How to Open Your Pool Heater
When winterized, the pool plumbing was drained and the drain lines were left open to prevent water from accumulating in the plumbing. Drain plugs may have been installed in areas where water may enter the heater during rain or snow. Open the pool heater when you open the pool or water will likely run from the bottom drain in the heater. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Inspect the gas lines from the main supply to the pool heater. Look for signs of damage such as pinched tubing, cracks or bubbles. Replace damaged sections with new tubing.
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2
Inspect the plumbing leading to the heater from the previous piece of equipment and from the heater to the pool. Look for obvious signs of damage such as cracked hoses or pipes and loose fittings. Replace sections of pipe if needed and tighten all fittings leading to and from the pool heater.
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3
Follow the plumbing in all visible areas through the heater. Find the bottom drain and tighten it with a pair of pliers. If drain plugs had been installed, remove the drain plugs by turning the center screw with a screwdriver to loosen the compression and remove the plug.
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4
Turn on the gas to the heater. Check for leaks at all joints with soapy dishwater. Pour a little soapy dishwater on each side of the fitting. If there are new bubbles or the bubbles are moving from gas leaking out of the fitting, tighten or replace the fitting.
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5
Start up the pool pump. Inspect all fittings to and from the heater for leakage. Use a pair of pliers to tighten all loose fittings. Check the lines to and from the pool heater for leaks along the pipes, and replace pipes as needed if leaks are present.
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6
Check the bottom drain for signs of leaking. Tighten or replace if needed.
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7
Light the heater pilot light, if needed, with a long match or stove lighter.
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Tips & Warnings
If you smell gas, and do not know where it is coming from, turn off the gas from the main supply. Contact a qualified plumbing and heating technician to inspect the gas lines.
References
- Photo Credit boy at a pool image by Jakub Cejpek from Fotolia.com
