SW Open Raypak Heater (2024)

evanwellens

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So I'm back to this problem , more and more frequently now. Cleaning baskets and filters always fixed the issue before , but now we just did the filters 2 weeks ago and the pressure is normal , flow appears normal, no bubbling . Heater wont start sw open. We also get hi limit fault as well , since we've gotten the heater. I know folks say it's a flow problem , but there is no bypass and this is a 2 hp pump, puts out a lot of water. I'm at a loss what to check next ? Any ideas , getting cool and need the heater to not be ou tof commision.

Thanks !!

ajw22

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Jul 21, 2013
57,018
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  • #2

Hi limit fault is a known problem. Some thermal insulation around the high limit sensors usually fixes it.

Read RayPak Heaters - Further Reading

What is your other problem?

ajw22

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Remove the cartridges from your filter and see if it clears the SW OPEN error.

If so, clean or replace the cartridges and do a Overnight Chlorine Loss Test

1

1poolman1

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  • #4

evanwellens said:

So I'm back to this problem , more and more frequently now. Cleaning baskets and filters always fixed the issue before , but now we just did the filters 2 weeks ago and the pressure is normal , flow appears normal, no bubbling . Heater wont start sw open. We also get hi limit fault as well , since we've gotten the heater. I know folks say it's a flow problem , but there is no bypass and this is a 2 hp pump, puts out a lot of water. I'm at a loss what to check next ? Any ideas , getting cool and need the heater to not be ou tof commision.

Thanks !!

Be sure there is no damage to the pressure switch or wiring, its located on the in/out manifold behind the top removable panel.
How old is the heater? Some had an issue with the High Limit 2 switch that some insulation could solve.
Could be the internal bypass or Uni-Therm regulator causing the hi-limit to trip as well.

evanwellens

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ajw22 said:

Hi limit fault is a known problem. Some thermal insulation around the high limit sensors usually fixes it.

Read RayPak Heaters - Further Reading

What is your other problem?

Yes the hi limit is a nuisance , but clears and resets. I do have it on my todo to find an insulation solution, just Leary that causes some damage if the temp is legit too high. SW Open is the other problem.

evanwellens

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1poolman1 said:

Be sure there is no damage to the pressure switch or wiring, its located on the in/out manifold behind the top removable panel.
How old is the heater? Some had an issue with the High Limit 2 switch that some insulation could solve.
Could be the internal bypass or Uni-Therm regulator causing the hi-limit to trip as well.

I guess I need to find a exploded diagram to determine the location.

ajw22

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Jul 21, 2013
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  • #7

The Hi Limit sensors still work as designed for protection with the external insulation on them.

The external insulation keeps other heat from causing them to trip prematurely.

ajw22

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Jul 21, 2013
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  • #8

evanwellens said:

I guess I need to find an exploded diagram to determine the location.

Look in the Installation Manual.

1

1poolman1

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evanwellens said:

I guess I need to find a exploded diagram to determine the location.

Remove the top panel above the inlet/outlet manifold (the plumbing side of the heater) and it is right on top to the left. Looks like a mushroom.

evanwellens

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Thank you all for reaching out so soon. Did clean the filters again and replace. It worked but they really weren't that dirty. These are 2023 filters, and the pressure was very low, which usually indicates not dirty ( over the 12 years I have had this pool. Heater is like 5 years old.

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evanwellens

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Just another observation , recently the heater has been making a moaning noise on occasion. Again on my todo to deep dive this problem , hoped it could wait until the season ended.

ajw22

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Jul 21, 2013
57,018
Northern NJ
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Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
  • Aug 27, 2023
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  • #12

Do a Overnight Chlorine Loss Test

evanwellens

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evanwellens

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ajw22 said:

Do a Overnight Chlorine Loss Test

What does that indicate ? Chlorine has been pretty steady all summer, I shock when needed and keep the chlorinator filled every 2 weeks.

W

wireform

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Oclt will eliminate the fact or prove you have algae even if the water is crystal clear.

evanwellens

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wireform said:

Oclt will eliminate the fact or prove you have algae even if the water is crystal clear.

It's been crazy raining here , battling algae all summer

evanwellens

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  • #17

Is there any chance adjusting the pressure switch a 1/4 turn might help ? Cleaning filters weekly is getting old quick

ajw22

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Jul 21, 2013
57,018
Northern NJ
Pool Size
35000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
  • Sep 14, 2023
  • Add bookmark
  • #18

evanwellens said:

Is there any chance adjusting the pressure switch a 1/4 turn might help ? Cleaning filters weekly is getting old quick

Running your heater with inadequate pressure and flow can damage the heater and pipes.

Read Heater Flow Switch - Further Reading and check the Raypak Installation Manual on the pressure switch adjustment range or if you should replace it with a flow switch.

evanwellens

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Jun 9, 2012
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  • #19

Is there any chance adjusting the pressure switch a 1/4 turn might help ? Cleaning filters weekly is getting old quikc

ajw22 said:

Running your heater with inadequate pressure and flow can damage the heater and pipes.

Read Heater Flow Switch - Further Reading and check the Raypak Installation Manual on the pressure switch adjustment range or if you should replace it with a flow switch.

Thank you for your reply. So this heater has been running 5-6 years and this problem only came up recently, and frequently despite constant changing of filters ( actually came up once before and those filters needed to be changed and the pool filter pressure was high) . Also occurs when we turn our Polaris on. It's intermittent and seems to be at the edge of functionality , but becoming a real headache. I'd estimate the pool water level is 2-3 feet below the base of the heater, so it sees to fall within guidelines. So if a minor adjustment to the sensor is too risky , what do you think about just replacing it ?

D

danpik

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Jun 4, 2012
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  • #20

evanwellens said:

Just another observation , recently the heater has been making a moaning noise on occasion. Again on my todo to deep dive this problem , hoped it could wait until the season ended.

My heater will do this if I forget to switch the pump to High. My old heater did the same thing. running mine on the high (2 speed pump) eliminates this.

Dan

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SW Open Raypak Heater (2024)

FAQs

Why won't my Raypak pool heater turn on? ›

Check the Power: If your Raypak pool heater isn't working at all, the problem could be something as simple as a lack of power. Go make sure there aren't any tripped circuit breakers in the fuse box, then check that the unit's time clock is set to the “On” position.

How long should a Raypak pool heater last? ›

The average life of a pool heater is between 15 and 25 years with regular usage and proper maintenance, but there are various factors that impact that projection.

Should water always flow through pool heater? ›

However, just because the water has “pressure,” that doesn't necessarily mean there is an adequate flow to remove heat from the exchanger. Heaters have high-limit switches for temperature, pressure, and refrigerant (if a heat pump). These high-limit switches will open and shut off the heater in a low-flow scenario.

Which switch on a pool heater will close on proper water flow? ›

The first one is the pressure switch. This switch makes sure enough water is flowing through the unit before it will let the pool heater turn on.

What causes a rollout switch to open? ›

The flame rollout sensor will only trip if the furnace has an underlying problem, such as blocked vents, overheating, or gas pressure issues. Ensure that you don't opt to keep resetting the switch and keeping the furnace running.

Why does my RayPak pool heater keep shutting off? ›

If one day you wake up and your pool heat pump stops running, the first thing to check is your water flow. Without an adequate source of water, a pool heat pump automatically shuts down to prevent overheating. This is sometimes the cause of what many describe as a pool heat pump turning off and on.

Why is my pool heater not coming on? ›

Tripped circuit breaker: The most common reason for a pool heater not turning on is a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. Check your breaker box and reset any tripped breakers or replace any blown fuses. ✓ Low water flow: If there isn't enough water flowing through the heater, it won't turn on as a safety measure.

How do you reset a pool heater? ›

Reset your pool heater by flipping the breaker switch in the electrical panel to “off” and then “on.” Your breaker may be located in a disconnect box near your pool heater or in the breaker panel in your home.

What ruins a pool heater? ›

You need to make sure that the pH and alkalinity level of the pool water is at the level it needs to be to be sure the water is not too acidic or basic. Failure to do so can be detrimental to not only the pool but (HINT,HINT) the POOL HEATER, specifically the heat exchanger.

Is it OK to run pool heater all night? ›

You Should Never Leave a Conventional Pool Heater on Overnight. Although electricity and gas costs can vary wildly depending on where you live and how much energy usage is typical for your area, heating pools with conventional heaters can be costly if time is not taken into consideration.

What is the LP code on a pool heater? ›

LP is an indication the low pressure switch is open. The switch opens when the refrigerant pressure drops below 80PSI, and will automatically reset at 120PSI.

What do the settings on my water heater mean? ›

The next highest setting is usually either labeled as “Hot” or with a triangle, and this setting should correspond to 120 degrees. From there, you will typically see three higher settings marked either as 1, 2, and 3 or A, B, and C that correspond to 130, 140, and 150 degrees, respectively.

What is open outlet water heater? ›

For open-outlet (low-pressure) storage type electric water heaters, they are designed to supply only one serving point and the outlet is controlled by a special water mixer which maintains a vented passage for the air inside the tank to the atmosphere.

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