New pool and first question - heater bypass?

[OrangeAndBlue]

Hi all,

Thanks first of all for the wealth of information I've already absorbed by lurking here for a while.

We are building a pool at the moment in the Houston area. See details in signature. They've done the plumbing and I noticed there is no option to bypass the heater. Being in the Houston area (and originally from the midwest - so I'm used to cooler water), I anticipate that I will only use the heater occasionally - to heat up the spa sometimes and occasionally in the later fall/early spring. If it's not going to be in use most of the time, is it recommended that there is a bypass valve? Is it harmful to run salt water through it constantly? I'm wondering if I should demand the PB put in a bypass or is it normal without one and I should not be worried.

Thanks in advance and I'm sure I'll be back for more help once we start it up.

 

[mknauss]

No reason to bypass the heater. As long as you manage your pH and follow TFPC methods no damage will occur to your heater.

Take care.

 

[pooldv]

Welcome to TFP!

It is not harmful to run saltwater through a heater. But, having a bypass is a good idea for a few of reasons. To bypass the heater during winted and summer for better pump efficiency. To bypass the heater if it breaks and needs repair. It allows you to winterize the heater and leave ypur plumbing connected to run during winter for freeze protection.

 

[PoolGate]

My heater has no actual true bypass but I can direct all of the water to the vacuum port if I wanted. Think of it this way though you don't want water sitting in your heater stagnating. Having it flow prevents that.

 

[PoolguyinCT]

I often see owners use the bypass, when the pool turns to vinegar, ph in the basement until they water is corrected.. unfortunately they fail to realize they are basting the heat exchanger with the acidic water.. if a bypass is engaged, drain the heater..