Time to replace my heater?

doncaruana

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Aug 25, 2011
589
Northville, Mi
Pool Size
15500
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
My mastertemp 250 has been through 12 summers. I've replaced several parts (control pad, control panel, thermistor, thermal regulator) but I still had a squealing sound at the end of last year when it was heating up (despite a fresh thermal regulator) although it still seemed to be functioning normally. And a few years ago the internal shut off failed so I just bypassed it.

I keep my pool chemistry very tight so I don't think anything is eating away. But I'm guessing the squealing is a function of the manifold needing taken apart and cleaning of some sort and if it has issues, I think that's an expensive part.

All that being said... Should I just throw in the towel and replace this unit? Or chase whatever is going on and whatever is coming up this year.
 
Depends how much time and money you want to throw into an aging unit. They don’t last forever and eventually you need to start over.

The amount of internal corrosion and the integrity of the burner can are things that are not fixable and indications of terminal old age.
 
Depends how much time and money you want to throw into an aging unit. They don’t last forever and eventually you need to start over.

The amount of internal corrosion and the integrity of the burner can are things that are not fixable and indications of terminal old age.
So how long should I normally expect a heater to last under normal circumstances?
 
What is normal?

5 to 15 years.
Well, that kind of becomes a no brainer to me. My google search was showing me 15-25 years and then I find out that's for electric heaters after your reply. Seems like I've done well and it's time to pack it in before it fails when I really need it.

So...that being said, I'll switch the conversation to the different models...

There's HD and ASME. From what I've read the, cupro heat exchanger is lightly less efficient (82% vs 84%) and, as long as I keep my water chemistry maintained, not necessary anyway. And the ASME version is just for heavy commercial use and unnecessarily expensive for my 5 months of use per year. The model I have is the 460732 and I guess I there is an "ecommerce" model of this that's numbered 462026. Anyone know what the difference is in 460732 and 462026? Are they literally just the same thing?
 
yeah...having a hard time finding the specifics from pentair. I think what I said is right. If you can point me to a doc or something, I'd appreciate it.
 

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Thanks! I was actually there and missed the table! Didn't scroll down far enough! Lol