Pool Heater Self Install

[Ætheling]

Braintrust unite!

We have a very small back yard pool and are looking at getting a heater added as its real shady here which keeps the pool cold and only in use a few months out of the year. Our pool people quoted us over 3k for the unit and installation. There is already a concrete pad and gas plumbed next to the filter and pump. So I can order the heater for 1500 USD. Feel like another almost 2k to hook up some pvc, simple electric and gas hook up is over the top. I have repaired a well before several times so not unfamiliar with running pvc tubing.

Is this something I can simply do myself or are there other things to consider that I as a pool novice would be unaware of?

I am in The Woodlands and unfortunately almost all contractors charge a huge premium assuming the residents here have more money than sense (probably correct 90 percent of the time and we deal with this with every contractor).

One year got a 10k quote to lay a 25 yd flagstone path sand set. Not kidding.

[Texas Tracker]

Try this.

https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-install-a-gas-pool-heater

[jabel]

You may have to install a regulator to the gas line before piping into the heater.
Mine is set up with one right before the heater that was installed by the gas company when I got my tank delivered.

[El General]

I can't remember exactly because I haven't built a pool in a long time, but I think you will need a plumber to hook the gas up and an electrician to hook up the power.

If I remember correctly, we would dig the trench and run the gas (yellow flex hose) pipe to get it to where the heater was (basically all the manual labor), but the plumber would make all the inspected connections.

Same with electrical.

So, you could place the heater and plumb it into the return line. If gas and electrical is already stubbed up there, then the electrician and plumber could quickly install conduit and gas line as needed.

My guess is that you wouldn't be saving too much money as the electrician and plumber are gonna charge you minimums at least for such a small job.

[Roy D Mercer]

Have you considered a heat pump?

[RR 314]

You may have to install a regulator to the gas line before piping into the heater.
Mine is set up with one right before the heater that was installed by the gas company when I got my tank delivered.

Yup. From memory it should be set around 12 psi. Fairly simple set up. Dope and soap!

[Ætheling]

Thanks guys. So looks like quote seems high because of code and licensing requirements of the labor. That makes more sense. So I just have to make the call on whether or not I do it myself and be an outlaw lol or price out those two jobs and do the piping myself.

[tps7742]

Just make sure your meter is large enough to carry the house and heater. With one of the pools we had built this was an issue with one of them. It may be as simple as an orifice but the gas company should let you know. As El general mentions getting an electrician and plumber probably by city codes he is correct. Look for them to require a permit from the city and you know where that will go. Sounds like you may can do the work yourself?

[BitBackShot]

They use a lot of gas, so simply adding that on may require an additional higher flow regulator at the house and an additional one before the heater.

It's not something I'd take on to save a grand, but I'm not very handy with stuff like this. I'd just be scared I'd blow up one of my kids or the neighborhood.

[El General]

Yes, sometimes a new meter must be installed for higher capacity. If that is included in the $3000 it is probably a pretty good deal.

[mrc]

I am assuming this in natural gas and not propane, first we need the BTU rating of the heater and combined BTU rating of the house. Then you need the piping size from the meter to the house and pool heater. You should be able to hook up the gas line yourself and let the inspector see the pressure test, or let the gas company come and do the test. The electrical im out on but it shouldn't be much.

[Swampa]

I am assuming this in natural gas and not propane, first we need the BTU rating of the heater and combined BTU rating of the house. Then you need the piping size from the meter to the house and pool heater. You should be able to hook up the gas line yourself and let the inspector see the pressure test, or let the gas company come and do the test. The electrical im out on but it shouldn't be much.

Good info, also that heater needs to be 5’ from any working windows.


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[Ætheling]

We recently had a tankless water heater installed and the first thing checked was the gas line from meter to the house. Gas guy said it was overkill and way above specified dia pipe to enter house so we shouldn't ever worry about that. 250K btu is the heater we are looking at. Pump station is behind the garage so no window issues. The gas pipe at the pad for the heater I haven't measured but is large 0.5 to 0.75 dia.

For resale purposes so that it is done to code or whatever I guess we will hire a pro elect and gas guy. Very hard for myself as a libertarian to allow the ****ed government to dictate how my effing pool heater is installed. If I was out on land I would do the entire project myself. Wife is worried about resale now.

[mrc]

You better refer to a pipe sizing chart for your line going to the heater, on propane that would be sufficient, but on nat. gas 3/4" wont carry the BTU's for more than about 20'.

[double bogey]

Watch some videos and see if you think you can do it. If you follow the instructions in the install packet you should be ok. What is the btu rating of the heater you are installing? Also the instructions will have recommended pipe sizes for that equipment. use soap bubbles to check for leaks.

PVC. Pvc is easy, make sure the cuts are straight, prime the fittings and pipe 3 times, glue, the push together and hold for 10 seconds to make sure it stays. leave that joint alone for several mins to insure the reaction takes place before doing another joint.
It sounds like overkill, but if you do it this way you won't have any leaks.

Don't worry about resale, if its done correctly a buyer wont be able to tell a contractor didn't install it.. If you are not sure, then pay a pro to hook it up. Good luck and enjoy your new warm pool.