Switch Chlorination Method Before New Heater?

[buoyant1]

Hi all. I have a 14.5k gal ABG vinyl pool with a 1.5 HP Waterway 2-Speed pump and Hayward Cartridge Filter. The pool came with an old Hayward H150 natural gas heater that no longer works, and I'd like to replace it (currently considering an equivalent Raypak). The thing is, I use chlorine tablets in a floater. As I've been reading up on heater care, I've learned that this apparently can be harmful to the unit? I have a TF-100 test kit and generally do a good job at keeping the proper chem levels, but I'm concerned about investing money in a heater that could leak and not be covered by warranty.

With that in mind, I'm debating on the best path forward - will just switching to liquid chlorine extend the life of a new heater? Or do I need to bite the bullet and go SWCG? Maybe I'm overthinking it and a tablet floater is just fine? I'm aware that it all ends up as chlorine in the end, but as I understand it, SWCG is best because by the time the water gets back to the heater, the chlorine is not as concentrated.

I've attached pic of my setup if it helps (yes, water is green but this is an old pic from when I first bought the house and it was sitting. Chemicals are all in-range now). Thanks!

 

[1poolman1]

Hi all. I have a 14.5k gal ABG vinyl pool with a 1.5 HP Waterway 2-Speed pump and Hayward Cartridge Filter. The pool came with an old Hayward H150 natural gas heater that no longer works, and I'd like to replace it (currently considering an equivalent Raypak). The thing is, I use chlorine tablets in a floater. As I've been reading up on heater care, I've learned that this apparently can be harmful to the unit? I have a TF-100 test kit and generally do a good job at keeping the proper chem levels, but I'm concerned about investing money in a heater that could leak and not be covered by warranty.

With that in mind, I'm debating on the best path forward - will just switching to liquid chlorine extend the life of a new heater? Or do I need to bite the bullet and go SWCG? Maybe I'm overthinking it and a tablet floater is just fine? I'm aware that it all ends up as chlorine in the end, but as I understand it, SWCG is best because by the time the water gets back to the heater, the chlorine is not as concentrated.

I've attached pic of my setup if it helps (yes, water is green but this is an old pic from when I first bought the house and it was sitting. Chemicals are all in-range now). Thanks!

Chlorine tablets in a floater as the only method of chlorination won't hurt the heater as long as you realize that they are also dropping the pH of the water and adding a lot of cyanuric acid. Chlorine tablets by themselves have a pH of between 2.5 and 3. That means you have to counteract that with proper chemistry.
With any vinyl-lined pool, in or above ground, there is also the issue of very low alkalinity along with that low pH. Water "wants" to be alkaline. Feed it (baking soda) or it will find it where it can. In your installation that is the soft metal, copper, in the heater as the first, and probably only, source .
Keep your pH and alkalinity up and it shouldn't be an issue.