Dagus Inc. Solar Water/Pool Heater Information Booklet

Solar Pool Water Heater Information Booklet

Introduction
1. What is the WISHING WELL SOLAR WATER HEATER and it’s Benefits?( WWSWH )
2. How does the WISHING WELL SOLAR WATER HEATER Work ?
3. WISHING WELL SOLAR WATER HEATER Location and Set-Up.
Operation For Swimming Pool
1. WISHING WELL SOLAR WATER HEATER Start-Up
2. Water Flow Regulation
3. Pool Cover
4. Pool Size
5. Water Filtration and Chemicals
6. Winterization
Operation for Domestic Use
1. WISHING WELL SOLAR WATER HEATER Start-Up
2. WISHING WELL SOLAR WATER HEATER With Tempering Tank
3. WISHING WELL SOLAR WATER HEATER With Water Heater
4. WISHING WELL SOLAR WATER HEATER With Table and Seats
Conclusion ( Important Information )
Drawings (Read Section IV Number 21)
1. Number 1 - Front cross-sectional view with numerical items
  Steel 4,13.
  Pipe 8,9,10,11,14.
  Plastic covering 15.
  Wood 18,20,20a,27.
  Pump, timer 7,21
2. Number 2 - Water Tempering Tank
3. Number 3 - Electric Water Heater
4. Number 4 - Flow Limit Valve in correlation with pool, filter, and Wishing Well Solar Water Heater.

Introduction
1. What is the Wishing Well Solar Water Heater and it’s benefits?
  
  This invention is called the wishing well solar water heater for three reasons. First it looks like a stylish wishing well, second it is solar operated and third it heats water so the obvious name. For the sake of time I will refer to this invention by it’s initials WWSWH.
  The WWSWH is a radical new approach to solar heating by its round compact design. This design adds style to solar heating and numerous options that conventional solar panels cannot duplicate. This patented invention, US 6,679,247 B1 can be used to heat a variable amount of hot water and it’s good looks makes it a first choice for the front yard. The WWSWH comes in numerous sizes to meet most needs, but the ability to couple several WWSWH units together in a small area makes for the possibility to heat water for almost any use. This invention can be positioned in almost any location the SUN shines and can be used to pre-heat or heat domestic water for the home or swimming pool or any other need of heated water. This design also allows the placement of a tempering tank or electric water heater in the center of the WWSWH unseen by the people passing by. The placement of a tempering tank adds another dimension and makes it possible to heat a large amount of water and store it for latter use. The purpose of an electric water heater located in the center of the WWSWH would insure hot water while taking advantage of the sun to pre-heat the water before it enters the electric water heater. This application would serve well as an alternative to an in the house installation of conventional water heaters in climates that would allow such an invention. This application would work in colder area’s in the summer and would allow heating systems that run primarily for home heat, but must run for summer hot water, to be shut down for the summer months. This would also benefit the interior of the home by placing a major source of unwanted summer heat outside, which in turn would help save on the air conditioning. In the case of an oil furnace, the summer is usually the cheapest time to purchase oil, but by the fall of the year your tank is empty and you must pay high prices to fill it. If you don’t use your furnace you can fill for the winter, in the summer, when prices are cheapest.
  Hot water is a major part in our energy consumption and is increasing every day. There is a real need for an energy source that is going to stay around for say a million years or so that is clear burning, safe, cheap and accessible to all. Of course I’m referring to the SUN. This form of energy must become a bigger part of our every day living if we have any hope of meeting our energy needs for the young people that are coming after us. Solar heat alone is not the answer, but with other forms of energy and conservation we can all make important contributions while saving money.
  One area that can be served very well by solar heat is our swimming pools. It would not surprise me that in the near future it may be against the law to heat your pool with anything other than solar. The WWSWH can sit next to the pool supplying heated water and adding a new flavor to the pool side decor. So the need to get involved in ours and our children’s future starts with conservation and clean solar heat, so we can all breath easier.
  
  The WWSWH is constructed of four main components. The first is steel and it is shaped to form the frame of the invention to insure a long safe operational life. A heavy coat of paint is applied to all metal parts.
  The second component is the black plastic pipe, which is called polyethylene high density plastic pipe. This pipe coils in a circular form all around the steel frame both the top and bottom sections of the WWSWH. This plastic is approved as potable.
  The third component is the clear plastic covering that covers most of the WWSWH and it is called polycarbonate plastic. This clear covering allows the sun to shine through while protecting the inner area’s from weather and making an almost air tight compartment. This covering allows the water to reach higher temperatures and maintain a high temperature for a longer period of time.
  The fourth main component is wood. The wood used is treated wood for exterior use along with pine in protected areas. A piece of 3/4 inch plywood is used to enclose and support the bottom of the WWSWH. In some designs the use of steel, aluminum, or plastic would be used for the bottom instead of wood. Wood is also used to form the sky light, which is located under the bottom of the top section. This sky light allows the sun to shine through the top section to the bottom section.
2. How Does The WWSWH Work? (use drawings for visual)
  
  The WWSWH is built in such a way as to allow the sun’s rays to shine through the clear plastic covering (15) and transfer it’s heat to the black plastic pipes(8,9,10,11,14) which are coiled around the steel frame(4). The pipes are filled with water from a pumping action supplied by the swimming pool pump, or in the case of a domestic hot water set-up the water is moved when the hot water tap, located in the home, is in the open position. This open position forces cold water out to the WWSWH(10) in-turn forcing heated water into the hot water system of the home(14). In some rare cases the pressure applied to the WWSWH is not enough to circulate the water, so a pump (7) located on the cold water line, can be installed. The tempering tank(19) set-up inside the WWSWH works as follows. There are four vents in the tank, two on the top and two on the bottom of the tank. The water from the home (cold) enters the bottom of the tank(22) and when water is called for (heated) it exits the top of the tank(23) going back to the hot water supply located in the home(14). The tank is heated by the placement of two pipes that connect both the top(17) and bottom(28) vents located on the tempering tank to the coiled pipes positioned around the exterior of the WWSWH. The use of a low volume, high pressure, low ampere pump(21) is used to circulate the heated water back to the tank. The use of a timer or heat limit switch activates the pump. this design will supply a large amount of hot water long after the sun has set. Another option is the use of a electric water heater(24) that is installed in the center of the WWSWH instead of the tempering tank. This design allows the water to be heated in the coils of black pipe, which is rapped around the exterior of the WWSWH, before it travels to the cold vent(25) located on the electric water heater. The hot water will pass out through (26) to the home (14) only when
  the faucet in the home is opened for hot water. This design is primarily used in domestic hot water set-ups and ensures hot water when needed whatever the weather. This design would be an alternative to a in-home water heater set-up in warmer climates. It’s use would be limited to summer in colder climates. This application would save energy and money and could be set-up just about anywhere the sun shines and exterior temperatures would permit. See attached drawings with drawing explanations.
3. Wishing Well Solar Water Heater Location and Set-Up.
  
  The location chosen to position this WWSWH should be carefully chosen with many things to consider. The first consideration is the position of the sun and surrounding items that may cast shade on the WWSWH. It is a good idea to get up early in the morning and chart the sun as it rises and sets to insure a proper placement of the WWSWH. It is very important to remember that the sun shines in our united states from a southern exposure and that it continues to move more to the east and west as it rises and falls as the summer months come, and back to a southern exposure as the winter months come. So placing the WWSWH in the sunniest place from early morning until evening through out the heating season, will insure maximum performance of this solar heating unit.
  Another consideration must be the distance and elevation the WWSWH will be positioned from the pool or source to which the heated water will be applied. The farther the heated water has to travel, especially if pipes are underground or in shaded areas, the cooler the water may become before reaching its destination. It is necessary to insulate both pipes coming from the WWSWH, that either go to the swimming pool or domestic home use. The swimming pool and domestic home use can’t use the same WWSWH. Elevation is a concern because the higher or lower the WWSWH is positioned in correlation to the pool or such, can add additional pressure to the pump used to move the water to and from the WWSWH. The pressure gauge located on the pool filter will show the additional pressure created by connecting the WWSWH. When in doubt call your local plumber or the makers of the pump for limitations. There is no pump provided with the WWSWH because the pool pump circulates the water in a swimming pool application, and the homes water pressure is used in a domestic use application. There is one exception to this. In some rare cases where the water pressure supplied by the pool pump or domestic home water pressure is not enough to circulate through the WWSWH, a small pump is used to add additional pressure. This is located on the cold line going to the WWSWH. The small amount of area this WWSWH occupies and its stylish good looks, allows its placement anywhere the sun shines even in the front yard. The base of the WWSWH varies with the many different sizes available so before making that final decision where to place it decide on the size best suited for you. The different sizes available will all heat water, but bigger is better when it comes to the WWSWH. Your geological location and amount of direct sun shine should be considered when selecting the size of WWSWH. Do not apply more than 60 psi water pressure to any WWSWH. Refer to price sheet for sizes available.
  Also check with the local zoning officer to insure the placement of such a solar system is not going to violate any codes or laws. ( Remember, this solar unit is placed on the ground).
  When setting up the WWSWH make sure the ground is level and compacted properly. A thin layer of gravel works well. Make sure the air can circulate completely around and under the WWSWH. In area’s where wind is a problem it will be necessary to tie the solar unit to the ground. Place four long pins equally around the WWSWH and pound them into the ground. Drill holes through the steel base of the WWSWH and positioning eye hooks from under the bottom up through the holes and position nuts. Then drill holes through the pins and tie together with the eye hooks using a heavy gauge steel wire. Wire of 10 gauge or heavier is recommended.
  There are two, one (1) inch plastic pipes positioned under the WWSWH. They must be hooked to where the heated water is to go. Cold water will connect to the pipe that circulates around the base area of the WWSWH and the other pipe will connect to the pipe coming down from the top area through the bottom ( hot or heated depending how long it has been in the WWSWH ). Drain spigots can be positioned by using a tee instead of a coupling. This will allow easy draining, if and when necessary. Caution must be used, that the valves are not opened when the water is being circulated because the water would spray and could be VERY HOT. By removing the handles on the spigots, this will eliminate the possibility of the hot water spray.
  When filling the WWSWH in a domestic use application turn the water on from the home and open the hot water faucet closest to the homes water heater. This will force water into the WWSWH and return to the home and exit through the open faucet. A large amount of air will exit the faucet as the WWSWH fills. It will take 10 minutes or longer to replace the air with water. Once the water comes out without air let run another five minutes before shutting the faucet off.
  When filling the WWSWH with Tempering Tank the same procedure is used as a regular domestic use, except the small circulating pump must be in the operating on position. This is necessary to fill both the tank and the pipes in the WWSWH. It may take an extended period of time to fill both area’s. The tank will fill long before the pipes so let the water run for an extended period of time so all elements are filled. This may take an hour, or in some cases more, especially if the largest solar unit is being filled.
  When filling the WWSWH with Water Heater, fill the same as the regular domestic fill-up. Only turn the power on after the WWSWH is filled.
  The use of conduit must be used when laying the electric wires under ground to the WWSWH from the home. Check with electric codes for size of wire and type. An experienced plumber or electrician should make the electrical hook-up.
Operation for Swimming Pool
1. WISHING WELL SOLAR WATER HEATER Start-up
  
  The operation is very easy and once set, needs little attention. After initial installation or every seasonal start-up, it is important to make sure the surface clear plastic areas(15) are clean and clear to allow maximum sunlight to enter all areas of the WWSWH. When cleaning the clear plastic the use of a water hose is recommended to soften up the film of dirt before trying to wipe it clean. The use of a mild dish washing liquid is recommended and mixed with water before applying to the clear plastic. The use of a soft cloth is very important as the polycarbonate (clear plastic) is next to unbreakable but scratches easily. The use of SOS pads and the like are not considered soft cloths and should never be used.
  The second sequence should be to make sure all the air in the pipes located in the WWSWH has been forced out. The way this is done is as follows (see drawing number 4). There is a flow valve positioned on the return water line used by the swimming pool. The flow valve increases or decreases the water flow through the WWSWH. By closing the flow valve completely will allow all the water returning to the pool to first pass through the WWSWH. Of course make sure the pool pump is in the on position before trying to complete this procedure. The air in the WWSWH will exit through the vents in the swimming pool and once all the air has been replaced with pool water the WWSWH is ready to be regulated.
2. Water Flow Regulator
  
  The water flow going to and from the WWSWH is controlled by the Flow Valve. Open the Flow Valve full open position which will eliminate water going to the WWSWH. When the Flow Valve is in the full open position, the back pressure gauge on the pool filter will be at it’s lowest reading. If the pool pump is placed in an all day operation mode (pump is on all day with no alternating on off cycle) the Flow Valve can tentatively be set by looking at the pressure gauge on the filter. This Flow Valve should be moved from the full open position towards the closed position stopping when the pressure gauge is increased by 3 lbs.. With the pump running a normal pressure, which could be approximately 10 lbs. the pressure would increase to 13 lbs. when set. This setting can be further fine tuned when the sun is in a full shine on the WWSWH. After several hours of operation the heated pipe coming back from the WWSWH to be mixed with returning water to the pool, should be warm to the touch, at least noticeably warmer than the water going to the WWSWH. If this is the case and the water is warm it’s necessary to see if it is set properly. You do this by closing the Flow Valve completely and feeling the return pipe from the WWSWH. Use caution as the water could be HOT! If the pipe gets warmer it will be necessary to reset the flow valve to a higher pressure setting. Only increase this pressure setting 1 pound at a time. If the water temperature coming back from the WWSWH is not much warmer than the water it is mixing with just below the Flow Valve, decrease the pressure 1 pound at a time. This is unlikely, so be sure the sun is in full shine for more than an hour and the pool pump is operating before setting. It is very important to remember that the water coming out the pool vents does not have to be warm to the touch for this WWSWH to heat the pool. A large volume of slightly heated water is better than a lot of hot water at low volume. When the pool is running all the time in the day, the WWSWH doesn’t get as hot as it does when placed on a cycle although it will heat just about as much either way. The use of a timer to control the pool pump can be used to start and stop the pump, which will save money on electricity and conserve while supplying warmer water to the pool. The WWSWH stores the heated water when it is in the off cycle. A timer programmed at 1/2 hour on and 1/2 hour off works very well for conserving power, but may not allow the chemicals used in filtration to work fully, so the timer can be programmed at 1 hour on and 1/2 hour off. Only you can decide how to set the final setting. The warmer the water the more filtration may be needed.
  When the pool has reached a comfortable swimming temperature and you don’t want the water any hotter open the Flow Valve fully. When opening this valve the water pressure in the filter gauge will decrease. This open Flow Valve will limit the water flowing through the WWSWH and will continue to flow directly to the filter system and back to the pool. In some cases a small amount of water may continue to circulate through the WWSWH.
3. Pool Cover
  
  The pool cover is very important part of the WWSWH ‘s performance. The WWSWH works on the theory that the warmer the water going into the WWSWH the warmer it will exit. If the pool is uncovered the wind and air movement will cool the pool water especially once the air temperature is lower than the pool water temperature. At night it is extremely important for the pool cover to be in place to minimize cooling. There’s only one thing worse than leaving your pool uncovered at night and that’s to operate your pool filtering system at night, with the pool uncovered. This action has the same result as stirring a hot cup of soup to cool, while blowing on it. The secret to a warm pool is to keep the heat loss, to as little as possible. If the WWSWH has the capacity to heat the pool 10 degrees a day and the heat loss is 5 degrees at night, the pool will become warm soon as the net gain is 5 degrees daily. It’s only common sense that if you loose at night what you gained in the day, the pool will take much longer to heat. This WWSWH will produce heated or hot water, what ever way it is set-up with no doubt, but you must do what is sensible to keep the pool water from cooling. So keep the swimming pool covered with a solar type cover when NOT being used day or night. The use of a solar cover just makes sense.
4. Pool Size
  
  Pool size, pool location, and geological location will all play a big part in determining what size WWSWH will be needed to adequately heat a specific size pool. That’s a very hard question to answer with a specific size of WWSWH to pool size. There are different sizes of WWSWH and all will heat to a point as everything has limitations and this heating unit is no exception. Above ground pools, at times, will heat faster than inground pools but almost always cool faster, because of the side areas being exposed to the cold and wind. The different sizes allow options to fit a persons needs and budget. The smallest size recommended for pools is 18x12 and goes up in size to the largest of 24x16. Refer to price sheet for sizes available and prices. This sizing of WWSWH’s has nothing to do with pool size, but is actually the circumference of the top and bottom sections of the WWSWH. Choosing a WWSWH size can be complicated, but the more sun and the hotter the air temperature especially at night the smaller you can choose. The bigger the WWSWH the faster or more volume of water it will heat, but of course the bigger it is the more it costs. Since there is very little or no cost to operate this WWSWH the bigger ones don’t cost more to operate, as the fuel is free (sun). Two or more WWSWHs can be coupled together for extra large pools.
5. Water Filtration and Chemicals.
  
  With the installation of a WWSWH it will become necessary to closely monitor the water quality. The black pipe used in the construction of the WWSWH is polyethylene high density plastic with a potable classification. The use of normal pool chemicals will have no negative affects on this pipe and no negative affects to the water quality will occur. The only concern is to the amount of chemicals or filter operation time that will be necessary because of the increase in water temperature. The warmer the pool water the more pool chemicals that may be needed. The warmer the water the more people your pool will attract, so the need for additional pool attention. Water testing of the pool water must be done at a more regular cycle that was done before .
6. Winterization
  
  The design of the WWSWH is such, that the water will drain when the pipe leads are unhooked from the pool circulating system. It may be necessary to force some air into the WWSWH through the 1 inch return pipe to break the water lock inside. Once the water lock has been broken the water will drain naturally. To eliminate any possibility of water remaining in the pipes apply compressed air to the lead pipes to insure the WWSWH is drained. Any water that remains may turn green with algae. The plastic pipes are designed to with stand freezing, but continued freezing could weaken them. Once all water is drained it will be necessary to reattach the pipes to prevent the many wild creatures from making a home in the WWSWH pipes.
Operation for Domestic Use
1. WISHING WELL SOLAR WATER HEATER Start-Up
  
  The Regular set-up is explained in the I. Introduction C section WISHING WELL SOLAR WATER HEATER Location and Set-UP. This design is used in a domestic use to pre-heat water before it goes into the home’s water heater.
2. WISHING WELL SOLAR WATER HEATER With Tempering Tank
  
  This set-up is explained in the I. Introduction C section WISHING WELL SOLAR WATER HEATER Location and Set-Up. This design allows the storage of a large amount of heated water for use later at night. It comes in different sizes. There is a low amperage, high pressure, low volume pump positioned to circulate the water in the tank and through the pipes and back. The use of a timer to start and stop the sequence is necessary and will be located in the home. The timer should be set to start in the morning after the sun has started to shine on the WWSWH and stopped in the late afternoon when the sun has stopped shining on the WWSWH. The timer can also be set for a half hour on and a half hour off.
3. WISHING WELL SOLAR WATER HEATER With Water Heater
  
  This set-up is explained in the I. Introduction C section WISHING WELL SOLAR WATER HEATER Location and Set-Up. This design allows the placement of an electric water heater to be positioned in the center of the Wishing Well and be used to guarantee hot water no matter what the weather. This would work very well where the climate would allow. This design would limit the need for an inside the home water heater and in turn limit the possibility of damage do to a malfunction in an in-home water heater. The extra heat not needed in the home would also be a plus when trying to cool the home.
4. WISHING WELL SOLAR WATER HEATER With Table and Seats
  
  The Solar Water Heater With Table and Seats is the addition of steel and wood to the regular Wishing Well Solar Water Heater to allow this unique solar water heater to perform duel functions. While heating water it can serve as a picnic table with roof and seats. The plastic covering that covers the Solar Water Heater also prevents the heat, from the coils, from contacting the people sitting in and around the Solar Water Heater. The addition of Solar Lights with Power panel is optional. These Solar Lights are positioned under the top section and shine down onto the table area. (Refer to Picture Section)
Conclusion ( Importance Information )

We have covered most of area’s where most of the problems will occur and with this booklet and a little common sense, you and your family will have many years of saving money and pleasurable use. Below is a short list of things to remember.
1. Place the WWSWH in a sunny place.
2. Minimize distance from WWSWH to pool.
3. Keep clear plastic covering clean.
4. Keep solar covering on pool when not in use.
5. Use a timer to operate pool pump to save energy.
6. Make sure air in the WWSWH is replaced with water when starting pool.
7. Adjust Flow Valve properly in swimming pool application.
8. Clear plastic is next to unbreakable but will scratch.
9. After rain remove all water that may be sitting on WWSWH
10. Drain WWSWH before winter freeze.
11. The warm pool water may entice small children, so please observe all safety laws and common sense.
12. This Wishing Well Solar Water Heater is made with the best materials and made to last and is made to be air tight through the use of screws and silicone. It would take the efforts of an adult to remove the clear plastic covering, but be sure of one thing that if a child were to get into this WWSWH and the top covering be placed on into position the child will more than likely suffocate. Use safety first and always if someone takes this WWSWH apart for what ever reason reattach the top cover.
13. The increase in water temperature may led to an increase in chemicals needed to keep the pool sanitary.
14. In a domestic application, if the water has not been used for several days it is advisable to check the WWSWH for a possible build-up of algae. If the water going to the WWSWH was pure and not contaminated this should not be a concern, except when water is left uncirculated for long periods of time. When the WWSWH has been drained for the winter months, whether for domestic or swimming pools, it is important that apon refilling, the water be discarded until the WWSWH has been completely flushed. This is easily done by uncoupling the output pipe from the bottom of the WWSWH. In some cases a valve can be positioned on this pipe to make this job easier. Remove the handle from the valves, when the WWSWH is in use to prevent the accidental opening. The water exiting the valve can be very hot!
  Algae may grow in standing water left inside the WWSWH over a period of time. To prevent this, drain properly!
15. Do Not Apply More Than 60 psi to any WWSWH.
16. In time, about 10 years, the polycarbonate covering may start to yellow, but this will have very little affect on the overall performance.
17. Every few years a coat of stain on the wood areas will help prevent cracking of the wood.
18. A little touchup of black paint around the base may be necessary in the years to come to insure the long life of this unique system.
19. In high wind areas tie down the WWSWH.
20. The pipes shown in drawing no.1 show pipe placement of the largest WWSWH only. All other WWSWH ‘s are coiled with no HORIZONTAL Laying pipe placement, meaning the bottom of the top and bottom of the base sections have no coiled pipe.
Drawings
1. Number 1- Front cross-sectional view with numerical items
  Steel 4,13.
  Pipe 8,9,10,11,14.
  Plastic covering 15.
  Wood 18,20,20a,27.
  Pump, timer 7,21
2. Number 2--Water Tempering Tank
3. Number 3--Electric Water Heater
4. Number 4 - Flow Limit Valve in correlation with pool, filter, and Wishing Well Solar Water Heater.

If you have a question, we will work with you. If you're not happy, DAGUS is not happy!

Yours truly,
David T. Gozikowski Jr. Pres.
570-388-2634

Dagus, Inc. Solar Pool Heaters

Solar Pool Water Heater Information Booklet