Auto Valve Kit Listing
This PoolMasterPro™ PVC strip kit includes a motorized auto-valve controller, it suits pools that don't have independent solar suction and return ports installed and must run their solar through the filter lines.
What makes these PoolMasterPro™ strips so good?
See the OverviewWhat's Included in This Listing
For every automatic system purchased
- 1 x Dontek AquaSmart AV auto-valve controller
- 1 x Motorized actuator with 3-way ball valve (PVC/DN 40)
- 1 x VacRel vacuum relief valve and pressure gauge
- 14 x Straight joiner barb set
- 1 x Drain down kit
- 1 x Silicon lubricant spray
- Comprehensive installation manual (download)
- Warranty from an Australian company
- Unlimited phone technical support
For every 4m² roll of collector purchased
- 1 x 14 tube PoolMasterPro™ strip: 165mm x 25m roll (4.13m²)
- 2 x 14 barb 500mm length manifold pipe
- 1 x Locking collar kit
- 1 x Universal all stainless roof fixing set (band & pipe clamps)
- 1 x Admil Prosil 60 neutral cured silicone 300g tube - black
What You'll Need for an Install
- A filter pump with enough head to reach the collectors (no second pump needed)
- A filter line section that you can tee into after the filter canister
- Assorted PVC pipe and fittings
- Installation dependent small bits (see manual)
Dontek AquaSmart AV Controller Specifications
- Diverts the main filter flow to the collectors with a motorized 3-way ball valve
- Guarantees minimum filtration by running the filter pump without sending water to the roof
- Powers the chlorinator connected to the main filter pump
- Adjustable temperature differential
- Settings are retained after a power outage
- Automatic, manual timer, winter and tropical modes
- Self-diagnostic system and anti-freeze function
- 3 Year Warranty
- Australian Made by Dontek
Warranty
EcoOnline™ offers the following warranties on system components:
- 15 year pro-rata warranty on PVC strips
- 3 year Dontek controller warranty
See Terms and Conditions page for further details.
For more information the manual can be downloaded from our EcoOnline download page.
Add to your order
Available Extras
Got a narrow roof space that's less than 12.5m? You may need more manifolds to split the array into shorter loops.
Need an extra non-return valve or 3-way valve? Find them here.
Before you buy
Roof Mounting
In terms of roof mounting, strips are simply glued down on the roof. On tile roofs the manifolds are attached to a floating lattice of 316 stainless steel perforated band to keep the valleys clear and allow for water flow under the manifolds. On tiles, manifold attachment points are created by firstly sliding a tile up then screwing a length of supplied 316 stainless steel band into the batten, which will then protrude out under the tile. Manifolds are then anchored to this protrusion, which allows movement while not requiring risky tile drilling or perforations. See the manual for a full description.
Strip Specifications
| PoolMasterPro™ Strip | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Collector gross area per roll | 4.4 m² |
| Aperture area per roll | 4.13 m² |
| Strip edge to edge width | 165 mm |
| Strip edge to next edge (width per roll) | 350 mm (400 mm cut manifold) |
| Horizontal array length across roof | 12.5 m |
| Manifold PVC pipe size | 40 mm PVC |
| Manifold to manifold attachment | 40 mm glue socket |
| PVC tube ID / OD | 6 mm / 8 mm |
| Weight per 1 m² collector | 3.5 kg (or 4.4 kg with water) |
| Flow rate range | 1–5 L/min/m² |
| Pressure drop at 5 L/min/m² | 67 kPa (9.7 psi) |
| Pressure drop at 2 L/min/m² | 8.5 kPa (1.2 psi) |
| Recommended working pressure | 20 kPa (2.9 psi) |
| Frost resistant | −20 to +85 °C |
| Certifications | AS 2369.2 1993, SRCC |
Before you buy
Safety Requirements and Product Limitations
- Warning: Due to the potential of falling from heights, mounting the solar collectors on a roof or structure at heights should only be undertaken by a professional installer, unless you are accustomed to and confident of performing the work safely.
- PVC tube systems are not recommended for cockatoo prone areas.
- Collectors cannot be installed below the waterline of the pool.
- Top feed system configurations are not recommended for frost prone areas - use bottom feed only. See the manual for a definition of "top feed system".
- This auto-valve kit requires that you can tee the solar into the filter line after the filter canister.
Gallery of Installations
FAQs
Sizing and Install Questions
What size system should I use?+
It really depends on your pool's heat loadings, your usage and your budget. For a quick size, use the quick-size calculator on our PoolMasterPro automatic kits page. Alternatively, for a professional sizing try our full online sizing calculator. If you're not sure what water temperatures your system will produce during various months, use our pool water temperature simulator.
Can I run the strips up and down the roof?+
Yes, for a flat pan style gal roof. However for better water flow and leaf clearance we recommend it sits on top of the valleys, hence runs across the roof.
I don't have enough length to fit a 12.5m strip run across the roof, what can I do?+
There are a number of options. Easiest is to snake the PVC strip up then back then again up and back to reduce the 12.5m length to 6m. However, we recommend you cut the strip and use more manifolds for the offcuts, as this will reduce the pressure and increase the flow. For example for a 6m run just cut the 25m strip in half, you'll then need double the amount of manifolds to connect up the spare offcuts. For a 9m run across the roof, just cut the strip at 18 metres, leaving 6m offcuts. Three of these offcuts can be spliced together to form another 18m length which can be connected to the main array using an extra manifold pair. See the manual for full details.
Can I undersize my system and upgrade as needed later?+
No, it's difficult to splice an extra manifold section into the main manifold pipe once it's all glued up; it's best to size your system right the first time. There are very good reasons why a system should not be dramatically undersized. Effective heating requires a minimum daily turnover, typically 50% of your pool water volume. However, there are flow limitations on strips, hence an undersized system may not handle the flow required, which could over-pressurise strips, and if the flow is insufficient will result in an unmixed stratified layer of warm water which will cool excessively overnight.
Can I use a low energy usage variable speed pump?+
No, after witnessing customers try such pumps and struggle with them our advice now is not to use them, unless they can be set to run at a constant speed without a start up surge. We find variable pumps start at full power then taper back, this puts a lot of pressure fluctuations through the system on start up which could limit system lifetimes. We only recommend pumps that can pump at a constant set pressure.
Do I need dedicated solar suction and return lines for this kit?+
No - that is exactly what this auto-valve kit is for. Solar is tee'd into the filter lines after the main filter canister and returned before any auxiliary heating unit, so no dedicated solar ports are needed. The kit involves more parts than a booster system and is therefore more expensive, but it is our preferred choice for pools without dedicated solar ports. If you do have dedicated solar suction and return ports, an independent system is the simpler and cheaper option. See the manual for plumbing diagrams.
Is this system easy to install for tiles?+
Yes, the system is easy to install for a relatively experienced DIY or tradesperson. Please note the safety notice when climbing up on a roof.
Expert support
Talk to an Expert
We're here to help with sizing, plumbing and installation questions.
Gregory Grochola (Physicist and Pool Heating Expert)
