Pentair MasterTemp 400 Pool Heater Issue

[ajw22]

Here is the gas meter and lines going to the heater.

As I suspected you have a 250 CFM gas service with a 400K BTU/400 CFM heater connected.

Your heater is running lean with insufficient gas flow and that is likely contributing to your problems.

You need to contact your gas company and have your gas service upgraded.

 

[JamesW]

Can you show all system plumbing?

File a warranty claim directly with Pentair and tell them that you do not want the installer involved.

 

[ajw22]

Also it looks to me like the gas line into the heater is too small. And I am not sure that orange flex gas line is allowed.

See beginning on page 16 in https://www.pentair.com/content/dam...stertemp/Manual-MasterTemp-472592-English.pdf

 

[ajw22]

I would fix your gas service problems before calling in Pentair with a warranty claim. They will deny it when they inspect the installation.

 

[JamesW]

Flex can be used if it is rated for the flow requirements.

The use of Flexible Connectors (FLEX) is NOT recommended unless they are properly sized according to the supplier recommendations for the heater rating.

 

[ajw22]

Flex can be used if it is rated for the flow requirements.

Is that a restrictive gas cock used for the shutoff into the heater?

 

[JamesW]

Is that a restrictive gas cock used for the shutoff into the heater?

I’m not sure if that is considered to be restrictive or not.

The flex is probably too small.

The flex line comes with a sticker showing the flow rate and it comes in a bag or box showing the flow rates.

The label looks like it was removed.

Try to find the original bag or box or specific part number for the flex line.

Also note that the drip leg is not correct.

Drip Leg (Sediment Trap) for Fuel Piping

A correct drip leg, or sediment trap, installed What are they? What is the difference between a proper and improper drip leg? A drip leg, or also commonly called a sediment trap, is used on fuel piping to prevent sediment, debris, and moisture from entering a gas appliance or fuel...

www.ncwaterheaters.com

 

[JamesW]

Below shows the correct drip leg sediment trap design.

It also shows that a maximum of 24" of 3/4" pipe is allowed from the supply to the heater.

The gas valve looks like it is probably 3/4" and it should probably be at least 1".

 

[ajw22]

Bottom line, there appear to be a bunch of issues in the way the heater is connected to the gas service.

The proper installation methods are in the Pentair manual.

 

[wireform]

Get the whole list taken care of before you contact pentair.

 

[JamesW]

For example, this one shows a maximum flow of 290K btu/hr.