Pool heater replacement

[timjet]

My 15yo Hayward gas 300,000 btu heater is in need of replacement. I'm considering Pentair's 400,000 gas heater as a replacement. I would like to hear some opinions about this heater from you experts. It doesn't look like a difficult installation so I may do it myself. I have an easy touch controller which is currently controlling the Hayward heater so it should be an easy install.
My pool is 15,000 gal with a spa. We rarely heat the pool but do when the grand kids visit, maybe twice a year. We do use the spa frequently in winter. The current Hayward heater will heat the spa in about an hour and the pool in about a day.

 

[sande005]

Following this. Same situation for next spring. While I have no fear of the gas/electrical/plumbing work, I know nothing about the internals of a gas appliance, so it will be informative to learn about whether this is a suitable DIY project...or not.

 

[wireform]

Just throwing this in. Can it work better, definitely but the main question really is if the gas supply will be sufficient and that needs to be calculated.

 

[ajw22]

My 15yo Hayward gas 300,000 btu heater is in need of replacement. I'm considering Pentair's 400,000 gas heater as a replacement. I would like to hear some opinions about this heater from you experts.

The Pentair MasterTemp is a workhorse forced draft sealed burner heater. It's operation, maintenance, diagnostics and repair are well understood here.

As was said, check that your gas meter and gas pipe to the heater can handle 400CFM of gas. Details are in the Installation Manual.

Pentair MasterTemp Heaters - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

It doesn't look like a difficult installation so I may do it myself. I have an easy touch controller which is currently controlling the Hayward heater so it should be an easy install.

Do you have a manometer to check gas pressures and can properly commission the gas heater?

Check how a DIY install will affect your warranty with Pentair and if it matters to you.

Heater Maintenance - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

We do use the spa frequently in winter.

Watch out for corrosive condensation.

Heater Condensation - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[timjet]

Thanks for all the replies. I don't know what my gas line capacity is and upon further reflection I will stay with a 300,000 btu unit. A new Hayward unit would be plug and play but they no longer make a 300,000 btu unit and just guessing here but the Pentair may offer more features since I have a Pentair EasyTouch automation unit. One question: I can install a bypass pipe so pool water does not flow through the heater when not operating but how does this do any good if water is trapped in the heater when bypassed?

 

[ajw22]

A new Hayward unit would be plug and play but they no longer make a 300,000 btu unit and just guessing here but the Pentair may offer more features since I have a Pentair EasyTouch automation unit.

There will be no different in features between a Hayward or Pentair heater with your EasyTouch. Either one is limited by the firemans switch interface.

If you have an IntelliCenter with a RS-485 heater control then you get some additional features. Getting the Pentair heater sets you up for when you upgrade your EasyTouch to IntelliCenter.

One question: I can install a bypass pipe so pool water does not flow through the heater when not operating but how does this do any good if water is trapped in the heater when bypassed?

Read Heater Bypass - Further Reading

Neither we, nor Pentair, nor Jandy recommend blocking 100% of the water flow with a heater bypass.

 

[timjet]

Thanks Allen for all the info. I'm going to install the Pentair heater myself.