A recall was announced for two popular brands of Pentair pool heaters. An official alert was issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recall pertains to certain model StaRite and Mastertemp brand heaters.

The pool heaters themselves typically sold for between $2,200 and $3,100. Approximately 4,700 were sold throughout the United States (21 in Canada).

Citing a potential fire hazard, the CPSC announced an official recall stating:

“A connection in the heater can leak the combustible air-gas mixture, posing a fire hazard.”

Consumer Product Safety Commission – April 28 2021 recall

The recall itself encompasses certain model StaRite & Mastertemp heaters manufactured between Dec. 22, 2020, and Jan. 6, 2021. Consumers who have purchased one of these products can get in contact with Pentair by calling 800-831-7133 from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.pentair.com and click on Products, then Pool and Spa Equipment, then Pool Heaters, then Additional Resources for more information.

Recalled Mastertemp & StaRite Brand Model Numbers

This isn’t the first major recall for Pentair brand heaters. The company voluntarily recalled approximately 105,000 units of it’s popular MiniMax® NT STD gas pool heater. The complaint at that time was potentially excessive carbon monoxide emissions. No incidents were reported, but it’s important to note that a large number of heaters sold from April 2002 to May 2006 were part of that particular recall.

Article updated 5/3/21

A spokeperson from Pentair released the following statement:

“At Pentair, the health and safety of our customers is our top priority. Pentair has issued a recall for a limited number of pool heaters manufactured between December 22, 2020 and January 6, 2021 due to a manufacturing issue that creates a potential fire hazard. The problem was discovered on January 6 and corrected immediately.  We promptly notified our sales force and our distribution customers of the issue. At this time, approximately 80 percent of the affected heaters have been returned to Pentair or were repaired in the field.  If the manufacture date located on the heater itself is between December 22, 2020 and January 6, 2021, customers should contact Pentair customer service at 1-800-831-7133 to verify if the heater is potentially affected and coordinate a free-of-charge repair or replacement of the heater as applicable. If the heater was not manufactured within those dates, the heater is not affected by this issue.”

For the past few years the pool industry has been aware of new legislature concerning variable speed pumps. The Department of Energy as enacted a new set of minimum performance standards for homes and businesses in the United States. This new law will likely eliminate special-rate (aboveground) and max-rate (up-rate) /full-rate motor horsepower ratings. The regulation does not require variable speed, however, variable speed is the only current technology that meets the DOE requirement. Manufacturers have to comply with the new DOE regulations beginning July 19, 2021. *

• Dedicated Purpose Pool Pump (DPPP) Regulations FAQ
• Pool Pump Regulation Impact on Commercial Pool Market

Information courtesy of Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

The new variable speed pool pump legislation, took years to develop. Lawmakers included input from suppliers, trade organizations, service providers, and consumer groups. Their collective feedback was used in helping establish that the new pump regulations are both fair and feasible.

“Does this new pool pump law mean that homeowners are required by law to upgrade their pump?”.

Nicholas Angler – Pool Magazine Reader

No the law does not require that consumers upgrade their pool pump from a single speed to a variable speed pump. Unless your current pool pump fails, you do not have to consider replacing your single speed pump with a variable speed pump. After July 19, 2021, all new or replacement filter pumps over .711 Hydraulic Horsepower (HHP) — roughly 1.15 Total Horsepower — establish much higher efficiency standards. “The majority of existing single-speed pumps will not meet the new minimum requirements.” – Pentair

The law doesn’t specifically state that consumers must upgrade their single speed pool pump. Experts however seem to agree that if you’re still using a single speed pump that you probably should consider upgrading to a variable speed model. The biggest advantage to upgrading to a variable speed pump is the cost savings consumers typically see in their utility bills.

Pool owners who opt for a pool equipment upgrade typically experience an average 40-80% monthly energy savings on their electric bill. Over the lifetime of ownership of an inground pool, the cost savings can potentially be over $10,000-$20,000 dollars or more depending on the size of the pool.

Variable speed pump owners experience the biggest energy savings when running their pump at lower speeds. Higher speeds are typically used only as needed for filtering, cleaning, or heating needs. Furthemore, variable speed pumps are typically quieter than their single speed counterparts. Variable speed pumps also last longer compared to single speed motors.

How to Choose The Right Variable Speed Pump

1. Flow Rating: Your filter is designed to withstand a certain amount of water flow. Check the flow rating of your filter to see how much horsepower your setup can handle.
2. Pipe Size: If the PVC used to plumb your pool is too small in circumference size to accommodate the horsepower of your pump, you’ll have issues. Pipes in older pools were usually 1.5 inches in diameter, which were not wide enough to accommodate the water flow from a high-horsepower pump.
3. Horsepower: Extra horsepower isn’t necessarily always needed. Even if your pipes are capable of supporting a three-horsepower pump, you might not need it. It’s a waste of time and money to pick a pool pump that’s too big.
4. Voltage: Pool pumps are available in two voltages: 115 volts and 230 volts. You can check the voltage coming into your current pump with a multimeter. Using the multimeter on the output terminals of your pump timer is easy. If you’re not sure how to use a multimeter or deal with electricity, enlist the assistance of a pool contractor.
5. Side or Top-Mount: Depending on your configuration, you’ll need a specific style mount. Since water is pumped into the filter, the position of the filter determines whether a side- or top-mount pump is needed. If you’re starting an installation from scratch or moving things around in your pool equipment setup, side mounts can make things alot easier.

“Does the new variable speed pump law pertain to above ground pools?”

Katherine Lopez – Pool Magazine Reader

The new law does not apply to single speed pumps for above ground pools. It’s interesting to note that there are several other exemptions to the new variable speed pump law.

• Booster pumps used for pressure pool cleaners.
• Waterfall pumps. Single speed pumps manufactured and labeled as a waterfall pump.
• Integral sand and cartridge pump and filter units used on portable pools.
• Rigid spa pump filter pumps and circulation pumps.

“Will I still be able to buy a single speed pump after July 21, 2021?”

Frank Aldridge – Pool Magazine Reader

As time progresses it may become increasingly difficult to locate one. Consumers might be able to find some remaining stock of single speed pumps greater than 1.0 THP for a year or two. After July 21, 2021, most online retailers will no longer offer such pumps.

*Revised 4/23/2021 with information provided courtesy of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

Indisputably, all pool heaters tend to offer low efficiency after some years of use. Even so, incorporating the right maintenance techniques helps you boost the durability of your pool heater. Fortunately, we offer expert technicians who can provide troubleshooting services.

Besides experiencing an increased demand for pools, most homeowners have sought to make fair use of their pools and outdoor living spaces. All thanks to the COVID restrictions. Today, a good percentage of American companies still allow their employees to work from home. As a result, backyard spaces are now becoming popular chill spots. Thus, it is essential to keep the area warm throughout, especially during the winter months.

At present, most pool owners are using traditional pool heaters to keep the pool warm. But experts discourage using traditional pool heaters due to the massive energy costs that come with them. Typically, old pool heater models do not work towards saving energy. Therefore, if you have one, it might be time for an upgrade.

So, if you sell pool heaters, it would be best to educate all your clients and prospective customers on modern pool heaters’ advantages. Inform them about a pool heater’s energy-saving benefits. In turn, you will be able to increase your sales and revenues, especially from early spring.

Nonetheless, don’t start selling modern pool heaters if you can barely explain how they function. Ensure that you know how both a traditional and a new heater works. Also, you have to explain why an upgrade is necessary so that you can win a sale. As you do this, make sure you have your customer’s interests at heart. Show them that you want them to upgrade to help them cut down on their energy costs in the future.

Modern high-efficiency pool heaters

Can we be honest for a minute? Occasionally, some pool experts forget how pool heaters function. And it’s perfectly normal; because human is to error.

So, it would be best if you always started by expounding on how the heater complements the pool’s circulatory system. Simply put, when pool water goes through the heater, gas gets ignited and heats the copper tube. Then, heat gets passed from the copper tube to the pool water. The water goes back to the main pool and the heater for repeated heating. At the end of the day, the pool water remains warm.

Heater Efficiency and BTU Output

Often, pool heaters get rated by the British Thermal Unit. Typically, modern pool heaters are mostly said to have 82 to 96 percent efficient levels. So, if the pool heater has 400000 BTU and efficiency rate of 84%, the heater’s heating capacity is 84% of 400000 BTU. On the other hand, a traditional heater with 400000 BTUs and 78% efficiency provides 312,000 BTUs. When comparing the two heaters, the traditional one is likely to degrade more overtime. It is vital to inform the client that the level of efficiency degrades over the years. So, you would instead get a high-efficiency heater that won’t degrade as much after some time, and you’ll end up saving on replacement costs.

Consider using a calculator to prove to the client how much they can save using a modern pool heater. Online calculators can also help you to determine the amount used to heat the pool. This way, you can compare the figure to what the customer is paying. From there, it would be much easier to win a sale. More often than not, pool experts report that customers have to add 30% to finding an energy-saving pool heater.

Why do heaters become less efficient? 

Generally, some customers are more curious than others. So, they may want to know why a pool heater tends to become less efficient with time. Not only does this feed their curiosity, but it also helps them incorporate the proper maintenance and care tips for their pool heater. Some of the reasons why pool heaters become less efficient include:

• At times, there may be an accumulation of calcium and chemicals on the heat exchanger tubes. In turn, more energy is often required to keep the pool water warm. And this lowers its efficiency levels. One way you can avoid this problem is by making sure that you have balanced water chemistry.
• Always ensure that your pool heater receives the right amount of gas pressure. Failure to do so would lead to clogging in the heat exchanger. And this makes the heater less efficient due to an increased demand for energy. Check the instruction manual to know how much gas pressure your pool heater needs.
• The pool heater should receive enough aeration. Otherwise, the heat won’t get passed on to the water correctly. It will help if you follow all your manufacturer’s guidelines on this.
• Your pool water should flow at the right rate. When water moves slowly across the heater, the water won’t be warm. On the flip side, if water moves very fast past the pool heater, the chances for condensation and erosion are high. Both scenarios can cause severe damage to the pool heater, thus making it less efficient.

Why should you upgrade to a modern pool heater? 

• New heaters are energy-saving.
• New pool heaters help you save space and are environmentally friendly
• New heaters are high-efficient.
• Modern heaters are safer.

Bottom line

 Always take the time to explain to your clients why they should upgrade to a new pool heater. Consequently, you’ll gain more sales.