounting Kit
Panel Repair Kit
Panel
Pack
Box Contents
Item Quantity Description
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
2
4
5
5
3
1
1
1 1/2” rubber coupler
1 1/2” hose clamp
2” x 1/4” stainless mounting screws
Mounting cap and base
62” polyester belly strap
32” polyester top header strap
32” vinyl bottom header strap
1
1
1
1
1
2
3
4
7
6
5

5
INSTALLING YOUR SUNGRABBERTM
The ideal location for your SunGrabberTM system is a south-facing pitched roof closest to your pool equipment with enough space to
mount your panel(s). West-facing would be your second choice followed by east with north being the least desirable. Be certain that
trees or other structures do not shade the location you select. The effectiveness of your SunGrabberTM system is dependent on the
amount of direct sunlight. Survey the roof to confirm a proper fit.
Make certain to avoid shaded roof areas.
A 1 to 1 1/2 horsepower pump will generally handle installations up to 30 feet away from the pool equipment and one story high.
Large systems and remote installation may require a pump with more horsepower. If your pool has a gas heater or heat pump, plumb
your system in between the filter and gas heater/heat pump. Your should see a reduction in your monthly energy bill!
When transporting panel(s) to the roof or rack and while positioning panel(s) before mounting, be sure they are not
dragged over any sharp surfaces.
HORIZONTAL INSTALLATIONS ON ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOFS [20’ PANELS]
1. Determine the location of your panel(s). Lay out your system so that it declines slightly (about 1/4” of
fall every 10’) toward the bottom corner of the panel that feeds from your pool equipment. This is
needed to ensure proper drainage for winterizing.
2. The three mounting straps
provided should be positioned
with one in the center of the panel,
and one 5” in from each header.
Mark the bottom row lag bolt
locations. Position the first strap
with 10” of underhang below the
lag bolt location, drill an 1/8” pilot
hole, remove strap, apply
adhesive to the pilot hole, re-
position the strap, and screw the
lag bolt through the strap into the
roof. Install remaining two straps
the same way. In Step 10, you
will use the 10” underhang
strapping and the same lag bolt to
secure supply piping.
3. If this is a multiple panel system, connect all the panels using the rubber couplers and hose clamps
provided with your system. Make sure each coupler is pushed on at least an inch past the raised
ribs of the header adapters. Position hose clamps 1/4” from the end of the couplers and tighten.
4. Install the threaded PVC plug into the bottom corner adapter of the bottom panel that will not have
plumbing running to it. Be sure to use TeflonTM tape on the threads of the plug.
5. Install the VRV and bell reducer as shown onto the upper most corner of the top panel that will not
have plumbing running to it.
6. Install rubber couplers and clamps on the opposite corners that will receive plumbing. Insert 1-1/2”
Male Ribbed Adapters (MRAs) with barbs into the coupler and secure with a hose clamp.
7. Follow Steps 1 and 2 for mounting remaining straps.
8. Construct plumbing as shown. Use extra strapping at the bottom to hold supply piping.
4.
2.
2.
3.
8.
5.
8.

6
INSTALLING YOUR SUNGRABBERTM (CONTINUED)
VERTICAL INSTALLATIONS ON ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOFS
[2’ X 10’ PANELS]
1. Determine the location of your panel(s). Lay out your system so that it
declines slightly (about 1/4” of fall every 10’) toward the bottom corner of
the panel that feeds from your pool equipment. This is needed to ensure
proper drainage for winterizing.
2. Lay out all panels and connect them together using the rubber couplers and
hose clamps provided. Make sure the couplers are pushed onto the header
adapter at least an inch past the raised barb, position the hose clamps 1/4”
from the ends of the couplers, and tighten.
3. Install the threaded PVC plug into the bottom corner adapter of the bottom
panel that will not have plumbing running to it. Be sure to use TeflonTM tape on the threads of the plug.
4. Install the VRV and bell reducer as shown onto the upper most corner of the top panel that will not have plumbing running to it.
5. Install rubber couplers and clamps on the opposite corners that will receive plumbing. Insert 1-1/2” Male Ribbed Adapters
(MRAs) with barbs into the coupler and secure with a hose clamp.
6. The three mounting straps provided should be positioned with one in the center of the panel, one 3” down from the top header
and one 5” up from the bottom header.
7. Starting with the strap at the top of the panel, mark the position of the first lag 2” off the edge of the panel, position the strap over
the mark with one inch overhanging the lag screw location. Drill an 1/8” pilot hole, remove the strap, apply adhesive over the pilot
hole, re-position the strap, and screw lag bolt through the strap into the roof.
8. Position the panel under the strap, pull the strap tight across the panel and install the second lag bolt.
9. Continue until all the panels are installed then construct plumbing from the panels to the pool equipment.
VERTICAL INSTALLATIONS ON ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOFS [4’ X 10’ AND 4’ X 12’ PANELS]
1. Determine the location of your panel(s). Lay out your system so that it declines
slightly (about 1/4” of fall every 10’) toward the bottom corner of the panel that
feeds from your pool equipment. This is needed to ensure proper drainage for
winterizing.
2. Lay down panels adjacent to each other and couple all panels together using
the rubber couplers and hose clamps provided. Make sure the couplers are
pushed onto the header adapter at least an inch past the raised barb, position
the hose clamps 1/4” from the ends of the couplers, and tighten.
3. Install the threaded PVC plug into the bottom corner adapter of the bottom panel
that will not have plumbing running to it. Be sure to use TeflonTM tape on the
threads of the plug.
You can install up to (8) panels utilizing same-side feed/return and up
to (12) panels utilizing diagonal feed/return.
WARM
WATER
TO POOL
COOL
WATER TO
SOLAR
PANEL
FILTER AND
PUMP
COOL WARM
SWIMMING POOL
SOLAR HEAT SOLAR HEAT SOLAR HEAT SOLAR HEAT
WARM
WATER
TO POOL
COOL
WATER TO
SOLAR
PANEL
FILTER AND
PUMP
COOL WARM
SWIMMING POOL
SOLAR HEAT SOLAR HEAT SOLAR HEAT SOLAR HEAT
4.3.2.
Same Side Feed/Return
Diagonal Feed/Return

7
INSTALLING YOUR SUNGRABBERTM (CONTINUED)
VERTICAL INSTALLATIONS ON COMPOSITE ROOFS [4’ X 10’ AND 4’ X 12’ PANELS] (CONTINUED)
4. Install the VRV and bell reducer as shown onto the upper most corner of the top panel that will not have plumbing running to it.
5. Install rubber couplers and clamps on the opposite corners that will receive plumbing. Insert 1-1/2” Male Ribbed Adapters
(MRAs) with barbs into the coupler and secure with a hose clamp.
6. Mark a spot on the roof 4” to 7” above each coupler at the TOP of the assembled panels and drill an 1/8” pilot hole.
7. Start at one end of the assembled panels. Apply sealant into the pilot hole and circular cavity on the bottom of a mounting base,
insert 1/4” lag bolt, and screw the base to the roof.
8. Insert a 32” poly strap around the coupler, lay both ends into the base, draw tight, and screw on cap. These straps will prevent
your system from sliding downward.
9. Use a 1/2” ratchet to tighten caps to bases.
When tightening caps to bases make sure you do not spin the base as this will break the seal of your sealant.
10. Install the 62” belly straps at the middle of the panels, and 10” down from the top header and up from the bottom header using
the caps and bases, and following the same procedure as used in Step 7. Be sure to snug the straps prior to tightening the caps.
Some caps and bases will have two overlapping straps.
11. Install the stretchy vinyl straps around the BOTTOM couplers following the same procedure outlined in Steps 6 thru 9. These
straps secure the panel ends while allowing for expansion and contraction of your system.
12. Construct plumbing from the panels to the pool equipment.
CONNECTING TO POOL EQUIPMENT
Install check valve and by-pass valve as shown. The check valve prevents
the water in the panels from flowing backwards through filter and backflushing
into the pool. The by-pass ball valve allows you to manually activate and
deactivate your solar system. When turning the system on, regulate flow
using the by-pass valve. The solar system works best at flow rates ranging
from 4 to 8 gpm per panel.
True Union isolation ball valves are recommended to make Winterizing your
system easier. NOTE: A MOTORIZED VALVE AND AN AUTOMATIC
SOLAR CONTROL ARE OPTIONAL ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR
LOCAL POOL DEALER.
It is best to make all cuts and fittings prior to cementing the
joints. Use standard processes for cutting, gluing and de-
burring pipe.
FILTER
AUTOMATION
ISOLATION VALVES
HEATER
BY-PASS VALVECHECK VALVE
4.3. 7. & 8. 10.
To Panels From Panels

8
HEATING YOUR POOL
When the system starts up you will notice tiny air bubbles flowing into your pool. This is the plumbing and solar panel(s) being purged
of any air. This is normal and should last a few minutes. To check the performance of the system, turn off the pool pump. Wait 10
minutes and feel the surface of the solar panel. It should be hot to the touch. Now turn the pool pump back on and feel the panel
getting cooler to the touch. The difference in temperature is FREE solar heat being added to your pool water!
Warning: If the panel 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 everyone is away from the pool inlet each time the system is
turned on.
For best results, turn on your solar system whenever your solar panels are in the sun. Turn the solar system off at night or when it’s
raining to prevent cooling the pool. 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 solar blanket in addition to your solar pool heater 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 theseason,
turn the pump and solar on at night to help cool the pool.
WINTERIZING YOUR SUNGRABBERTM
A vacuum relief valve (VRV) is provided with your SunGrabberTM system to allow the panels to drain when the pump is off. All
plumbing designs should allow for full drainage. Turn by-pass valve and pool pump off, and allow 30 to 40 minutes for drainage.
Undo the isolation valves, remove the VRV, and allow the system to drain. Store your VRV. SunGrabber TM panels are designed to
be left in place through the winter months as long as they are drained. If you question the drainage of your system you should
disconnect each panel and raise each one up to check and see that no water is present.
Freeze damage is not covered under warranty.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If you are having an issue with your SunGrabberTM, please review this section and the Frequently Asked Question section that
follows. Usually a resolution can be found in these two sections. If your particular issue is not found, please visit us on the web at
www.sungrabber.com or contact our customer support department at 1-866-SUNGRAB (786-4722).
Issue: My system doesn’t seem to be working.
Resolution: Turn off your pool pump midday in bright sunlight. After 10 minutes have passed, feel the solar panel. It should be quite warm to the
touch. Turn your pool pump back on. Wait another 10 minutes and feel the solar panel again. It should be cool to the touch. The difference in
temperature is the heat being added to your swimming pool and indicates that your system is functioning properly. Also, the water entering the
pool from the solar panel through the pool inlet should be warmer than the surrounding pool water.
Issue: My pool is not warm enough.
Resolution: Your system should be up and running for five days to reach optimum temperature. Be sure the system is turned off during the night,
or this will cool your pool. Be sure your solar system is getting sun the entire day or at least 4 to 6 hours preferable of afternoon sun, preferably on
a south-facing pitched roof.
Issue: Flow from my pool inlet seems greatly reduced and filter pressure excessive.
Resolution: There will be some increase in backpressure on the filter and pump when the solar system is on. Check to see that your pool filter is
properly cleaned.

9
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The following questions are those asked most frequently by our SunGrabberTM customers. If you have a question or concern about
your SunGrabberTM, your answer may be found below.
Question: Should I use a solar pool cover with my solar system?
Answer: A solar pool cover prevents evaporation and heat loss, especially at night when the outside temperature is cooler. If you do not use one,
there is a good chance that the heat you added during the day will be lost at night.
Question: Can above ground pool solar panels be used to heat my in-ground pool?
Answer: SunGrabberTM does not recommend using above ground solar panels on in-ground pools.
Questions: Can I add on more panels if I want my pool warmer?
Answer: Absolutely. The more panels—the warmer your pool! Your SunGrabberTM system’s modular design accepts additional panels very
easily.
Question: Can I use my SunGrabberTM with a gas heater or heat pump?
Answer: If you have a gas heater or heat pump installed on your pool currently, simply install your SunGrabberTM between the filter and the gas
heater/heat pump. You will notice a reduction in your monthly energy bill!
Questions: How should I time my automatic pool cleaner?
Answer: Set your pool cleaner to turn on after the solar system. This prevents air from entering and possibly damaging pool-cleaning equipment
during startup of your solar system.
Question: I left my solar panel full of water through the winter and now some of the tubes are leaking. Can it be repaired?
Answer: Yes it can. You will need to order our “Panel Repair Kit” from your local dealer. It is very important that your SunGrabber
TM is properly
winterized each year. (Reference the “Winterizing Your SunGrabber
TM” section of this manual, page 8)
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
If your issue was not addressed in our Troubleshooting or Frequently Asked Questions sections, please visit us on the web at
www.sungrabber.com or contact our customer support department at 1-866-SUNGRAB (786-4722).
WARRANTY
Your SunGrabberTM is backed by a limited 10-year warranty.

SunGrabber TM
866-SUNGRAB • 866-786-4722
435 Otterson Drive
Chico, CA 95928
www.sungrabber.com