When our pool was installed back in 2001 with a constant speed pump and a Hayward H400IDL natural gas heater, the heater was plumbed in the return line with only a valve to control the flow between the pool and spa. I later upgraded the pump to a variable speed pump and installed a bypass valve for the heater because I had learned that running the return water constantly through the heater was basically costing me more money by putting a higher load on the pump.
Now, when we run the heater, which is probably only once or twice a year, we get small black flakes in the spa which makes me think the heat exchanger is delaminating internally and maybe that's happening because water just sits in it for extended periods.
I'm in the process of installing a SWG and I am wondering if I should leave the current heater bypass setup or change back to always in the return line. The photo is of the current setup.
Any thoughts, comments, or opinions are welcome.
Now, when we run the heater, which is probably only once or twice a year, we get small black flakes in the spa which makes me think the heat exchanger is delaminating internally and maybe that's happening because water just sits in it for extended periods.
I'm in the process of installing a SWG and I am wondering if I should leave the current heater bypass setup or change back to always in the return line. The photo is of the current setup.
Any thoughts, comments, or opinions are welcome.