Jandy JXI 'Check Flow' Issue

[ekadd]

Hi there, I have a Jandy JXI natural gas heater and about a week ago I started getting the low flow warning coming on at my lowest pre-set pump speed setting (which I believe is set at 1750 rpm). I have had no issue in the several years since our pool installation. The heater has no issues once I move above the lowest pre-set speed setting on the pump. My first thought is maybe something needs to be cleaned or maybe some kind of maintenance done on the heater? I'm okay doing basic repairs and things on my own but I'm a little hesitant on doing anything with a gas appliance. I just figured I would get some thoughts on TFP before calling our 'pool guy'. I did do a quick search on the forum but most issues seemed to be about ignition problems. I also checked the manual of course but didn't find anything helpful there either.

Thanks!

 

[ajw22]

What filter do you have?

What is your filter PSI?

Clean your filter.

Note the clean filter PSI.

 

[ekadd]

What filter do you have?

What is your filter PSI?

Clean your filter.

Note the clean filter PSI.

I don't think it's a filter issue as filter PSI is in the 'low' zone at the low pump setting. I'm not at home now so i can't look at the exact psi reading. I do an annual thorough filter cleaning using the process recommended on TFP.

 

[1poolman1]

Hi there, I have a Jandy JXI natural gas heater and about a week ago I started getting the low flow warning coming on at my lowest pre-set pump speed setting (which I believe is set at 1750 rpm). I have had no issue in the several years since our pool installation. The heater has no issues once I move above the lowest pre-set speed setting on the pump. My first thought is maybe something needs to be cleaned or maybe some kind of maintenance done on the heater? I'm okay doing basic repairs and things on my own but I'm a little hesitant on doing anything with a gas appliance. I just figured I would get some thoughts on TFP before calling our 'pool guy'. I did do a quick search on the forum but most issues seemed to be about ignition problems. I also checked the manual of course but didn't find anything helpful there either.

Thanks!

Pool conditions change, parts wear out. That low rpm, while fine in the past, may not be enough to close the pressure switch now because it is wearing out. You found the solution by increasing the pump speed. Sometimes all it takes is another 50rpm and problem solved. Before you call and pay for service, give that a try.
Your impeller may be a bit clogged, pump/skimmer basket a bit full. Even cleaning the filter will not always help as they start to clog eventually. Try a good chemical cleaning/soaking.
You could change the pressure switch in the heater (relatively easy and has nothing to do with the gas), but they are a mechanical device and a new one may not be any better than what you have. Its the nature of all pools. The equipment is incredibly reliable and often surprises us when it starts to not work like new.

 

[ekadd]

Pool conditions change, parts wear out. That low rpm, while fine in the past, may not be enough to close the pressure switch now because it is wearing out. You found the solution by increasing the pump speed. Sometimes all it takes is another 50rpm and problem solved. Before you call and pay for service, give that a try.
Your impeller may be a bit clogged, pump/skimmer basket a bit full. Even cleaning the filter will not always help as they start to clog eventually. Try a good chemical cleaning/soaking.
You could change the pressure switch in the heater (relatively easy and has nothing to do with the gas), but they are a mechanical device and a new one may not be any better than what you have. Its the nature of all pools. The equipment is incredibly reliable and often surprises us when it starts to not work like new.

Thanks for the reply. Makes sense and maybe i will just adjust the rpm on the low pre-set speed to the point that the heater is 'happy' and leave it at that. Thanks again.

 

[ps0303]

To run that heater efficiently, you really need to have the pump speed higher. 2700 - 3000 rpm while the heater is in use per the manufacturer.

Filter cartridges should be cleaned once a month or so. Do not rely upon your filters pressure gauge to tell you that the filter needs to be cleaned. If it's a cartridge filter as per your signature, that cartridge should be changed out every 18-24 months is what I suggest to customers. The pleats will hold dirt and you might not be able to clean it very well over time.

 

[ekadd]

To run that heater efficiently, you really need to have the pump speed higher. 2700 - 3000 rpm while the heater is in use per the manufacturer.

Filter cartridges should be cleaned once a month or so. Do not rely upon your filters pressure gauge to tell you that the filter needs to be cleaned. If it's a cartridge filter as per your signature, that cartridge should be changed out every 18-24 months is what I suggest to customers. The pleats will hold dirt and you might not be able to clean it very well over time.

Hi Paul, thanks as well for your reply. More good points for me to consider and a good idea to clean the cartridges and see if that makes a difference as well. Thanks.