Description
This Mountfield collector turns sunlight into warm pool water. It is designed for larger pools – up to 45 m³ – and connects to the sand filtration you already have, so it needs no separate source of energy. In summer the pool water can become up to 6 °C warmer than it would be without heating.
What you get
- absorber area of 5.4 m² at a size of 4.50 × 1.20 m;
- lightweight design – only 7 kg;
- polypropylene body on which no limescale forms;
- 32/38 mm hose fittings;
- the option to connect several collectors to each other.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mountfield (Czech Republic) |
| Code | 3EXX0707 |
| Type | Pool solar collector |
| Heating type | Solar |
| Dimensions | 4.50 × 1.20 m |
| Area | 5.40 m² |
| Thickness | 4 mm |
| Weight | 7.00 kg |
| Suitable pool volume | up to 45 m³ |
| Compatibility | pools with sand filtration |
| Connections | 32/38 mm hoses |
| Connecting several panels | yes |
| Suitable models | Azuro 403DL, 404DL, 405DL |
| Valve | no |
How it works
The pump of the filtration system pushes the cool water from the pool to the collector. There it flows through many narrow channels, is warmed by the sun and returns to the pool already heated. The whole absorber is a single polypropylene module, and the material does not retain limescale.
Conditions for the best results
The collector does its best work in sunny weather. In cloudy or rainy weather the effect is weaker, but after a day or two of sunshine the temperature rises again. The pool water should not exceed 30 °C: water that is too warm is not refreshing, encourages algae and can put a strain on parts of the equipment – for example, it can stretch the liner or overheat the filter pump. Once 30 °C is reached, the collector should be switched off.
Choosing a location and installation
- Look for a spot with direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. If you install on a sloping surface (roof, wall, fence), orient the collector to the south or southwest.
- The most suitable tilt for the period from May to September is 30–45°.
- Keep the collector at least 1.5 m from the pool, so that it does not make it easier for children and pets to reach the water.
- Consider the traffic around the pool (for example a lawn mower) and flying pebbles, which can damage the panel.
- For ground installation, the collector is fixed to a special stand, and on a roof it must be secured firmly enough to stay in place in the wind.
Connection
The collector is connected to the outlet connection of the filter. Between it and the return nozzle, do not fit valves, filter tanks or other elements that raise the pressure in the panel. Follow the diagram in the manufacturer’s instructions. If the pipes of your existing system have a different diameter, the connection is a job for a qualified technician. It is also advisable to seek a specialist’s advice when the panel is far from the pool or is positioned higher than the water level.
You will also need hoses of a suitable length. For a roof installation, a fixed connection with PVC pipes, PVC adhesive and the corresponding fittings is preferable. Keep the panel away from PVC-U drainage pipes – temperatures there reach 70 °C. The set includes a collector of the corresponding size, a valve, outlets and hose connections, and the hose is chosen separately.
How large a collector do you need
A collector with an area of 3.6 m² is suitable for pools with 20–25 m³ of water, and 5.4 m² for volumes of 30 to 45 m³. A panel smaller than the recommended one will not give satisfactory results, and in mountain regions with cooler and shorter summers it is wise to plan for a larger area. Collectors can be connected with ordinary corrugated pool hoses.
Helpful accessories
A manual bypass lets you switch the panels off when the sun is not shining – for example during night-time filtration, when the surrounding air would cool the water. The thermal cover keeps the heat gathered during the day overnight, but on the hottest days remove it from the pool: direct rays warm the water better than the cover material itself.
Frequently asked questions
Is it suitable for my pool?
Yes, if the volume is up to 45 m³ and you have a pump with a sand filter.
Is a special pump needed?
No, as long as the pump of the sand filter is in working order. If the surface of the panel stays cool, it means enough cold water is flowing through it.
Does it come with a valve?
No, this model comes without a valve.
Can several panels be connected?
Yes, with standard corrugated hoses.
