How to Maximize the Life of Your Pool Heater

Backyard Spa

A pool heater is a valuable investment that extends the swimming season and ensures comfortable water temperatures. By following these tips, you can enjoy a longer swimming season, maximize the lifespan of your heater, and save on costly repairs.

1. Maintain Properly Balanced Chemicals

Keeping your pool's water chemistry in check is crucial for the longevity of your pool heater. An unbalanced pool can cause corrosion, scaling, and water flow restriction within the heater. It’s important to regularly test your pool water and monitor the following key chemicals to ensure they stay within the suggested ranges.

• pH Levels: 7.2-7.8 (ideally 7.2-7.6)

  • Low pH: Can rapidly corrode the copper tubing that the water flows through, especially in smaller bodies of water like spas with faster water turnover rates.

  • High pH: Causes calcium buildup, which can deteriorate internal heater parts and obstruct water flow.

• Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm

  • Properly balanced alkalinity stabilizes pH levels, preventing corrosion and scaling inside the heater.

• Chlorine: 3-5 ppm

  • Maintain chlorine levels within the recommended range to keep the water sanitary without affecting the heater.

• Avoid Excessive Chlorine and Over-Shocking

  • High chlorine levels can cause rapid pH fluctuations, leading to potential damage to heater components. Use shock treatments sparingly and only when necessary.

    
    

2. Ensure Proper Water Flow

A consistent and appropriate water flow is essential for the efficient operation of your pool heater.

• Optimal Flow Range: 40-55 GPM

  • Too Low Water Flow: Can cause the heater to run dry, triggering the water flow sensor to shut off the heater. This may happen due to a malfunctioning pump or a clogged filter.

  • Solutions for Low Water Flow:

    • Pump Maintenance: Regularly change out internal seals and gaskets, and address leaks promptly. If you have a variable speed pump, keep it at a higher speed when using the heater.

    • Filter Maintenance: Clean cartridge and DE filters every 4-6 months. Backwash sand filters every 2-3 weeks or whenever the pressure inside the filter rises by 10 PSI. Change the sand every 2 years.

• Avoid Excessive Water Flow: Above 55 GPM

  • High water flow adds pressure to the inlet manifold and copper tubing, leading to potential damage.

  • Solutions for High Water Flow:

    • Check for an External Bypass: Look for a valve on the inlet side of the heater that can regulate water flow. Ideally, this would also have a flow meter on the outlet side.

      • Adjust Flow: If the flow on the outlet is above 60 GPM, adjust the valve until it is between 45-55 GPM.

      • Install a Bypass: If your heater does not have an external bypass, consider having one plumbed in to adjust the water flow.

        
        

3. Regular Tune-Ups and Inspections

Regular maintenance is key to preventing major issues and ensuring the heater runs efficiently.

• Annual Professional Inspections

  • Have a professional inspect and service your pool heater at least once a year. They can identify and fix potential issues early.

• DIY Inspections

  • Regularly inspect the heater for signs of wear and tear, rust, or leaks. Address any issues promptly to avoid further damage.

• Tune-Up Process

  • Our tune-up process includes examining all internal pieces and sensors, as well as taking apart the copper tube and burner assembly to desoot and clean them. We recommend doing this every 2-3 years for residential heaters and once a year for commercial pools and spas.

• Weather Protection

  • Wind Shield: Install a wind shield to protect the heater from strong winds, which can cause temperature fluctuations and increased workload.

  • Cover During Off-Season: Cover the heater with a protective cover during colder months to shield it from the elements.

• Corrosion Prevention

  • Zinc Anode: Install a zinc anode in the pool’s plumbing system to prevent corrosion by attracting corrosive elements away from the heater’s metal components.

  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Don’t add chemicals directly into the skimmer, as they can flow through the heater and cause damage.

By following these comprehensive guidelines, apartment maintenance managers and property managers can ensure their pool heaters remain in top condition, providing reliable performance and extending the lifespan of the equipment.

Happy heating!