Swimming Pool Heater
Owner's Information
For Many
Brands Of Gas Pool Heaters
![](//www.poolandspa.com/catalog/h150fdn_l.jpeg)
Starting up your heater
Complete heater lighting and shutdown
instructions are located on the inside of the heater.
With a new pool or spa, always run the filter
pump with the heater in the OFF position long enough to completely
clean the water. This is to remove installation residue; it is also
advisable to clean the filter after this residue clearing and before
turning on the heater.
When heating a cold pool, it is also
recommended to run your filter pump continually until the pool
reaches a comfortable temperature. You can do this by setting the
thermostat dial. (Set your time clock to assure continuous operation
of pump). When the pool water reaches the thermostat set point, it
will shut off automatically. (See instructions for Setting the
temperature).
- Remove the heater door and locate the
pilot. Look in the mirror on the floor of the burner tray to
confirm the pilot is lit. Check to make sure the flame is steady
and blue in color. If the pilot is not lit, follow the
instructions below for lighting:
- Make sure your filter pump is NOT running.
- Turn the heater temperature control dial
counter-clockwise to its lowest setting.
- Turn the ON-OFF switch on the control panel
to OFF.
- Make sure the knob on the sas valve is in
the OFF position. If not, turn the knob clockwise to OFF. (It is
necessary to push down on the knob at PILOT to continue
turning.)
- Wait 5 minutes. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT
YOU WAIT to clear any buildup of unburned gas, it could ignite
and cause injury if you try to light the pilot before 5 minutes.
- After waiting 5 minutes, turn the gas valve
knob counterclockwise to the PILOT position.
- Push down the gas valve knob and turn the
Safelight Matchless Lighter igniter knob. Hold the gas valve
knob down for 30 seconds, then release. Look in the mirror on
the floor of the burner tray to confirm the pilot has lit.
- Turn the gas valve knob counterclockwise to
ON.
- Replace the heater door.
- Start the filter pump.
- Turn the ON-OFF switch on the outside
control panel to ON.
- The temperature control knob is set at the
Teledyne Laars factory at approximately 78 degrees F (26 degrees
C) and locked into place with the Temp-Lok, your safety and
energy saving device. If you wish to change the pool or spa
temperature, turn the temperature control knob counter clockwise
to lower the temperature and clockwise to raise the water
temperature. (Note - Depending on the size of the heater and the
temperature of the unheated water expect it to take at least one
day—often more—for the pool water to reach the new
temperature.)
- When you change the temperature setting,
you’ll also need to change the Temp-Lok, which prevents the
temperature in the pool from exceeding your maximum desired
level. The temperature control covers a range from approximately
70 degrees F (21 degrees C) to 104 degrees F (40 degrees C). If
you need to change the Temp-Lok, loosen the set screw with a
small slotted screwdriver, turn to new position, and tighten the
set screw again.
- As a guide to establishing comfortable
water temperatures, setting the dial at the "10 o’clock"
position for pools or "2 o’clock" position for spas
will provide basic heating comfort. You may wish to alter those
settings to meet your personal needs.
Relighting the pilot
If the pilot goes out, wait 5 minutes to allow
any gas build-up to clear, then repeat steps.
Turning off your heater
The easiest way to shut off your heater is to
turn the ON-OFF switch on the outside control panel to the OFF
position. Your filter pump will continue cleaning your pool
according to your time clock setting or filter pump control switch,
but the heater will not operate.
For winter pool shutdown or for extended
periods of heater non-use, it is recommended you shut down your
heater completely. This will save energy by eliminating gas usage by
the pilot.
- Remove the heater door.
- Turn the gas valve knob clockwise to the
OFF position. (Push down on knob at PILOT and continue turning
to OFF). The pilot will now automatically extinguish.
- Shut off the gas supply to the heater by
turning off the manual shutoff valve located outside the heater.
- Your heater now will not heat again until
you relight the pilot. (See winterizing your heater).
Setting the temperature
The temperature control is designed to cover
the typical full range of swimming comfort. Start with the pointer
approximately at the "10 o’clock" position for a pool,
and at approximately the "2 o’clock" position for a spa
to start with. (Note: A cold pool may take a day or more to reach
that temperature, depending on water temperature, humidity, air
temperature and wind. Your pool will heat up faster and retain heat
better if you cover your pool when it is not in use). Check the pool
temperature after that time period to determine if it meets your
comfort needs. You may wish to use a pool thermometer to assist you.
Alter that thermostat setting if necessary
until it is comfortable. (Remember to allow sufficient time for your
pool to again reach the new temperature level.) Then set your
comfort temperature in place by locking the Temp-Lok to prevent
unnecessary adjustment.
Cool weather operation
During cool temperature periods when the pool
is going to be used only occasionally, to save energy turn the
temperature down to the MIN setting. And of course, keep the pool
covered when not in use to save energy.
- If, for example the pool is only being used
on weekends, you may wish to turn the heater up to your comfort
setting on Friday evening, to allow the water to warm up before
Saturday and Sunday swimming.
- If you are not going to heat your pool or
spa for an extended period of time, shut the heater down
completely. This will save the energy used by the pilot.
- For a complete shutdown, remove the door on
the heater, turn the gas valve clockwise to OFF (Push down on
the knob at PILOT and continue turning.) Then stop the flow of
gas to the heater by turning off the manual shutoff valve
located outside the heater.
- In areas subject to only occasional short
cold snaps, the heater should be turned off and the filter pump
run continuously for the length of the period subject to any
light freeze.
Winterizing your heater
IMPORTANT. In areas where freezing
temperatures occur, the heater must be completely drained prior to
the first frost. Serious damage to the heater is likely if water
freezes inside the heater and piping. Your professional pool heater
service technician is knowledgeable on preparing and protecting a
heater for cold winter areas and can provide that service for you.
If you choose to do so yourself, please be sure to carefully follow
all instructions:
- Turn the gas valve to the OFF position. The
pilot will go out and not relight until you manually relight it
the following season. (See section Starting up your heater for
relighting.)
- Completely drain the heater of all water by
opening all the drain valves and plugs There is one drain valve
and one drain plug on the left side of the heater and one drain
valve on the right side. It is recommended that you make sure no
additional water remains by using an air compressor to blow out
any standing water in the heat exchanger.
- Leave the drain valves and plugs open until
it is time to use the heater again.
- Lightly but thoroughly grease the threads
on the heater where you removed the drain valves and plugs.
- Disconnect the copper tubing at the
pressure switch.
Pool Water Chemistry
To protect your heater from damage, be sure to
maintain the pH factor of the pool water between 7.4 and 7.6. In
addition to preventing serious heater damage, this will also reduce
the chance of mineral deposits on the pool walls and in the filter.
Spa Water Chemistry
Balancing water chemistry is more critical in
a spa than a pool to assure safe, sanitary water conditions and to
maximize heater life. Only by the addition of sanitizing chemicals
and regular water changes can you properly maintain a sanitary spa.
Chemical imbalances occur more easily in a spa
than in a pool: Five people using a 500 gallon spa is equivalent to
250 people in a typical 25,000 gallon residential swimming pool. So
because of its size and usage, plus the elevated water temperatures
in a spa, chemical values can differ greatly. Maintain your spa in a
sanitary condition by draining the spa regularly (at least every 3
months, and more if there is high usage). Make sure the pH stays
between 7.4 and 7.6, and the total alkalinity stays between 100 and
120 ppm. Test your water at least twice a week. (Note: Test kit
reagents weaken with age. Protect your pool or spa by replacing the
test kit reagents once a year).
pH Measurement: This is the most
important test for maintaining correct water balance, so test often.
Values below 7.4 and above 7.6 can damage your equipment and pool.
Always maintain at 7.4 to 7.6.
Total Alkalinity: Water with low total
alkalinity is corrosive and will damage your pool heater. Maintain
at 100 to 120 ppm.
Free Chlorine or Total Bromine:
Maintain at 2.5 ppm.
There are other chemical measurements that are
also important in keeping your pool or spa water balanced. See your
professional pool and spa dealer or service technician for details.
Important safety rules for
spas
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
recommended safety rules are:
- Spa or hot tub water temperature should
never exceed 104 degrees F (40 degrees C). 100 degrees F (38
degrees C) is considered safe for a healthy adult. Special
caution is recommended for young children.
- The drinking of alcoholic beverages before
or during spa or hot tub use can cause drowsiness which could
lead to unconsciousness, and subsequently result in drowning.
- PREGNANT WOMEN BEWARE! Soaking in water
above 102 degrees F (39 degrees C) can cause fetal damage during
the first three months of pregnancy (which could result in the
birth of a brain damaged or deformed child). If pregnant women
are going to use a spa or hot tub, they should make sure the
water temperature is below 100 degrees F(38 degrees C) maximum.
- The water temperature should always be
checked with an accurate thermometer before entering a spa or
hot tub. Thermostats may vary by as much as 4 degrees F.
- Individuals with a medical history of heart
disease, circulatory problems, diabetes, or blood pressure
problems should consult their physicians before using a hot tub
or spa.
- Persons taking any medication which induces
drowsiness, such as tranquilizers, antihistamines or
anticoagulants should not use spas or hot tubs.
Swimming pool
energy savings tips
Manage your pool heating as you manage your
home heating and air conditioning to minimize the cost of operating
your heater without sacrificing swimming comfort.
- Heat your pool to approximately 78 degrees
F (26 degrees C). The National Spa and Pool Institute and the
American Red Cross recommend this water temperature for
competitive swimming. Be certain you use an accurate pool
thermometer, because a variance of 4 degrees F from 78 degrees F
(26 degrees C) to 82 degrees F (28 degrees C) can use as much as
40% more gas. Elderly swimmers and very young children may
prefer warmer water.
- Carefully monitor the water temperature of
your pool in the summertime; heater usage can often be reduced
due to warmer air temperatures.
- After determining the best water
temperature for you, lock in that setting on your heater by
using the Temp-Lok control. This will also discourage
adjustment.
- Set the filter time clock to start the pump
no earlier than 6:00AM during the pool heating season This is
the time when nightly heat loss typically stops.
- If the pool is only going to be used on
weekends, lower the thermostat setting during the week. It can
be reset to your comfort setting the evening before expected
use, to allow enough time for the pool to reach the higher
temperature.
- When on vacation for longer than a week or
two or during any season the pool is not in use, follow the
instructions on this page to completely shut down the heater.
- Where possible, shelter the pool from
prevailing winds with well-trimmed hedges or other landscaping,
cabanas or fencing.
- Always use a pool cover when the pool is
not in use. A cover will lower your gas bill by reducing the
heat loss, conserve chemicals, reduce water evaporation and
reduce the dirt load on your filter.
Regular inspection and
maintenance
Your Teledyne Laars Series 2 heater has been
designed and constructed for long life when installed and operated
properly. Regular inspections by a trained pool heater technician
are strongly recommended to keep the heater operating efficiently.
It is important that the service technician follow these
instructions to maintain safe operation and extend the life of the
heater:
- Keep the top of the heater clear of all
debris, and also be sure to regularly remove any flammable
materials, leaves, paper etc. from under the heater or around
the base.
- Check the venting on heaters installed
indoors for looseness and leaks. Correct any faulty venting
immediately.
- Inspect the internal surfaces of the heat
exchanger tubes at least annually, and remove any accumulation
of scale.
- The external surfaces of the heat exchanger
tubes can be inspected for soot accumulation by placing a mirror
between and under the burners when the heater is firing. If soot
has accumulated on the tubes, it must be removed, and the cause
of the accumulation corrected.
- Check for spider webs in the pilot and main
burner orifices, especially at Spring start up.
- Make a periodic visual check of the main
burner and pilot flame patterns.
- Inspect the gas and millivolt controls at
least annually to assure safe and dependable operation
Specifically, check the following (for details see Model ESG
Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual that came with
your heater).
High Temperature Limit Switch
Automatic Gas Valve
Water Pressure Switch
Temperature Control
- Moisture and dust can infiltrate these
controls, causing deterioration over a period of years. A
regular inspection schedule, with repair or replacement as
needed, will keep your heater performing properly for many
years.
- Keep the heater area clean and free of all
combustible materials, gasoline or other flammable vapors and
liquids.
- Do not use the heater if any part has been
under water. Immediately call a professional pool heater service
technician to inspect the heater and to replace any part of the
control or gas system which has been under water.
Before you call your service
technician...
When your heater will not operate, before you
call your professional service technician, follow the steps below.
The problem may be simple, such as a dirty filter, and not require
expert service assistance.
- MAKE SURE THE FILTER IS CLEAN. A dirty
filter reduces water flow. Your heater is designed with safety
in mind and will automatically shut off if water flow is
insufficient for proper operation. This protects the heater from
damage.
- CONFIRM HEATER IS ON. Check "ON-OFF’
switch on control panel. Heater will not operate unless switch
is in the "ON" position.
- TEMPERATURE SET Turn the temperature
control knob to at least midway between MIN and MAX positions to
"call" for heat.
- CHECK TIME CLOCK. Is it set to allow pump
to operate?
- PILOT IS LIT. Remove the heater door and
look into the mirror on the floor of the burner tray to confirm
pilot is lit. If not, follow the instructions in Starting up our
heater section 1-7 to relight.
![](images/logo-bar-070908.jpg)
© Copyright 1994-2015 by
PoolAndSpa.com Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this
electronic publication and it's contents may be
reproduced, electronically
or otherwise, nor distributed in any
manner without the prior expressed written consent of PoolAndSpa.com Inc. Any Copyright infringement will
be prosecuted to the fullest
extent of the law. Web Site Created by Master
Image.
![Hit Counter](_vti_bin/fpcount.exe/?Page=page379.htm|Image=3|Digits=7) |