Today’s pool heaters reduce costs using ‘green’ technology

Additional benefits of a heater upgrade

In addition to lowering operating costs, there are additional benefits to upgrading aquatic facilities with a new heater.

1. Lower emissions

Newer heaters are cleaner burning (i.e. low NOx) which have minimal emissions. These units are friendlier to the environment as the nitrous oxide emissions are below 10 per cent.

2. Easier maintenance (plug-and-play)

Today’s commercial pool heaters face changing conditions as many installers have not been trained in commercial application techniques. Further, facilities find pool cleaning staff, lifeguards, and facility managers are all adjusting heater settings frequently. Therefore, having a unit that is completely enclosed and ready to go leaves less room for problems. Heaters are constantly faced with:

• Improper control of return water temperature which results in the heat exchanger condensing and failing;
• Insufficient combustion air and chemicals which attack the heat exchanger and chamber; and
• Changes in flow rates as a result of dirty filters, human error when backwashing, and/or improper settings on bypass valves.

3. Sealed combustion

Many new heaters have sealed combustion units, which are safer because:

• Units installed indoors are frequently located next to stored chemicals; therefore, a sealed combustion unit is less of a fire hazard; and
• Adequate combustion air is guaranteed when outside air is ducted with a sealed combustion unit.

Venting/air intake

Venting requirements for new heaters are quite different than what was done in the past. Although this process has become easier, the importance of proper venting has never been more critical. These products must be installed and serviced by a professional service technician, qualified in pool heater installation, to ensure the work is performed correctly.

Aquatic facility managers should check with their local building authority about contractor licensing requirements when performing a heater upgrade.

Improper installation and/or operation could result in insufficient venting of carbon monoxide (CO) gas and/or flue gases which could cause serious injury. Improperly installing or venting a heater will also void a manufacturer’s warranty.