Pentair MiniMax Plus, Pool and SPA Heater PowerMax User Manual

MiniMax® Plus and PowerMax

POOL & SPA HEATERS

OPERATION & INSTALLATION MANUAL

WARNING

FOR YOUR SAFETY - READ BEFORE OPERATING

Warning:

If you do not follow these instructions exactly, a fire or explosion may result, causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life. For additional free copies of this manual; call (800) 831-7133.

™

U.S. Patent Numbers

6,295,980 5,318,007 - 5,228,618 5,201,307 - 4,595,825

WARNING

Warning: Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service or maintenance can cause property damage, personal injury or death. Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency or the gas supplier.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS

• Do not try to light any appliance.

For Your Safety

• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your building.

• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor's phone. Follow the gas supplier's instructions.

• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.

To Consumer Retain For

Future

Reference

Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or other appliances.

Pentair Pool Products, Inc.

1620 Hawkins Ave., Sanford, NC 27330 • (919) 774-4151

10951 W. Los Angeles Ave., Moorpark, CA 93021

Rev. G 1-22-04 P/N 471048

• (805) 523-2400

Table of Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................... 3

Important Notices ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Warranty Information ................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Operation .................................................................................................................... 4

Safety Rules .............................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Electronic Ignition Lighting/Operation - Natural ......................................................................................................................... 5

Electronic Ignition Lighting/Operation - Propane ....................................................................................................................... 6

Millivolt Lighting/Operation - Natural & Propane ........................................................................................................................ 7

Operating (Controls) .................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Indicator Light Description - Electronic Ignition Model ............................................................................................................... 8

Maintenance ............................................................................................................... 11

Maintenance Instructions ........................................................................................................................................................... 11

Relief Valve................................................................................................................................................................................ 11

Energy Saving Tips.................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Spring and Fall Operation .......................................................................................................................................................... 11

Winter Operation ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Chemical Balance ...................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Installation Instructions ............................................................................................ 13

Specifications .......................................................................................................................... 13

Water Connections.................................................................................................................. 14

Reverse Water Connections ...................................................................................................................................................... 14

Plumbing/Plumbing Connections ............................................................................................................................................... 14

Manual Bypass .......................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Below Pool Installation .............................................................................................................................................................. 14

Quick Flange Installation ........................................................................................................................................................... 15

Gas Connections ..................................................................................................................... 16

Gas Line Installation .................................................................................................................................................................. 16

Pipe Sizing Chart/Gas Pressure Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 16

Regulated Manifold Pressure Test ............................................................................................................................................. 16

Ventilation ................................................................................................................................ 17

Outdoor Installation Requirements ............................................................................................................................................ 17

Outdoor Cap Installation ............................................................................................................................................................ 17

Indoor Installation Requirements ............................................................................................................................................... 18

Installation on Floors Constructed of Combustible Materials ..................................................................................................... 19

Indoor Draft Hood Installation .................................................................................................................................................... 20

Electrical .................................................................................................................................. 20

Transformer Wiring Instruction .................................................................................................................................................. 20

Electrical Wiring Diagram .......................................................................................................................................................... 21

Remote Control Wiring .............................................................................................................................................................. 22

Trouble Shooting (General)....................................................................................... 23

MiniMax Plus Parts List & Exploded View ............................................................... 24-26

PowerMax Appendix .................................................................................................. A1-A9

PowerMax Parts List & Exploded View .................................................................... A10-A13

Warranty Information ................................................................................................. Back Cover

P/N 471048 Rev. G 1-22-04

Introduction

MiniMax® Plus and PowerMax™*

Pool and Spa Heaters

Congratulations on your purchase of a MiniMax Plus high performance heating system. Proper installation and service of your new heating system and correct chemical maintenance of the water will ensure years of enjoyment. The MiniMax Plus is a compact, lightweight and efficient gas fired high performance pool and spa heater that can be directly connected to schedule 40 PVC pipe and has a built-in top. The MiniMax Plus, also comes equipped with PurexTriton’s nine function indicator lights (electronic ignition only) which show, at a glance, the proper functioning of the heater. All electronic ignition MiniMax Plus heaters are designed with an intermittent ignition device (IID) which eliminates the need for a standing pilot. The electronic ignition MiniMax Plus requires is an external power source (120 VAC or 240 VAC) 50/60 Hz to operate. The millivolt MiniMax Plus has a self sustaining pilot and requires NO external power source.

All MiniMax and PowerMax pool and spa heaters are year 2000 compliant.

*Unless noted otherwise, any references to the MiniMax Plus include the PowerMax (Induced Draft) models. The wiring and venting of the PowerMax is covered in an appendix to this manual.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

...For the installer and operator of the MiniMax Plus pool and spa heater. The manufacturer’s warranty may be void if, for any reason, the heater is improperly installed and/or operated. Be sure to follow the instructions set forth in this manual. If you need any more information, or if you have any questions regarding to this pool heater, please contact Pentair Pool Products, Inc. at (800) 831-7133.

These heaters are designed for the heating of swimming pools and spas, and should never be employed for use as space heating boilers, general purpose water heaters, in non-stationary installations, or for the heating of salt water.

CAUTION

OPERATING THIS HEATER CONTINUOUSLY AT WATER TEMPERATURE BELOW 68° F. WILL CAUSE HARMFUL CONDENSATION AND WILL DAMAGE THE HEATER AND WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.

Do not use the heater to protect pools or spas from freezing if the final maintenance temperature desired is below 68° F. as this will cause condensation related problems.

CODE REQUIREMENTS

The installation must conform with local codes or in the absence of local codes with the latest National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1, and the latest edition of the National Electrical Code, NFPA 70.

Installation in Canada to be made in accordance with the latest CAN/CGA-B149.1 or .2 and CSA C22.1 Canadian Electric Code, part 1.

Rev. G 1-22-04 P/N 471048

Operation (contd.)

This instruction manual provides operating instructions, installation and service information for the MiniMax Plus high performance heater. The information in this manual applies to the MiniMax Plus 150, 195, 200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 natural gas and propane (LP) models.

It is very important that the owner/installer read and understand the section covering installation instructions, and recognize the local and state codes before installing the MiniMax Plus. History and experience has shown that most heater damage is caused by improper installation practices.

Operation

WARRANTY INFORMATION

The MiniMax Plus pool heater is sold with a limited factory warranty. Specific details are described on

the back cover of this manual and a copy of the warranty and warranty registration card are included with the product. Return the warranty

registration card after filling in the serial number from the rating plate inside the heater.

Pentair Pool Products’ high standards of excellence include a policy of continuous product improvement resulting in your state-of-the-art heater. We reserve the right to make improvements which change the specifications of the heater without incurring an obligation to update the current heater equipment.

SAFETY RULES

1. Spa or hot tub water temperatures should never exceed 104° F (40° C). A temperature of 100° F (38° C) is considered safe for a healthy adult. Special caution is suggested for young children.

2. Drinking of alcoholic beverages before or during spa or hot tub use can cause drowsiness which could lead to unconsciousness and subsequently result in drowning.

3. Pregnant women beware! Soaking in water above 102° F (39° C) can cause fetal damage during the first three months of pregnancy (resulting in the birth of a brain-damaged or deformed child). Pregnant women should stick to the 100° F (38° C) maximum rule.

WARNING

4. Before entering the spa or hot tub, the user should check the water temperature with an accurate thermometer. Spa or hot tub thermostats may err in regulating water temperatures by as much as 4° F (2.2° C).

5. Persons with a medical history of heart disease, circulatory problems, diabetes or blood pressure problems should obtain their physician's advice before using spas or hot tubs.

6. Persons taking medication which induce drowsiness, such as tranquilizers, antihistamines or anticoagulants should not use spas or hot tubs.

Should overheating occur or the gas supply fail to shut off, turn off the manual gas control valve to the appliance. Do not use this heater if any part has been under water. Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect the heater and to replace any part of control system and gas control which has been under water.

P/N 471048 Rev. G 1-22-04

Operation (contd.)

MINIMAX PLUS ELECTRONIC IGNITION LIGHTING/OPERATION - NATURAL GAS

FOR YOUR SAFETY: READ BEFORE LIGHTING

WARNING

If you do not follow these instructions exactly, a fire or explosion may result causing personal injury, loss of life and property damage.

Do not attempt to light the heater if you suspect a natural gas leak. Lighting the heater can result in a fire or explosion which can cause personal injury, death, and property damage.

A. This heater is equipped with an ignition device

which automatically lights the pilot. Do not try to light the pilot by hand.

B. BEFORE OPERATING smell all around the

heater area for gas. Be sure to smell next to the floor because some gas is heavier than air and will settle on the floor.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS

- Do not try to light any heater.

- Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your building.

- Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor's phone. Follow the gas supplier's instructions.

- If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the Fire Department.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1. STOP! Read the safety information above.

2. Set the thermostat to the lowest setting.

3. Turn off electric power to the heater.

4. This heater is equipped with an ignition device which automatically lights the pilot. Do not try to light the pilot by hand.

5. Remove the control access door.

6. Push in gas control knob slightly and turn clockwise to “OFF”.

7. Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas. If you then smell gas, STOP! Follow "B" in the safety information above. If you don't smell gas, go to the next step.

8. Turn knob on gas control counterclockwise to “ON”; see Figure 1.

C. Use only your hand to push in or turn the gas

control knob. Never use tools. If the knob will not push in or turn by hand, don't try to repair it. Call a qualified service technician. Forced or attempted repair may result in a fire or explosion.

D. Do not use this heater if any part has been under

water. Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect the heater and to replace any part of the control system and any gas control which has been under water.

E. The MiniMax Plus incorporates (9) nine

indicator lights to aid you in the operation of the heater, and to assist in diagnosing a failure in the heater’s function.

9. Replace the control access door.

10. Turn on the electrical power to the heater.

11. Set the thermostat to the desired setting.

12. If the heater will not operate, follow the instructions "To Turn Off Gas To Heater" and call your service technician or gas supplier.

Gas

Inlet

Figure 1.

Gas control knob shown in “ON” position.

OFF

TO TURN OFF GAS TO APPLIANCE

1. Set the thermostat to lowest setting.

2. Turn off all electric power to the heater if service is to be performed.

3. Remove control access door.

Rev. G 1-22-04 P/N 471048

4. Push in gas control knob slightly and turn clockwise to "OFF". Do not force.

5. Replace control access door.

Operation (contd.)

MINIMAX PLUS ELECTRONIC IGNITION LIGHTING/OPERATION - PROPANE

FOR YOUR SAFETY: READ BEFORE LIGHTING

NOTE

The MiniMax Plus propane models have special features for additional safety and protection. Read the safety instructions for natural gas (page 5) before proceeding.

WARNING

If you do not follow these instructions exactly, a fire or explosion may result causing personal injury, loss of life and property damage.

Since propane gas is heavier than air, escaping propane will accumulate and remain at ground level. Do not attempt to light the heater. If you suspect a propane leak, lighting the heater can result in a fire or explosion which can cause personal injury, death, and property damage.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS

- Do not try to light matches or lighter.

- Do not try to light any heater.

- Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your building.

- Shut off gas line at propane tank.

Safety Lockout:

- Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor's phone. Follow the gas supplier's instructions.

- If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the Fire Department.

- Do not tamper with the heater because it is dangerous and voids all warranties.

This MiniMax Plus Propane Heater is equipped with a 100% safety lockout feature. If the pilot does not light within a maximum of 90 seconds, lockout will occur.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

1. STOP! Read the safety information above.

2. Set the thermostat to the lowest setting.

3. Turn off electric power to the heater.

4. This heater is equipped with an ignition device which automatically lights the pilot. Do not try to light the pilot by hand.

5. Remove the control access door.

6. Push in gas control knob slightly and turn clockwise to “OFF”.

7. Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas. If you then smell gas, STOP! Follow "B" in the safety information on page 5. If you don't smell gas, go to the next step.

8. Turn knob on gas control counterclockwise to “ON”; see Figure 2.

9. Replace the control access door.

10. Turn on the electrical power to the heater.

11. Set the thermostat to the desired setting.

12. If the heater will not operate, follow the instructions "To Turn Off Gas To Heater" and call your service technician or gas supplier.

Gas

Inlet

OFF

Gas control knob shown in “ON” position.Figure 2.

TO TURN OFF GAS TO APPLIANCE

1. Set the thermostat to lowest setting.

2. Turn off all electric power to the heater if service is to be performed.

3. Remove control access door.

P/N 471048 Rev. G 1-22-04

4. Push in gas control knob slightly and turn clockwise to "OFF". Do not force.

5. Replace control access door.

Operation (contd.)

MINIMAX PLUS MILLIVOLT LIGHTING/OPERATION-NATURAL GAS & PROPANE

FOR YOUR SAFETY: READ BEFORE LIGHTING

WARNING

If you do not follow these instructions exactly, a fire or explosion may result causing personal injury, loss of life and property damage.

A. This heater is equipped with a pilot which must be

lighted manually. When lighting the pilot, follow these instructions exactly.

B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all around the heater

area for gas. Be sure to smell next to the floor because some gas is heavier than air and will settle

on the floor.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS

- Do not try to light any heater.

- Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your building.

- Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor's phone. Follow the gas supplier's instructions.

- If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the Fire Department.

C. Use only your hand to push in or turn the gas control

knob. Never use tools. If the knob will not push in or turn by hand, don't try to repair it. Call a qualified service technician. Forced or attempted repair may result in a fire or explosion.

D. Do not use this heater if any part has been under

water. Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect the heater and to replace any part of the control system and any gas control which has been under water.

LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS

1. STOP! Read the safety information above.

2. Set the thermostat to the lowest setting.

3. Turn off electric power to the heater.

4. Push in gas control knob slightly and turn clockwise to “OFF”.

Robertshaw Millivolt Gas Valve Honeywell Millivolt Gas Valve

Figure 3. Figure 4.

Gas control knobs shown in “OFF” position.

NOTE

Knob cannot be turned from “Pilot to “OFF”” unless knob is pushed in slightly. DO NOT FORCE.

5. Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas. If you then smell gas, STOP! Follow "B" in the safety information above. If you don't smell gas, go to the next step.

6. Push in gas control knob slightly and turn counterclockwise to “Pilot”.

7. Push the control knob all the way and hold in. Immediately light the pilot with Presslite matchless ignition system by pressing the red igniter button (located at the panel next to the gas valve). Continue to hold the control knob in for about one (1) minute after the pilot is lit. Release knob and it will pop back up. Pilot should remain lit. If it goes out, repeat steps 4 through 7.

• If knob does not pop up when released, stop and immediately call your service technician or gas supplier.

• If the pilot will not stay lit after several tries, turn the gas control knob to “OFF” and call your service technician or gas supplier.

8. Turn knob on gas control counterclockwise to “ON”.

9. Replace the control access door.

10. Set the thermostat to the desired setting.

Figure 5.

Figure 6.

Pilot

TO TURN OFF GAS TO APPLIANCE

1. Set the thermostat to lowest setting.

2. Turn off all electric power to the heater if service is to be performed.

3. Remove control access door.

Rev. G 1-22-04 P/N 471048

4. Push in gas control knob slightly and turn clockwise to "OFF". Do not force.

5. Replace control access door.

Operation (contd.)

OPERATING (CONTROLS)

Dual Temperature Control System - (Electronic and Millivolt Models)

For convenience and economy all MiniMax Plus heaters are equipped with two thermostats on the front of the heater control panel; see Figure 7.

Figure 7.

THERMOSTAT KNOB STOPPER

Each thermostat is equipped with a mechanical stop that can be locked or unlocked with use of a screwdriver to prevent temperatures in excess of that desired by the user; see Figure 8.

The maximum setting can be adjusted by loosening the screw "A" and turning the stopper dial to desired maximum setting. Lock the setting by tightening the screw. The Mechanical stop is under the knob. Ensure that the knob is stopping at the correct position when the knob is rotated clockwise from a lower temperature position. (See Thermostat Adjustment.)

NOTE To eliminate error due to piping heat losses, measure pool temperature with an accurate thermometer directly at the pool or spa.

THERMOSTAT ADJUSTMENT

The knob with locking feature eliminates the need for constant thermostat adjustments. Set the knob pointer to the desired pool or spa temperature. If further adjustment is needed, rotate the knob until the desired temperature is obtained. This knob position corresponding to your desired maximum pool or spa temperature may now be preset (locked) by the knob stopper which prevents the knob from being turned beyond the maximum temperature you set.

Knob Stopper

Figure 8.

Screw A

POWER (THERMOSTAT SELECT) SWITCH

The Pool/Off/Spa switch allows the heater to be turned off when heating is not desired.

1. “Pool” position - Maintains selected pool temperature.

2. “Off” position - Heater will not come on regardless of drop in pool or spa temperature.

3. “Spa” position - This allows separate control of spa water temperature.

INDICATOR LIGHT DESCRIPTION

The MiniMax Pool Heater provides nine status indicator lights, six can be seen from the front of the control panel which help you understand the operation of the heater. If something should go wrong, the lights will aid in troubleshooting the problem. Three additional lights can be seen after opening the control panel. These three lights give the service technician

advanced troubleshooting capability. All the LED lights are green with the exception of the red service LED.

POWER LIGHT (POWER)

The light is on at all times, in any switch position, indicating 24 VAC power is being supplied to the control circuit. If it fails to light, no other light will be on. Possible causes are: a) external power to the heater is disconnected, check service panel circuit breaker or fuses; b) local circuit breaker inside the transformer has tripped -- investigate cause before resetting; c) transformer has failed.

THERMOSTAT (TSTAT)

This light is on when the thermostat contacts close, signaled by the water temperature falling below the setpoint, calling for the heater to fire to maintain the desired water temperature.

P/N 471048 Rev. G 1-22-04

AUXILIARY (AUX)

This light is on when it indicates the remote switch contacts are closed. This allows you to observe if your remote switch is properly closing the heater control circuit. When shipped from the factory a jumper is installed to maintain closed circuit in the absence of a remote switch.

PRESSURE (PRESS)

This light is on when Spa/Pool Selector switch is on, indicates the circulation pump is running properly. If pressure light fails to light, the pump may have lost its prime or water flow may be restricted by an inadvertently closed valve or clogged filter or pump basket. If you have determined that there is no water flow restriction to the heater, you should call a qualified serviceman.

Operation (contd.)

HEAT (HEAT)

The heat light is on any time the thermostat has signaled a call for heat which initializes the ignition safety firing circuit -- the light comes on to indicate successful firing of the main burners.

TROUBLESHOOTING (CONTROLS)

Example of troubleshooting with the assistance of the indicator lights.

SYMBOL TABLE

SWITCH OR DEVICE

LED LIT

LED OFF

OPEN CIRCUIT (BLOCK CURRENT)

SERVICE (SERVICE)

The service light is off during normal operation of heater. The light only comes on if a problem with a control has occurred or when the heater is first firing. The problem must be investigated by the serviceman prior to attempts to fire the heater again.

The diagrams that follow give examples of troubleshooting a malfunctioning heater using the assistance of the indicator lights.

SWITCH OR DEVICE CLOSED CIRCUIT (PASS CURRENT)

IGNITION MODULE

THERM

AUX

PRESS

HEAT

THERM

AUX

INCOMING

LINE VOLTAGE

INCOMING

LINE VOLTAGE

TRANSFORMER

FRONT PANEL LEDS

TRANSFORMER

POWER

SERVICE

POWER

SERVICE

CIRCUIT

THERMOSTAT

RELAY

PWR TSTAT RMT PRESS

REMOTE PRESS TFUSE

SRVE

LIMIT SWITCHESBREAKER

HI TEMP

HI TEMP TFUSE

CLOSE IF NO MV

IND GND VAL

MV HEAT

THERMOSTAT CIRCUIT BOARD

WATER AT SELECTED TEMPERATURE.... NORMAL OPERATION

OR POOL/OFF/SPA THERMOSTAT SELECT SWITCH OFF.... NORMAL OPERATION

IGNITION MODULE

GND VAL

CIRCUIT BREAKER

PWR

THERMOSTAT

RELAY

TSTAT RMT

REMOTE

PRESS

LIMIT SWITCHES

SRVE

HI TEMP

CLOSE IF NO MV

HI TEMP

TFUSE

IND

HEAT

MVTFUSE

GAS VALVE

PRESS

HEAT

FRONT PANEL LEDS

THERMOSTAT CALLING FOR HEAT - PUMP OFF(NO PRESSURE) BLOCKS FIRING NORMAL OPERATION

THERMOSTAT CIRCUIT BOARD

Rev. G 1-22-04 P/N 471048

Operation (contd.)

TROUBLESHOOTING (CONTROLS) - Continued

SYMBOL TABLE

THERM

AUX

PRESS

HEAT

INCOMING

LINE VOLTAGE

TRANSFORMER

FRONT PANEL LEDS

POWER

SERVICE

SWITCH OR DEVICE

RMT

OPEN CIRCUIT (BLOCK CURRENT)

PRESS

CIRCUIT BREAKER

PWR

LED LIT

THERMOSTAT

RELAY

TSTAT

LED OFF

REMOTE

THERMOSTAT CIRCUIT BOARD

HEATER FIRING - NORMAL OPERATION

LIMIT SWITCHES

SRVE

HI TEMP

CLOSE IF NO MV

SWITCH OR DEVICE CLOSED CIRCUIT (PASS CURRENT)

IND

TFUSE

TFUSE MV

IGNITION MODULE

GND

HEAT

VAL

GAS VALVE

THERM

AUX

PRESS

HEAT

INCOMING

LINE VOLTAGE

TRANSFORMER

POWER

SERVICE

FRONT PANEL LEDS

IGNITION MODULE

GND

CIRCUIT BREAKER

PWR

THERMOSTAT

RELAY

TSTAT

REMOTE

RMT

PRESS

THERMOSTAT CIRCUIT BOARD

LIMIT SWITCHES

SRVE

HI TEMP

CLOSE IF NO MV

IND

TFUSE

TFUSE MV

VAL

HEAT

THERMOSTAT CALLING FOR HEAT - BLOWN THERMAL FUSE BLOCKS FIRING NOTE: SERVICE LED LIT FLAGS PROBLEM, TFUSE LED OFF SHOWS PROBLEM

IS IN THERMAL FUSE CIRCUIT

GAS VALVE

P/N 471048 Rev. G 1-22-04

Maintenance

MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

It is recommended that you check the following items at least every six months and at the beginning of every swimming season.

1. Examine the venting system. Make sure there are no obstructions in the flow of combustion and ventilation air.

2. Visually inspect the main burner and the pilot burner flame. The normal color of the flame is blue. When flame appears yellow, burners should be inspected and cleaned; see Figure 10.

Blue Flame

Figure 10.

Figure 9.

3/8 to 1/2 in.

Insulated Electrode

ENERGY SAVING TIPS

1. If possible, keep pool or spa covered when not in use. This will not only cut heating costs, but also keep dirt and debris from settling in the pool and conserve chemicals.

2. Reduce the pool thermostat setting to 78° F. or lower. This is accepted as being the most healthy temperature for swimming by the American Red Cross.

3. Use an accurate thermometer.

4. When the proper maximum thermostat settings have been determined, tighten the thermostat knob stopper.

3. Keep the heater area clear and free from combustibles and flammable liquids.

Relief Valve

In some installations, a relief valve is required on the MiniMax Plus.

Standard

Test the relief valve at least once a year by lifting the valve lever. (A.S.M.E. version varies slightly and has the relief valve pre-installed at factory.)

Figure 11.

A.S.M.E. Version

5. Set time clock to start circulation system no earlier than daybreak. The swimming pool loses less heat at this time.

6. For pools that are only used on the weekends, it is not necessary to leave the thermostat set at 78° F. Lower the temperature to a range that can be achieved easily in one day. Generally, this would be 10° F. to 15° F., if pool heater is sized properly.

7. During the winter or while on vacation, turn the heater off.

8. Set up a regular program of preventative maintenance for the heater each new swimming season. Check heat exchanger, controls, burners, operation, etc.

SPRING AND FALL OPERATION

If the pool is being used occasionally, do not turn the heater completely off. Set the thermostat down to 65° F. This

will keep the pool and the surrounding ground warm enough to bring the pool up to a comfortable swimming temperature in a shorter period of time.

WINTER OPERATION

If the pool won't be used for a month or more, turn the heater off at the main gas valve. For areas where there is no danger of water freezing, water should circulate through the heater all year long, even though you are not heating your swimming pool. The MiniMax Plus should not be operated out doors at temperatures below 0° F. for propane and -20° F. for natural gas. Where freezing is

Rev. G 1-22-04 P/N 471048

possible, it is necessary to drain the water from the heater. This may be done by opening the drain valve located at the inlet/outlet header (see Figure 11.) allowing all water to drain out of the heater. It would be a good practice to use compressed air to blow the water out of the heat exchanger. (See additional notes under

Important Notices in Introduction on page 3.)

Maintenance (contd.)

CHEMICAL BALANCE

POOL AND SPA WATER

Your Pentair Pool Products pool heater was designed specifically for your spa or pool and will give you many years of trouble free service provided you keep your water chemistry in proper condition.

Three major items that can cause problems with your pool heater are improper pH, disinfectant residual, and total alkalinity. These items, if not kept properly balanced, can shorten the life of the heater and cause permanent damage.

CAUTION

Heat exchanger damage resulting from chemical imbalance is not covered by the warranty.

WHAT A DISINFECTANT DOES

Two pool guests you do not want are algae and bacteria. To get rid of them and make pool water sanitary for swimming - as well as to improve the water's taste, odor and clarity - some sort of disinfectant must be used.

Chlorine and bromine are universally approved by health authorities and are accepted disinfecting agents for bacteria control.

RULE: 7.4 to 7.6 is a desirable pH range. It is essential to maintain correct pH, see Table 2.

If pH becomes too high (over alkaline), it has these effects:

1. Greatly lowers the ability of chlorine to destroy bacteria and algae.

2. Water becomes cloudy.

3. There is more danger of scale formation on the plaster or in the heat exchanger.

4. Filter elements may become blocked.

If pH is too low (over acid) the following conditions may occur:

1. Excessive eye burn or skin irritation.

2. Etching of the plaster.

3. Corrosion of metal fixtures in the filtration and recirculation system, which may create brown, blue, green, or sometimes almost black stains on the plaster.

4. Corrosion of copper in the heater, which may cause leaks.

5. If you have a sand and gravel filter, the alum used as a filter aid may dissolve and pass through the filter.

WHAT IS A DISINFECTANT RESIDUAL?

When you add chlorine or bromine to the pool water, a portion of the disinfectant will be consumed in the process of destroying bacteria, algae and other oxidizable materials. The disinfectant remaining is called chlorine residual or bromine residual. You can determine the disinfectant residual of your pool water with a reliable test kit, available from your local pool supply store.

You must maintain a disinfectant residual level adequate enough to assure a continuous kill of bacteria or virus introduced into pool water by swimmers, through the air, from dust, rain or other sources.

It is wise to test pool water regularly. Never allow chlorine residual to drop below 0.6 ppm (parts per million). The minimum level for effective chlorine or bromine residual is 1.4 ppm.

pH - The term pH refers to the acid/alkaline balance of water expressed on a numerical scale from 0 to 14. A test kit for measuring pH balance of your pool water is available from your local pool supply store; see Table 1.

Table 1.

Strongly Acid Neutral Strongly Alkaline

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Muriatic Acid has a pH of about 0. Pure water is 7 (neutral). Weak Lye solution have a pH of 13-14.

pH Chart

CAUTION: Do not test for pH when the chlorine residual is 3.0 ppm or higher, or bromine residual is 6.0 ppm or higher. See your local pool supply store for help in properly balancing your water chemistry.

RULE: Chemicals that are acid lower pH. Chemicals that are alkaline raise pH.

Table 2.

6.8 7.0

Add Soda, Ash or Sodium Bicarbonate

pH Control Chart

7.4 7.6

7.2

7.8 8.0 8.2 8.4

Add AcidMarginalIdealMarginal

ALKALINITY High - Low:

"Total alkalinity" is a measurement of the total amount of alkaline chemicals in the water, and control pH to a great degree. (It is not the same as pH which refers merely to the relative alkalinity/acidity balance.) Your pool water's total alkalinity should be 100 - 140 ppm to permit easier pH control.

A total alkalinity test is simple to perform with a reliable test kit. You will need to test about once a week and make proper adjustments until alkalinity is in the proper range. Then, test only once every month or so to be sure it is being maintained. See your local pool dealer for help in properly balancing the water chemistry.

P/N 471048 Rev. G 1-22-04

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