Do I need a heater bypass?

In today’s episode of Poolside Chat, Rob and Matt tackle another common swimming pool question:  Do you recommend a bypass for my pool heater?

I do, but before we get to the reasons why let’s explain what a heater bypass is. A heater bypass gives you the ability to circumvent the heater in sequential order of your plumbing. 

Take, for example, my pool’s plumbing. On the return side of my filter, I have a three-way diverter valve. One line goes back to the pool; the other line goes through the heat pump, so that’s where you could divert it.

Then, you have a check valve on the return side of the heat pump, so water can’t back up into it. If you want to close off water from flowing to the heat pump, you close that valve.

Reasons why you should consider installing a heater bypass:

1. Avoid the wear and tear on the heater when it’s not in use
2. Prevent damage from water treatments that make your pool water chemistry imbalance or super chlorinated
3. Reduce flow rate to increase heat transfer efficiency.

If you have any questions about pool heaters or anything pool and spa, please visit us over at INYOPools.com, and as always, thank you for joining us. Bye.