Hayward Pool Heater FAIL (with pic)--new Heat Exchanger Available?

[Av8]

Well I had a major Hayward Heat Master 250 ED2 pool heater fail at the rear manifold (cast iron part) yesterday (cracked big time). This is a circa 1990s Hayward pool heater (I bought the property in 2011). Once i got all the screws out during disassembly here is what I saw (I laid everything back down just for picture perspective)!

Here is a pick of the rear manifold FAILURE (notice the stream of water out the crack in the top left of rear manifold):


So now my question. Does Hayward make replacement parts for these old Heat Master Heaters? I could not find a cast iron rear-manifold anywhere out there. I did find some replacement heat exchangers but they look like they are made of plastic in the manifold area and that begs the question--will they fit? Here is a link to one I found on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Hayward+HAXHXA1253+H250+Heat+Exchanger+Assembly+Replacement+for+Hayward+H-Series+Ed2+Style+Pool+Heater

Interestingly, it does not really say its compatible and leaves out firm confirmation for an old Heat Master ED2 heater. Anyone know if this is a form fit and function replacement? I called Hayward and they said, "Hayward Heat Master 250 ED2 is no longer supported, you'll have to buy a new heater." OUCH!

Anyway, replacing just a heat exchanger will save about $1500 (compared to purchasing a new Heater)......

 

[Swampwoman]

I had an ED2 that failed after 15 years this summer. It was cheaper to buy a 266k Raypak from INYO pools that to swap out the heat exchanger. Go take a look....good units, great price (around 1500)

 

[stevie3x]

definitely what swampwoman said, heater is way too old to put that kind of money in it,
plastic manifolds on heaters have been used for several yrs now with next to no problems,
if you just have to have metal headers i would opt for brass

 

[ps0303]

Don't waste your time or money on this unit. Replace it.

 

[Av8]

Thanks folks - just confirmed my decision....I'll replace it with a bigger 300,000 BTU unit ($150 more compared to a 250,000 BTU unit).

 

[Hayward Pool]

When going up in BTU's make sure the gas line will support the larger heater. I have dealt with many customers who went up and had problems. Going up only 50,000 BTU's should not be a problem but be cautious

 

[Av8]

Update (April 2019): Hayward H300FDN Universal H-Series 300,000 BTU Pool and Spa Heater, Natural Gas, Low Nox has been outstanding. Existing Gas line had plenty of capacity - confirmed by local Gas Company tech on site. Overall, very pleased!