incorrect pool boiler installation

Mike Thomas_2

I install boilers and I install pool heaters. They are both designed to do a job. I don't waste my time trying to outsmart a legion of engineers that took the time to design the product and provided a warranty for same product.

Todd Franklin

incorect pool boiler installation

I ran into a ao smith hw boiler that was installed for heating a indoor swimming pool. The problem was that there was no pool heat exchanger installed which causing te boiler to condense constantly. The installation is less than a year old and we want to keep the bioler and correct the system by adding a pool heat exchanger and all other necessary components to properly isolate the boiler. The question i have is: Are there are additives such as glycol that should be added to the boiler side to extend its life considering it was pool water running through it?

hot_rod

pool boilers

are built with a thermostatic valve built into the header to allow them to run at pool temperatures without condensing. if that isn't a pool specfic heater you will need to build some return protection into it. a pool Heat exchanger with a proper piping would work.

Maybe replacing it with a pool heater would be less hassle, and expense?

hr

Matt_67

Pool heater

I have just replaced 2 tube and shell heat exchangers that wee working off a Weil McLein. The pool water contaminated the glycol system. I replaced the tube and shell with Flateplate excellent pool braised plate heat exchangers. I have had excellent results with the Flateplate for pool heating. They will outlest dedicated pool heaters. One shock treatment and, no more pool heater!

To prevent low return temperatures on our boiler installations, I use a snap disc set at 135F on the return. It actuates a WR motorised valve on a bypass to the supply side of the boiler. I have been doing this for 5 years with not a failure to date.

Brad White_185

That chomping sound you hear

Chlorides, meet Metals. Eat Me.

Temperature issues aside, yes, you should isolate the boiler from the pool via a heat exchanger. Plate exchangers are rather efficient but in many areas, pools are considered potable water. Thus the exchanger has to be a double-wall vented type, a less efficient version of the same but still the best way to go.

Running pool water through a boiler not made expressly for the purpose at least will void the warranty.

The bypass valve, especially automated by temperature to protect the boiler return is essential absent specific condensing applications.