Differences new mastertemp 250?

[kul]

My old Mastertemp 250 heater is being replaced tomorrow with a new one. Are there any differences between the old and new models that I should be aware of?
Or, has nothing really changed?

 

[JamesW]

Pentair MasterTemp Heaters - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[JamesW]

MasterTemp Connected Heater.​

A running change to all Pentair MasterTemp & StaRite Max E Therm heaters, took place on the afternoon of 5/7/2021.

All heaters made before 5/7/2021 have membrane keypads with five buttons, which identifies them as “Non Connected” models.

Connected Heater Features:

• RS485 connection to IntelliCenter Automation
• Upgraded menu structure: Flame strength indicator, Runtime, Cycle Count, Error Code Log
• Ability to control an external bypass valve
• Six button membrane keypad

There are significant parts changes with the "Connected Heater" that the Pentair MasterTemp & StaRite Max E Therm : Parts Matrix for “Connected Heater” Update May 2021 lists.

Different parts between heater versions include:

• PCBA
• Membrane Keypad
• Ignition Control Module - ICM -Fenwal box
• Wiring Harness
• Bypass Valve Kit

Check that you have the correct replacement part numbers for the heater version you have if you are replacing these parts.

Discussion about the use of RS-485 in the Connected Heater is being discussed in the New Model Pentair MasterTemp Heater thread.

 

[JamesW]

New Model Pentair MasterTemp Heater

@Jimrahbe @JamesW have you seen that Pentair has a new model MasterTemp heater according to the Installation manual Rev P 8/2020 currently on their website? It looks like Pentair again made significant changes to the model and kept the same name and SKU. It looks like the manual has been...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[kul]

Thanks so much @JamesW I’ll look through the information

I don’t have automation, so seems the RS-485 discussion doesn’t apply.

Interesting that the heater comes with max temp heat settings for the pool (78 degrees). Hopefully that can be easily adjusted because we like it warmer than that. And by we, I mean my 5 year old. Thanks again.

 

[kul]

The wiki seems to suggest that the new Mastertemp does not have set limits for temperature like the previous model. It already can be adjusted for pool or spa up to 104. So likely nothing will need to be adjusted.

For my reference later:

Maximum Temperature Set Point​

This applies to the older 5 button model. The 6 button connected model allows a full temperature range from 65F to 104F at installation.

The heater comes factory set with a maximum temperature set point at 78° F (25.6 c). for the pool mode and 100° F (37.8 C) for spa mode. The Installation Manual describes how to increase the maximum temperature set point of the pool and spa. It involves unbolting and removing the door panels, accessing the control panel board on the underside of the top cover, and locating the yellow button on the corner of the control board.

 

[JamesW]

Operating the Heater

The heater comes factory set at 78°F for the pool mode and 100°F for the spa mode.

Using the up and down arrows, you can set the thermostats to a minimum temperature of 65° F., or a maximum of 104° F.

https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/nam/pentair-pool/residential/heaters/mastertemp/manual/Manual-MasterTemp-472592-English.pdf

 

[kul]

The above link has a date of 2020 on the manual so I think maybe there might be a newer one because the threads seems to suggest the new heaters came online in 2021?

I think my reading is that the new heater does not come with a 78 degree limit for the pool. It can already be adjusted past that without needing to manually adjust by lifting the top off and pressing the yellow button on control board.

I’m guessing this because of the language in the “Mastertemp further reading” provided above. It states that:

The 6 button connected model allows a full temperature range from 65F to 104F at installation.​

Though if it turns out that this is not the case at installation, I can adjust it as needed using the instructions.

 

[kul]

Just wanted to post that the new Mastertemp does not need the rat proofing kit because the vent holes along the sides are not big enough for a creature to get in. I was about to add my mesh covers and discovered this delightful adjustment. One less thing I have to do. Also when my old Mastertemp was acting up, it was a bit of a pain to unscrew all the wire mesh each time and redo.