Steam Coming from Spa Heater

[Jeff_E]

Just started my spa heater after a few months of not using it. Noticed significant amount of steam coming from it. Ran it for 10-15 minutes to see if it would dissipate and didn't seem to. I have never noticed this before, so I think it's new.

3 things recently happened between now and the last time we ran the heater:
1) We had our gas meter upgraded to a larger size.
2) We have had significant rain.
3) It has been cold here, dropping down to freezing a few nights. (I'm in California, so this is not normal). We don't winterize the pool so I'm wondering if this did something to the heater...
I don't see any sign of leaking water around or under the heater. All fittings at the pool equipment seem in good shape and not leaking.

Any ideas if this is normal at all? Where should I start in the heater to determine the source of the water causing the steam?

Thanks in advance for your help.
-Jeff

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP,

What is your spa water temp and the air temp?

Details of your pool equipment in your signature help us help you. Please see read-this-before-you-posT

What model heater?

 

[Jeff_E]

Sorry about that. The heater is a Hayward H400FDN. The spa water temp when I started the heater was probably about 48 degrees. Outside air temp was probably around 40 degrees.

I tried adding pool details in my signature line. Hopefly that shows up.

 

[mknauss]

If you do not show any leaks with the pump pushing water through the heater I suspect it is just water vapor. I bet your outside temperature is close to your dewpoint and you can see water vapor due to the hot gasses leaving the vent.

 

[ajw22]

Is pool heater condensation harmful to equipment?

Condensation caused by water vapor in the exhaust forms water droplets and runs down inside the unit that you see burning off.