Correct Way to Turn Pool Heater Valve?

[Alcyone]

How do I properly turn my 3-way pool heater valve to maximize heating from the heat pump? Currently, I have the handle pointing down towards the pipe that feeds both heaters? However, it seems like this would let some water past the heater circuit to recirculate through the pump. Should I turn the off side of the valve away from the filter housing to block flow in that direction? This seems to make logical sense, but the heater seems to work better with the handle pointing directly down. Picture attached.

Thanks

 

[ajw22]

What do you mean heaters seem to run better?

Hard to know how the heaters plumbing is setup with the pipes disappearing into the ground.

Each heater needs a minimum flow rate to operate. More flow does not significantly improve heater performance.

 

[Alcyone]

Seems to run better as it heats up quicker.

Pipe closest to filter housing is heater supply. Next one coming up is heater return.

 

[ajw22]

Seems to run better as it heats up quicker.

if you believe so then leave it although it should make no difference. The amount of heat going into the pool is the same regardless of valance position if the heater has adequate flow to operate.

Pipe closest to filter housing is heater supply. Next one coming up is heater return.

We don’t know if the two heaters are plumbed serial or parallel and which one is first.

 

[JamesW]

I suspect that the flow probably goes like this and that you need to rotate the valve 90 degrees counterclockwise so that all water goes through the heaters otherwise the heaters are firing with no flow.

However, without being able to see the pipes, we just have to guess and you need to be sure so that you do not damage the heaters.

 

[Alcyone]

I believe that’s correct. Would the Pentair heat pump shut off automatically without adequate flow?

 

[JamesW]

Would the Pentair heat pump shut off automatically without adequate flow?

No, the heaters have a pressure switch and not a flow switch.

Do not operate the heaters without adequate flow.

 

[Alcyone]

Seems like I can hear the compressor turn on then immediately turn off. Isn’t heating at all with handle horizontal.

 

[JamesW]

Can you show all valve labels?

You need to verify flow before turning on the heaters or you can damage the heaters.

 

[Alcyone]

They’re attached. It was working well in the past so maybe the capacitor has gone bad.

 

[JamesW]

This looks correct.

 

[JamesW]

Check the pump flow, pressure, power, speed etc.

 

[Alcyone]

So I took the panel off to take a pic of the capacitor. I removed the bracket from the capacitor as it was covering the label up. After putting it back together, the fan longer spins and was just making a humming noise. It became hot to the touch. Is the fan operation dependent on the capacitor as well? I did pull out the disconnect while into it so power was interrupted to the unit .

 

[JamesW]

Can you show the capacitor?

 

[JamesW]

 

[Alcyone]

Thanks will take a look

 

[JamesW]

 

[Alcyone]

The capacitor tested bad. Surprisingly, I was able to source one locally at Ace Hardware, although I encourage looking online at their website first before making the drive to see if they have it in stock. I purchased the Titan brand.

Popped the new one in and both the compressor and the fan turn on with warm water coming out the jets. All is well.

I’m damm lucky I didn’t burn up that fan motor as I had it humming for a few minutes before noticing it was hot to the touch.

All is well now.

 

[Newdude]

All is well now.

Sweet !!!!

As a rainy day project, I would pull the heat pump to know for sure how it's plumbed. If the gas heater/SWG lose flow with the heat pump removed (or if they don't) you'll have your answer.

 

[JamesW]

You can probably dig up the area a little bit to see where the pipes go.

Just be careful not to damage the pipes with a shovel.