TFP Group Smarts: Jandy LXI (x2) - Igniter Issues & Lifetime

[Saguaros]

We have two natural gas Jandy LXI heaters, one each to heat the pool and spa. The heaters are now 12 years old, with the pool heater dead in 2020 when we moved in and now it appears the spa heater is dead: both have check igniter issues (smell the gas, just won't ignite). Two separate providers (in 2020, and this year) advised they can't be repaired (in 2020, he spent at least an hour to fix the pool heater) and should be replaced due to age, difficulty obtaining parts, etc.

I've looked back at several older posts about this heater and the igniter. It's difficult to assess the proper course of action. And maybe there are more efficient options to consider giving our Arizona climate, our newly updated Pentair control system, etc. So basically the question is: is age a factor in replacement? Are parts really that challenging to obtain for Jandy?

The recommendation is to replace with Pentair MasterTemps.

Thanks TFP!

 

[ajw22]

12 years is a decent life for a gas pool heater.

Parts are available and it depends what you need. It is often the cost of the labor that makes a heater uneconomical to repair. My personal guideline is if the repair is over 50% of replacement cost then buy a hew one that will be under warranty.

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Corrosion is often the killer of heaters and impossible to repair. You can post some pics of your heaters with the panels off and show us what they look like inside.

@swamprat69 is a good judge.

 

[swamprat69]

Photos would be helpful. I have a 16 yr. old Hayward NG heater (had to replace a leaking water header O-Ring and the inside of the heat exchanger looked fine) so I do not anticipate being unable to make any needed repairs in the near future... note- I do clean and inspect it evry other year.

 

[Saguaros]

Thanks @swamprat69! I've attached photos of the spa unit. The issue remains of the ignition fault message and 3 flashing red lights on the Fenwall. The system cycles, I can smell the gas, but no ignition. I think we'll call it a day on these units and switch to Pentair.

 

[swamprat69]

Ignition failure is caused by either a bad hot surface ignitor or a failure in the flame sensing circuit or dirt/corrosion interfering with the flow of gas through the heater. The ignitor can be ohmed out and visually inspected. It may be as simple as replacing a bad ignitor. Because you are not lighting off the burners, the most likely cause would be a bad ignitor, but it could also be due to dirty/corroded burners or a spider web in the orifices diverting the gas flow from its normal path through the heater. Since you would need to open the combustion chamber in order to replace the ignitor if needed, I would also recommend cleaning the flame sensor, burners and orifices at the same time. It is fairly straightforward troubleshooting and cleaning for any capable service technician. I am a little leary of any service technician that claims a heater cannot be repaired and must be replaced without telling you exactly what the problem is and why it can't be repaired. That is a tactic used by many companies in order to sell new equipment when it isn't really necessary. ajw22 is pretty much spot on with his 50% rule and it isn't like a home furnace where you would make big savings in your gas bill by replacing an 80% efficient furnace with a 90%+ efficient furnace. Cannot see your full signature, but since you do use liquid cholrine I am assuming that you follow the TFP method and keep your chemicals balanced.

 

[Saguaros]

Thank you all for the great advice. We were able to resurrect the pool heater while the spa heater was replaced. A change in pool companies/techs made all the difference in proper effort and diagnosis.