Wrong Hayward pool heater installed

[Lurch's pool]

Pool builder replaced Hayward 250 after 10 years and mistakenly installed natural gas unit when I have propane.
It had run about 30 minutes, and just stupid luck I looked at it and noticed the model sticker had N and not P
Pool guy says he will install conversion kit
He also mentioned replacing with propane unit.
Again…it ran about 30 minutes
Y’all think it’s ok to keep and convert or replace with new unit?
Thanks

 

[Ahultin]

With a ng orifice the unit would run hot and dirty on propane. IF it was a pb mistake i would insist on a replacement unless he can get something from hayward engineering stating it is no issue.

 

[ajw22]

Let’s see what @swamprat69 thinks.

 

[swamprat69]

LP orifices are smaller than NG orifices. LP pressures are higher than NG pressures. LP contains ~ 2 1/2 times the BTUs of NG per cubic ft. Obviously the heater was overfired for 1/2 Hr.(by how much?). I would insist on replacement with a new LP heater. Somewhat surprised that it would run for 1/2 Hr. without tripping a safety. Difficult to tell if NG gas valve was able to deliver NG pressures to manifold/burners (3.5"WC + or - as opposed to 10"WC + or -).

 

[Lurch's pool]

LP orifices are smaller than NG orifices. LP pressures are higher than NG pressures. LP contains ~ 2 1/2 times the BTUs of NG per cubic ft. Obviously the heater was overfired for 1/2 Hr.(by how much?). I would insist on replacement with a new LP heater. Somewhat surprised that it would run for 1/2 Hr. without tripping a safety. Difficult to tell if NG gas valve was able to deliver NG pressures to manifold/burners (3.5"WC + or - as opposed to 10"WC + or -).

Thank you!
I’ve asked and he agreed to the new heater with no pushback. I’ve been really satisfied with this guy. I guess we all have our moments. It was just pure stupid luck I figured it out. Wasn’t sure what BTU he had installed so was down looking at the model number and saw the N as the last character.

 

[swamprat69]

You got lucky with your observation and with a responsible and honest pool guy!