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Solar Pool Automation for Inground Pools

Inground pools often require larger collector arrays and higher flow rates than above ground setups. Suntrek’s solar pool automation systems for inground pools are sized to match, with controllers and valves rated for continuous operation.

The system connects to your existing pump and filtration equipment. Sensors monitor temperatures and adjust flow automatically. No manual valve adjustments, no wasted circulation.

How Automated Solar Pool Heating Works

Solar pool automation removes the guesswork from heating your pool. Instead of manually opening and closing valves based on weather or time of day, the system monitors conditions and responds on its own.

The system continuously tracks two temperatures: the water inside your solar collectors and the water in your pool. When the collector temperature rises above the pool temperature by a set amount, the controller recognizes conditions are right for heating.

Once the controller detects a useful temperature difference, it signals the valve actuator to open. Pool water then flows through the collectors, absorbs heat, and returns to the pool warmer than it left. This cycle continues as long as conditions remain favorable.

When collector temperature drops (cloud cover, late afternoon, evening), the controller closes the valve. The collectors then drain back to the pool automatically, preventing heat loss through the panels overnight.

You set your desired pool temperature once during setup. The system works toward that target whenever conditions allow. On sunny days, the system may run for several hours. On partly cloudy days, it may cycle on and off as conditions change. You don’t need to monitor or adjust anything.

Control Components

Suntrek automation relies on two primary components that work together to manage your system.

The controller is the brain of the system. It receives temperature data from sensors, determines when heating is beneficial, and sends signals to the valve actuator. The unit mounts near your existing pool equipment and connects to sensors, valves, and power.

The controller handles:

  • Reading collector and pool water temperatures
  • Calculating temperature differential
  • Sending open/close signals to the valve actuator
  • Managing drain-back timing when heating stops

The valve actuator physically controls water flow. It attaches to a Pentair Solar Valve and responds to signals from the controller. When the controller calls for heating, the actuator opens the valve and routes water through the collectors. When heating stops, the actuator closes the valve.

The Pentair Solar Valve is designed to allow collectors to drain back to the pool when the valve closes. This protects the system from heat loss overnight and from freeze damage in colder conditions.

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Sizing Automation for Inground Pools

Automation components must be matched to your pool’s flow rate and your collector array size. Undersized components restrict flow. Oversized components add cost without benefit.

Flow Rate and Pipe Sizing

Inground pools typically run higher flow rates than above ground pools. The plumbing between your equipment and collectors must be sized to handle that flow without creating pressure problems.

Suntrek uses these guidelines:

Flow Rate

Minimum Pipe Size

0-30 GPM

1½” Schedule 40 PVC

31-50 GPM

2″ Schedule 40 PVC

51-70 GPM

2½” Schedule 40 PVC

Your existing pump determines flow rate. Suntrek matches pipe sizing and valve selection to your pump capacity during system design.

Collector Coverage

Automation works regardless of collector array size, but array size determines how much heat your system can produce. Optimum coverage ranges from 80% to 100% of your pool’s surface area. Systems sized at 50% of pool surface area will still provide noticeable heating during your swim season.

Larger arrays benefit more from automation because they capture more heat throughout the day. Manual systems often miss heating opportunities during midday or lose heat in the evening when the owner forgets to close valves. Automation captures every available hour.

Collector Compatibility

Automation works with both Suntrek collector types. Your choice depends on roof layout and installation requirements, not automation compatibility.

Spec

Suntrek Custom

Suntrek ST

Material

EPDM rubber (flexible)

Polypropylene (rigid)

Sizing

Custom lengths up to 50 ft

4’x8′, 4’x10′, 4’x12′ panels

Best for

Complex roofs, obstacles

Standard rectangular roofs

Mounting

Adhesive and strapping

Gator Clamps

Max pressure

40 psi

90 psi

Warranty

15 years

10 years

Manual vs. Automated Operation

Some pool owners start with manual valves and upgrade to automation later. Others install automation from the start. The difference comes down to how much attention you want to give the system.

Manual Systems

With manual valves, you decide when to send water through the collectors. This requires checking weather, opening valves in the morning, and closing them before evening. If you forget to open the valve on a sunny day, you lose that day’s heating. If you forget to close it at night, warm pool water circulates through cooling collectors and loses heat.

Manual systems work, but they depend on the owner staying engaged.

Automated Systems

Automated systems remove the daily decision-making. The controller monitors conditions continuously and operates the valve whenever heating is beneficial. You set your target temperature once and the system handles the rest.

Automation also protects the system. When the valve closes, collectors drain back to the pool automatically. This prevents heat loss through the panels at night and protects piping from freeze damage if temperatures drop.

Adding Automation to an Existing System

If you already have Suntrek collectors installed with manual valves, you can upgrade to automation without replacing the collectors or replumbing your system.

  • Pentair Solar Touch Controller
  • Compool Valve Actuator
  • Pentair Solar Valve (replaces existing manual valve)
  • Temperature sensors for collector and pool water

The controller mounts near your existing pool equipment. Sensors install at the collector array and in the pool plumbing. The valve actuator attaches to the new solar valve in place of your manual valve. Once connected, the controller manages operation automatically.

Automation is worth considering if:

  • You frequently forget to open or close valves
  • You want consistent pool temperature without daily monitoring
  • You’re away from home during peak heating hours
  • You want automatic drain-back protection for your collectors
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Rooftop solar panels installed by Suntrek Solar on a large modern home with outdoor pool and terrace.
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Professional Installation

Suntrek technicians handle controller mounting, sensor placement, valve installation, and system integration. Professional installation includes:

  • Verifying flow rate and pipe sizing
  • Installing controller and connecting to power
  • Mounting sensors at collector and pool
  • Replacing manual valve with automated valve and actuator
  • Pressure testing the system
  • Walking through operation with the homeowner

Collector warranties apply to the panels themselves:

  • Custom collectors: 15-year warranty, 20+ year expected lifespan
  • ST collectors: 10-year warranty
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FAQs

Suntrek sizes pipe and components based on your pump capacity. Systems can accommodate flow rates from 0-70 GPM with appropriate pipe sizing.

Yes. Suntrek automation connects to your existing equipment. You don’t need to replace your pump or filter.

Yes. If you have Suntrek collectors with manual valves, upgrading requires a controller, valve actuator, solar valve, and temperature sensors. The collectors stay in place.

Both work equally well. Automation controls valve operation, which is independent of collector type. Choose collectors based on your roof layout and pressure requirements.

The valve closes and collectors drain back to the pool. When power returns, the controller resumes normal operation.

The controller and valve actuator use minimal electricity. The system still relies on your existing pool pump for circulation, so pump energy costs remain the same whether you run manual or automated.

What Our Clients Are Saying

My first install with Suntrek was 15 years ago and we never had a problem with the system. This past summer, we had them install their system at our new home. Amanda has communicated well and we have not had any problems (so far). Today, we had our winterize service done and the crew that came out was very friendly, very helpful and very professional. I have no complaints toward Suntrek (and I like to complain!).
R.V.
Suntrek is an excellent company with amazing, professional, and kind employees. We had our solar panels installed 20 years ago and they are still cranking out the power. We recently had a new solar heater for our pool installed and we could not be more pleased. I highly recommend this company. Their service and products are excellent, and their employees are even better!!
T.A.
We have used Suntrek solar for both our homes in southern CA and have had a great experience both times. Pricing was very competitive; in fact their quote was lower than any of the others we got and the quality of the panels superior. They completed the project within with estimated time quoted. The cost was exactly as predicted in the quote and they have been great about monitoring the system and making sure it’s preforming properly. I highly recommend them. We used them for both home solar as well as pool solar and have been very happy with them.
M.D.
I had a great experience working with Suntrek. From the start, I spoke with about 4 different Solar companies, and I have to say Ethan was the most transparent and explained the processes around solar better than anyone else I spoke with. Although from start to finish took a little longer than expected, not because of any fault of Suntrek. They did get my electric solar installed by the end of the year so that I could include it on my 2021 tax returns, and then got the pool solar quickly done in early January.
F.S.
I have used Suntrek Solar for years, we are an Architectural firm-Studio 6 Architects, and enjoy working with Ethan. I recently have installed a solar system on my house, and the experience was great, they are very professional, and meet all the costs and deadlines, this is why we will continue to make Suntrek’s the company we will always recommend to our client.
R.W.
Had a fantastic experience with Ethan and his team. They installed it on time and left my yard clean after they were finished. We had a wonderful summer in our pool after getting the solar heater system installed. Been here three years and the previous owners didn’t put a heater in when they put the pool in… we spent maybe 1 hour over the last 3 years in the pool. This summer was amazing, my son had a blast and the system worked great! We were in it almost daily and it was great! Thank you everyone!
J.H.
From start to finish, Suntrek Solar took great care of my project. They were very patient with all our questions. Made accommodations for the intricacies of our needs. Did a great job with installation and training for the system.
M.V.
I am delighted with my Suntrek Solar system. It has extended my pool use by several months. The company was a delight to deal with – very thorough and professional. I should have done it years ago.
M.B.
I have been using Suntrek for the past 7-8 years. Always prompt, courteous and knowledgeable. Highly recommend their services.
T.D.
I’m very pleased with Suntrek. They are very professional and their product worked as expected. I highly recommended Suntrek.
L.G.