If using a cartridge filter: Confirm this by running the system with the cartridge removed from
your pump & filter unit, this will supply the heater with the maximum flow rate your unit is ca-
pable of. If the heater then switches on (i.e. red light on) a blocked cartridge can be confirmed to
be the cause. The cartridge should be cleaned or replaced.
If using a sand filter: Check the pressure indicator on your sand filter and back wash if necessary
Note;
In some cases the high limit thermostat tripping and a low flow rate can be linked; When a
filter becomes choked air can be drawn into the filtration system and become trapped inside the
heater so causing the thermostat to trip.
T
ROUBLE
S
HOOTING
C
ONTINUED
The water entering my pool doesn’t feel much warmer
The temperature gain of the water after it has passed through the heater will be directly
proportional to the volume of water being pumped in relationship to the power output of the
heater.
For example: A 6-kW heater, when connected to a 4000-litre per hour pump, will produce a lift in
temperature of approximately 1.2˚C (almost undetectable to the human hand). However, as the
water being heated is re-circulated from a single body of water, the time required to heat it
remains unaffected by the volume of flow. A popular misconception is that slowing down the
flow rate will speed up the heating process.
A large domestic pool pump of 1-horsepower will draw less than 1-kW in a one hour period. The
conclusion of the test should prove that for example a 6-kW heater and a ½ horsepower pump
will draw between 6.3-kW to 6.5-kW in one hour. It is impossible for an electric heater to waste
energy, if it is drawing power then that power will be turned into heat that will be transferred to
the water.
Quick Function Test
Observe the property’s main electricity meter when the heater is on (i.e. Red Heating indicator is
illuminated) and then observe it again when the heater is in standby mode. The test should show
that the meter is recording more electricity being used by the heater when the Heating indicator is
illuminated.
It is impossible for an electric heater to waste energy, if it is drawing power then that power will
be turned into heat that will be transferred to the water.
Accurate Function Test
If a more accurate test is required to confirm that your heater is delivering the specified heat out-
put, two electricity meter readings will need to be taken from the property’s main electricity
meter, with an exact one hour interval (i.e. take one meter reading and then a second reading
exactly one hour later). Then by subtracting the first reading from the second reading the number
of units (kilo watts kW) consumed can be calculated. Note that your heater is also rated in kW
hours. The pool pump and heater will need to be running continuously during the test (i.e. with
the Heating indicator illuminated).
To avoid inaccurate results when performing this test, it is important to refrain from using other
high current drawing appliances in the property (such as tumble dryer, showers, cooker
etc).
