4
LOCATING THE POOL HEATER FOR INSTALLATION
The AQUEFIER Pool Heater must be installed outside near the pool pump/filter on a level area.
Special care must be taken to ensure that air flow is not restricted on the side air inlets, the heat
pump coil, or the top air discharge. Allow at least 12 inches clearance on all sides and 4 feet
clearance on top of the Pool Heater. Good Practice suggests allowing at least 4 feet of clearance on
the front of the Pool Heater for service access.
The unit should be set on a solid, level foundation, preferably a concrete slab at least 4 inches thick.
The slab should be above ground level and surrounded by a graveled area good for drainage
since
water will condense on the outside of the unit during normal operation.
The slab used as a unit
foundation should not adjoin the building, as it is possible that sound and vibration may be
transmitted to the structure.
Other location considerations include:
1. Keep the Pool Heater at least 10 to 15 feet away from pool chemical storage to minimize effects
of corrosive chemical vapors, particularly chlorine vapors.
2. Allow for proper drainage of condensation formed by the normal operation of the heat pump.
3. Do not install the Pool Heater in an enclosed area, such as a filter equipment room. It is
important to prevent the cool discharge air from being drawn back into the heat pump.
A beach location presents additional concerns. Exposure to salt water spray and high winds will
cause premature wear on the heat pump. Salt and sand accumulation will clog up the heat pump coil,
causing both corrosion and severely reduced efficiency. Preventive measures include: building a
windbreak around the heat pump; raise the pool heater up off the beach to reduce sand being sucked
in; increased frequency of cleaning of the fan motor and heat pump coil.
Finally, special care must be taken to check the elevation of the Pool Heater relative to the pool
water level. The AQUEFIER Pool Heater uses a pressure switch to determine that water flow is
present. If the Pool Heater is located more than 3 feet below the pool water level, or if the pool
piping passes more than 3 feet above the water inlet of the Pool Heater, the Pool Heater’s pressure
switch can be fooled into a false reading. This will result in the Pool Heater starting up without
water flow, and potentially damaging the Heater. Furthermore, an excessively dirty filter can reduce
the water flow enough to prevent the pressure switch from turning the Pool Heater on.
