Pool solar systems are predominantly strip matting systems in Western Australia which can be repaired and patched. Solar panels from the USA and other countries are much harder to repair and generally will need to be replaced. All leaks to pool heating need to be repaired ASAP to prevent damage from the pools chlorinated and salt water. This guide is to advise on how to repair an australian made solar pool heating system.

Repair a Leak in the Solar Matting

The solar matting is the long flexible strip made from either PVC or EPDM. If it is EPDM it will blacken the hands when touched, pvc will not. Each strip will have between 5 and 18 tubes per strip and will be either 10 cm wide or 15 cm wide For both types cut  20 cm along the length of the tube needing repair, separating it from the rest of the matting. Then slice the tube where the damage is found. For EPDM simply insert a joiner barb using silicone spray or pvc glue for lube. For PVC two lock in collars are needed to secure the solar matting to the barb.

Repair to a Solar Pool Heating Manifold

Manifolds come in a variety of styles and materials. The majority of the time they will need to be replaced if damaged as repair is not always possible. Most commonly cheap chinese imported manifolds are break down due to
Australia’s harsh climate and are impossible to repair and will need to be replaced by new Australian made pool heating manifolds or the same that was there(not recommended). If a single barb is broken it is possible to drill the solar manifold and insert a grommet and barb to repair the damage.  Australian made solar pool manifolds are either drill and grommet systems which can easily be repaired or a push in 10 in to 1 manifold which once again can easily be replaced by removing the old one and inserting the new one. For easy repair use pliers to remove the barb from the matting and insert ne barb / manifold. Avoid cutting as this can shorten the matting and make the task more difficult.

Repair to Solar Pool Heating Sensor

This is a common problem. Generally it is the roof sensor that will need replacing. This can be identified by the solar controller which will have an error code on it or read the roof temperature as 0. Identify the manufacturer of the controller as all sensors are different thermo resistors designed to match the pool solar controller. Repair is possible by cutting the old sensor from the speaker coaxial cable wire. the wire will be colour coded, be sure to match the existing colours to the new ones as they are polarity sensitive. Use silicone or heatshrink to weather proof the join to prevent shorting and incorrect readings.

Repair to Vacuum Break Valve

There are five different manufacturers of vac valves. Each is very different so best to call for advise as to how to solve the problem.