Heater Issue

[Litlat]

Hello,
We have a Tropical Isle heater that is at least 12 years old (it was already installed when we bought the house back in 2008). Here are pictures of the unit. It stopped working recently so I jumped the pressure switch and got it to fire up. Assuming that was the problem, I replaced the switch with the one you see in the picture below. It does get the heater working, but only stays lit for between 4-5 minutes then I can hear it struggling to stay lit and it eventually flames out. The picture of the controls are for your reference. I did take a picture of the controls when it was working (Power light on, Pressure light on, Heat light on) and included it with this post. Unfortunately, the red lights are not very prominent in my picture. Any insight as to why it flames out after 5 minutes is most welcome. Thanks in advance!

Best,
Mike

 

[swamprat69]

From your photos (#6) on the left side it appears as if you have both sooting and rollout from your burners and heat exchanger. Your heater does not seem to incorporate any rollout protection ! https://www.conelyco.com/DOCUMENTS/Pentair/Heaters/Manuals/TropicIsle_Manual.pdf If you looked at the burner flames when the heater is running I would suspect that at least some of the flames would be yellow instead of blue. It also looks like your burners are older cast iron burners. The heater should be thoroughly cleaned as needed, meaning burners ( inside and outside ), manifold orifices, pilot burner and orifice and also heat exchanger.

 

[Litlat]

From your photos (#6) on the left side it appears as if you have both sooting and rollout from your burners and heat exchanger. Your heater does not seem to incorporate any rollout protection ! https://www.conelyco.com/DOCUMENTS/Pentair/Heaters/Manuals/TropicIsle_Manual.pdf If you looked at the burner flames when the heater is running I would suspect that at least some of the flames would be yellow instead of blue. It also looks like your burners are older cast iron burners. The heater should be thoroughly cleaned as needed, meaning burners ( inside and outside ), manifold orifices, pilot burner and orifice and also heat exchanger.

Thanks so much for getting back to me. I'll go to the link you included and see what I can sort out from it. I'll also see if I can find some information on the proper way to clean all the parts you mentioned. Thanks again!
~Mike

 

[swamprat69]

Most older caste iron burners had round holes rather than slots for the gas/air mixture to exit. These can be cleaned from the outside using a wire brush. The inside of the burners can be cleaned with a long/thin brush and then blown out with compressed air or CO2. While the burners are out, you can inspect the heat exchanger for soot blockage with a flashlight and long handlled inspection mirror. Gas manifold orifices can be cleaned with a pipe cleaner or removed and inspected

 

[Litlat]

Most older caste iron burners had round holes rather than slots for the gas/air mixture to exit. These can be cleaned from the outside using a wire brush. The inside of the burners can be cleaned with a long/thin brush and then blown out with compressed air or CO2. While the burners are out, you can inspect the heat exchanger for soot blockage with a flashlight and long handlled inspection mirror. Gas manifold orifices can be cleaned with a pipe cleaner or removed and inspected

Swamprat69,
Thank you for the additional information on how to clean the parts. Going to be doing it this week.
Thanks again,
Mike

 

[JamesW]

That thing is probably over 25 years old.

Time to replace it.

 

[Litlat]

That thing is probably over 25 years old.

Time to replace it.

Probably right. Gonna try and nurse a few more months out of her. What's the goto brand amongst the pro's here?

 

[JamesW]

Digital Low NOx – Raypak

Raypak Pool & Spa, Residential and Commercial Hydronic Products -

www.raypak.com

Raypak is a good brand. You probably have to comply with SCAQMD low nox laws. Check with your gas supplier for approved gas heater models and potential rebates.

The SCAQMD has jurisdiction over Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Its rule 1146.2, adopted in 1998, governs large water heaters and small boilers, the category that includes most pool heaters. The current rule limits NOx emissions to 55 ppm on heaters from 75,000 to 400,000 Btu.

Pool Heater List | SoCalGas

Look through the list of pool heaters that qualify for a rebate.

www.socalgas.com

 

[Litlat]

Digital Low NOx – Raypak

Raypak Pool & Spa, Residential and Commercial Hydronic Products -

www.raypak.com

Raypak is a good brand. You probably have to comply with SCAQMD low nox laws. Check with your gas supplier for approved gas heater models and potential rebates.

The SCAQMD has jurisdiction over Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Its rule 1146.2, adopted in 1998, governs large water heaters and small boilers, the category that includes most pool heaters. The current rule limits NOx emissions to 55 ppm on heaters from 75,000 to 400,000 Btu.

Pool Heater List | SoCalGas

Look through the list of pool heaters that qualify for a rebate.

www.socalgas.com

Thanks for all the info James!

 

[JamesW]

"Digital Pool Heaters: (Certification does not expire on 12/31/2011)

Raypak brand:

(C,P)-R207A-EN-(C,X), (C,P)-R267A-EN-(C,X), (C,P)-R337A-EN-(C,X)

(C,P)-R407A-EN-(C,X)

X94 Professional Series: S-R410-EN

Rheem brand:

(C,P)-M207A-EN-(C,X), (C,P)-M267A-EN-(C,X), (C,P)-M337A-EN-(C,X)

(C,P)-M407A-EN-(C,X)

Ruud brand:

(C,P)-D207A-EN-(C,X), (C,P)-D267A-EN-(C,X), (C,P)-D337A-EN-(C,X)

(C,P)-D407A-EN-(C,X)

Rule 1146.2 - Emissions of Oxides of Nitrogen from Large Water Heaters and Small Boilers and Process Heaters

A table listing equipment certified by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) as compliant with the requirements of Rule 1146.2.

www.aqmd.gov

https://www.poolsupplyunlimited.com/Products/Manuals/Sub160_2011826123848.pdf