Any input on Lochinvar Pool Heaters?

[Poolnewb105]

Hey guys, I'm looking at a Lochinvar EnergyRite ERN-252 pool heater. I noticed it's 88% efficient compared to my current Raypak which is 82% efficient so it caught my eye.

Does anyone have any input on Lochinvar Pool heaters? I know they're a respected brand but it's pretty difficult to find any reviews on these units. Also, would there by any condensation issues being that this unit is 86-88% efficient and I'm located in NY where we get cool nights?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ajw22]

We rarely hear about that heater. While you wait to see if anyone comes by who has one you may want to browse these prior threads...

Google search results

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[1poolman1]

I see two issues with your choice of heaters. First is the btu size. The difference in cost of the ERN-252 that you have chosen (250K btu) and the ERN-402 (400K btu) at one site is only about $400.00, as it is with most brands of heater of the same type. The difference in time to heat is very large. When I was new to the business I went with a customer's request to put in a 250 to replace the 400 he had that was beyond repair. Having just taken a manufacturer's heater school I knew what that would mean in the time it took to heat his spa. He was adamant on what he wanted. I made the mistake of giving in. He called a week later wanting to trade in the new heater on the larger size (sorry, no). Just be aware of what you re buying in that respect, speed. If you're happy with that old RayPak and don't have a large enough gas line for a 400 you should be happy with a 250.

Second, having spent the last 30 years repairing pool equipment I find that it is important to have a reliable and quick source of parts to make repairs that are usually needed because, "We're having a party this week and need the (whatever) working then." I'm in California and have only seen 2 Lochinvar heaters. I repaired them both but parts had to be ordered that took quite a while to arrive. Since most residential pool heaters operate in a very similar manner I have no problem working on various brands but you need to have a local source willing to work on the brand you buy. All pool equipment breaks at one time or another. That's what has kept me in business so long.

 

[Poolnewb105]

I see two issues with your choice of heaters. First is the btu size. The difference in cost of the ERN-252 that you have chosen (250K btu) and the ERN-402 (400K btu) at one site is only about $400.00, as it is with most brands of heater of the same type. The difference in time to heat is very large. When I was new to the business I went with a customer's request to put in a 250 to replace the 400 he had that was beyond repair. Having just taken a manufacturer's heater school I knew what that would mean in the time it took to heat his spa. He was adamant on what he wanted. I made the mistake of giving in. He called a week later wanting to trade in the new heater on the larger size (sorry, no). Just be aware of what you re buying in that respect, speed. If you're happy with that old RayPak and don't have a large enough gas line for a 400 you should be happy with a 250.

Second, having spent the last 30 years repairing pool equipment I find that it is important to have a reliable and quick source of parts to make repairs that are usually needed because, "We're having a party this week and need the (whatever) working then." I'm in California and have only seen 2 Lochinvar heaters. I repaired them both but parts had to be ordered that took quite a while to arrive. Since most residential pool heaters operate in a very similar manner I have no problem working on various brands but you need to have a local source willing to work on the brand you buy. All pool equipment breaks at one time or another. That's what has kept me in business so long.

Very valid concerns. I will stick with the Raypak. I'd really like to upgrade from my current r206a to an r266a but I have 80ft of 1in pipe which I do not believe is adequate.

 

[1poolman1]

You're correct. RayPak's chart indicates that a 266 requires no more than 50' of 1" pipe. The Lochinvar chart says the same thing.