Gas pipe size needed for pool heater

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ekadd

0
Aug 22, 2016
39
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Brianf60 said:
The size of the heater and distance of pipe are the big factors. Here is the manual for my Jandy heater.

p7unRY4.png
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I know this is an old post, but I was wondering something...i currently have the JXi260, and I may need to replace it now. Based on the chart, is it possible I could move up to the JXi400? If i'm reading this correctly, it looks like you need less distance for the larger BTU unit? If it was possible to upgrade, I would only consider it if the jump in price is not significant. Again from what I understand, higher BTU unit means heating up the water faster so I figure why not get the higher BTU unit if the cost increase isn't significant.
 
"Less distance" means you cannot run it as far. If your pipe is spec'd out for 260k BTUs the gas plumber would test the output to make sure it will be able to deliver the larger volume that the 400k BTU needs. If it is not able to, they would either replace the line with larger line or could also install a high pressure valve on your gas meter to be able to deliver more gas in the existing line. My 400k BTU heater is run from a high pressure port on the meter.
 
ekadd said:
I know this is an old post, but I was wondering something...i currently have the JXi260, and I may need to replace it now. Based on the chart, is it possible I could move up to the JXi400? If i'm reading this correctly, it looks like you need less distance for the larger BTU unit? If it was possible to upgrade, I would only consider it if the jump in price is not significant. Again from what I understand, higher BTU unit means heating up the water faster so I figure why not get the higher BTU unit if the cost increase isn't significant.
Click to expand...
The distance in the chart is the maximum length of the pipe allowed to be of that diameter. So it depends on what size pipe was used and how long it is.
 
In Ontario, gas line work must be performed by individuals who are certified and licensed under the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). This requirement is outlined in Ontario Regulation 215/01: Fuel Industry Certificates. e-Laws | Ontario.ca

You need to have a certified and licensed individual assess your situation to give you the answer you need.
 
Thanks to everyone that replied!!! I do like to learn as much as I can as things come up for me. Easiest thing at this point is when the gas tech comes out to look at my heater and assess the issue I'll just ask him. Again, i'd only consider it if it's a marginal difference in cost versus a straight swap for the 260k BTU.
 
ekadd said:
Thanks to everyone that replied!!! I do like to learn as much as I can as things come up for me. Easiest thing at this point is when the gas tech comes out to look at my heater and assess the issue I'll just ask him. Again, i'd only consider it if it's a marginal difference in cost versus a straight swap for the 260k BTU.
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It is $500-$1000 difference between the 260 and 400. Worth the extra, IMO.
 
PoolGate said:
It is $500-$1000 difference between the 260 and 400. Worth the extra, IMO.
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Thanks for the input. Unfortunately i confirmed with the gas guy that came over that i would need a new larger diameter gas line so that's out. This is probably one of the very few things in hindsight i may have done differently when we did our build. But luckily it's not a huge deal at the end of the day for our size pool. Even more lucky is i don't need a new heater! Just had to put in a new pump so I'm glad to avoid the double hit. the guy said overall the heater looks to be in good shape so i'm hoping i'm good for this year at least.

Thanks everyone.
 
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Maybe not worth the cost or hassle or maybe not permitted in your area. Sometimes the meter and downstream pressure can be upped to 2-3 psi from the 7-8 in of H20 to reduce the need to for larger piping to get your BTU or cubic ft requirements. In this case a regulator is needed on a appliances to reduce the 2-3 psi to 7-8 in of H20.
 
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Bill1974 said:
Maybe not worth the cost or hassle or maybe not permitted in your area. Sometimes the meter and downstream pressure can be upped to 2-3 psi from the 7-8 in of H20 to reduce the need to for larger piping to get your BTU or cubic ft requirements. In this case a regulator is needed on a appliances to reduce the 2-3 psi to 7-8 in of H20.
Click to expand...
This is exactly what I had to do after the "licensed" plumber ran 100 feet of 3/4" black pipe to my 250,000 BTU heater. I wasn't home when he did the installation. Although, in the end, the upgrade to 2PSI and adding regulators at all my appliances has been a blessing in the end. I was able to add capacity for my grill, my still and deck heater, just had to convert them from propane to natural gas. Plus I stubbed out for a tankless water heater in prep for my current one to die.
 
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