Heater questions

[ajw22]

Where are you going to place the heater so that it does not block the gas meter?

How much clearance does the gas company want in front of the gas meter?

 

[pool123*]

Where are you going to place the heater so that it does not block the gas meter?

How much clearance does the gas company want in front of the gas meter?

Good question. We haven't thought to ask the gas company about the clearance needed. I'm not sure what the plan is for placement. More questions to ask!

 

[pool123*]

Hello. I have more heater questions. We are considering a Raypak natural gas heater. I am worried about the copper heat exchanger. I realize it shouldn't cause us trouble unless we don't keep our water balanced, which we do our best to do, but if we do keep it balanced should we expect it to deposit copper in our pool when it is at the end of its life? If so, how will we know it's happening until we see staining? Is it advisable to regularly test for copper with a heater? Thanks.

 

[pool123*]

Also, how does this price look? We haven't finalized the exact heater as we would prefer low nox (don't need it in our state, but if it's better for lungs we're all for it) and I realize this is cupro nickel (it's what the pool company suggested) but what about the rest of it?

 

[ajw22]

Hello. I have more heater questions. We are considering a Raypak natural gas heater. I am worried about the copper heat exchanger. I realize it shouldn't cause us trouble unless we don't keep our water balanced,

Low pH can damage a heat exhcnager. Always keep your pH above 7.0 and you will not have a problem.

which we do our best to do, but if we do keep it balanced should we expect it to deposit copper in our pool when it is at the end of its life?

The heat exchanger should not be a problem if you maintain proper pH and don;t exceed the maximum flow rate for the heater.

Is it advisable to regularly test for copper with a heater? Thanks.

Not necessary but you can have a pool store test the water for copper.

 

[ajw22]

Also, how does this price look?

Get other quotes from your area to find the best pricing.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

I’d get a few more estimates. The one you have is high. $225 for miscellaneous parts (PVC fittings, pipe, glue) …. that’s ridiculous.

Also, low NOx is unnecessary as is the cupronickel heat exchanger. You are paying a premium for upgrades that make no sense. You seem to be concerned about NOx as being bad for your lungs but the cupronickel heat exchanger is less efficient than copper … so you’re using more gas to get the same amount of heat into the water …

Stick with copper coils and no low NOx if it makes the heater cheaper.

 

[pool123*]

Get other quotes from your area to find the best pricing.

Thanks. Unfortunately, that is proving next to impossible. We were able to get one other and it was cheaper, but I could find far fewer reviews on that company and what I did find was mixed and pretty much for weekly maintenance, not adding equipment.

 

[pool123*]

I’d get a few more estimates. The one you have is high. $225 for miscellaneous parts (PVC fittings, pipe, glue) …. that’s ridiculous.

Also, low NOx is unnecessary as is the cupronickel heat exchanger. You are paying a premium for upgrades that make no sense. You seem to be concerned about NOx as being bad for your lungs but the cupronickel heat exchanger is less efficient than copper … so you’re using more gas to get the same amount of heat into the water …

Stick with copper coils and no low NOx if it makes the heater cheaper.

Thanks, I really appreciate it. It's a full-time job trying to find companies that have a reasonable reputation and then 99% of them don't respond to our inquiries.

 

[ajw22]

Thanks. Unfortunately, that is proving next to impossible. We were able to get one other and it was cheaper, but I could find far fewer reviews on that company and what I did find was mixed and pretty much for weekly maintenance, not adding equipment.

Then it doesn't matter what we say. That is the price in your area if you want the heater and can't DIY.

 

[pool123*]

Then it doesn't matter what we say. That is the price in your area if you want the heater and can't DIY.

I wouldn't say it doesn't matter but given our inability to get competitive quotes from reputable companies you're right that this may be our only option. I was hoping someone would say that the price looks reasonable. I'd love to DIY but I have no idea how. LOL.