Installing a new heater. Gas supply questions. (Pictures)

[Nathanstl]

I bought a house with a 20,000 gallon IG pool. They said the heater went out after 2 years. It's a sta-rite 333 which I think stands for 333,000BTU. I'm looking at replacing it with a Hayward H400FDN Universal H-Series Low NOx 400,000 BTU Natural Gas Residential Pool and Spa Heater. My question is about the gas supply demands when upgrading to a 400k heater. Is it going to be ok to go with the 400k heater without increasing my supply line? Here are pictures of my supply and gas meters/regulators.

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[JamesW]

The main meter is big enough assuming that nothing else will be running at the same time. If the pipe from the meter to the heater is 3/4" I.D, less than 100' away and 2 psi service to second stage regulator, it should be ok.

Note: Always have a qualified gas contractor evaluate the job before deciding what to do.

 

[Nathanstl]

I believe it's 1.25" underground run from the main meter to the pool equipment area then it goes to 3/4 through the regulator and then to the heater. The first picture shows it coming out of the ground right by the heater. The heater is just out of the picture on the left. Run length is about 75'.
The picture with the close up of the label is right where the run comes back out of the ground next to the heater.

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[JamesW]

Looks like it will be ok. However, it's always best to have a local contractor check it just to be sure. They will be able to make sure that there are no issues and that everything will be compliant with local code.

What is the total load of everything else that might run at the same time.

 

[ps0303]

First, PLEASE reconsider that Hayward purchase. Seriously do yourself a HUGE favor and look at the Raypak.

Second, you appear to be OK to go with the slightly larger unit, 400K.

Just reconsider buying the Hayward.

 

[Nathanstl]

First, PLEASE reconsider that Hayward purchase. Seriously do yourself a HUGE favor and look at the Raypak.

Second, you appear to be OK to go with the slightly larger unit, 400K.

Just reconsider buying the Hayward.

Really? It's by far the best reviewed on amazon. Almost 300 reviews. Only issue I see is the display panel and I will be guarding that from the elements.

Hayward H400FDN Universal H-Series Low NOx 400,000 BTU Natural Gas Residential Pool and Spa Heater https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00212G3DI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1UhzybZQ5G93G


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[ps0303]

More issues than the just display panel. I've been repairing them left and right since they came on the market. Look around this forum and do some research here.

 

[setsailsoon]

Nathan,

Nice post with plenty of info to go on. Here's my advice.

People on here making recommendations to you have lot's of expertise that I've seen help others with gas and heater problems. You should follow their recommendations. If you do this with a commercial installer bid it out to several licensed gas plumbers in your area. Bid it with you supplying the heater and with them supplying and price the heater delivered to your house. This way you check all your alternatives to understand the price. Your installation should be simple since you have an installed unit so it's really just a very simple gas plumbing job for a licensed plumber without a lot of overhead. They will also know the permits and applicable code requirements in your area. If you want to try this yourself at least get quotes first to see how much you're really saving. Be sure to check if they will extend the warranty if they do the install. If you do go self-install make sure you know enough about the above to have a safe reliable installation.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

Chris

 

[Nathanstl]

More issues than the just display panel. I've been repairing them left and right since they came on the market. Look around this forum and do some research here.

Ok I'm going to look into the RayPak 406. My main question would be is there a low install base on the RayPak that is making it seem as if they are more reliable than Hayward with more installs. I will say most amazon reviews are probably written shortly after install. Will the RayPak 406k BTU work with my easy touch wireless control? My servicing pool company recommends sta-rite. Is the RayPak easy to work on for a DIYer? Parts easy to get and priced right? It looks like the heater itself is about $300 more.


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[ps0303]

Raypak's are a popular name. You won't hear about then on new systems as people will go with all Hayward or Pentair equipment because you get extra warranty time on new build pools. When I replace a bad heater I install a Ryapak. I install about 200 a year and have been doing so for many years. I also have two friends further south outside of my service area and each of them install a few more than me per year. So they are out there for sure.

Yes this unit and any other for matter will work with any automation system installed. These units are much easier to repair for the DIY person. Parts for the Pentair and Hayward's are higher priced from my side of things.

You can choose whichever brand you prefer. Please also keep in mind that you need to have the space to put a larger unit. The Sta-rite's do have an advantage in that no matter what BTU you buy, it doesn't take up any more space on your pad whereas if you buy another brand like the Raypak, the footprint is different for each BTU.

I used to install Hayward's and other brands but when I started getting customer complaints about breakdowns I switched to the Raypaks. I don't like customer call backs especially when it's within the first year. I can tell you that when I install a Raypak many times I never hear from a customer for maybe 6-7 years. The times that I have heard back from them sooner was because of issues they created. Raypak's have been a solid unit.

 

[Pool Clown]

The main meter is big enough assuming that nothing else will be running at the same time.

For that reason, the meter is not large enough for your demand. Like James said, if your heater was the only appliance on that meter, you'd be ok. But im guessing its not looking at the pictures showing a line running into the house. That could have been a contributing factor in the demise of the two year heater. Unless you are putting a forced air heater on (which wont fire unless mix is correct), a fuel delivery problem may not show symptoms (sooting and/ or over heating) for months, sometimes even years depending on how severe the fuel deficiencies were.

I don't know about Missouri, but in my area, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) is happy to come out and upgrade the meter for free. Because it's an opportunity for them to sell you more gas!

So:

1. GET THE RAYPAK!

2. Seriously consider the meter upgrade.

I think you will be more satisfied down the road.

 

[Nectarologist]

Like Pool Clown, my local gas company will provide an assessment and upgrade if necessary. I was given paperwork (a questionnaire) and went from there. They knew the meter I had so it was really just providing info on what products I had that could use gas (dryer, stove, grill). I own a Ray Pak heater but have only had it two season so no issues yet.

 

[rphpool]

My PB also suggested I upgrade to a bigger gas meter for the higher demand of:
home water heater
gas dryer
gas stove
gas barb q
gas fireplace
gas fire bowls around pool
gas heater for spa

I have had multiple appliances on and have never seen a deficiency in any.

 

[JamesW]

Definitely need a bigger meter.