Heating attached spa in the winter?

[natedawg]

Hi all!

Quick question.

I have a Sta-Rite SR400NA, and it says to not operate it consistently when the water temperature is below 68F.

For my pool, I have an attached Spa. I am able to isolate the spa so that I only filter and heat water from the Spa. Is it ok to heat the Spa occasionally from below 68F (current water temps are in the low 50s) as long as I run the spa up to operating temp (100+)?

There is a note in the documentation stating that it is ok to run the heater when opening the pool for the season, so I imagine this is no different than that. Only difference would be I would probably do it a few times a month, and that it would take less than an hour to get the spa to temp and then maintain it.

 

[ajw22]

Every time you run your heater with cold water it creates a bit of corrosive condensation that drips on the heater. The effects are cumulative.

You will probably take a bit of life out of the heater by running it in the winter for the spa. That is the price for using the spa in the winter.

Heater Condensation - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[bradgray]

What Allen said.

Everytime you cross that bridge, you'll get acidic condensate. So cross that bridge as infrequently as possible.

And as you stated, never run it below 70 and maintain in that range. Good way to lose your warranty and need a new heater.