BACK

What’s Different About Pool Heaters w/ Bert

By Bryan Orr Bert Testerman

In this podcast, Bryan Orr and Bert discuss various aspects of pool heaters, focusing on issues that make them different from typical HVAC systems. They cover the basics of pool heaters – the main types (heat pumps and gas heaters) and how they operate similarly or differently from things HVAC techs work on regularly.

The bulk of the 45-minute podcast looks at common service and troubleshooting situations with pool heaters, which are usually installed by pool contractors initially and not HVAC contractors. Bryan and Bert talk through typical causes of common error codes and problems like units frequently going out on high pressure. They cover water flow issues and the role of pressure versus flow switches, the sizing and limitations of heat pumps, low ambient operation challenges, freeze protection, and proper refrigerant charging. There is also a good amount of discussion on gas pool heaters – frequent component failures due to heat and corrosion issues, piping considerations due to their large BTU capacity, and combustion troubleshooting basics.

Throughout the casual discussion, both hosts interject humor and personal stories related to their dealings with pool heater equipment, clients, and installations over the years. The overall message is that while heat pumps and gas pool heaters have some specialized considerations, much of the core knowledge needed to service them comes from foundational HVAC systems understanding combined with an awareness of the unique aspects covered in detail during this episode.

Topics Covered:

Types of pool heaters
How heat pump and gas pool heater operation compare to HVAC
Typical installation and service providers
Key components and design aspects
Common high-pressure issues and troubleshooting water flow problems
Low ambient operation challenges
Refrigerant charging considerations
Gas piping sizing for large BTU appliances
Corrosion issues and component failures
Combustion testing basics

Learn more about the 5th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/Symposium24.

If you have an iPhone, subscribe to the podcast HERE, and if you have an Android phone, subscribe HERE.”

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@HVACS.

Check out our handy calculators HERE or on the HVAC School Mobile App (Google Play Store or App Store).

Comments

Selecting a Replacement Motor – Short #296

Nailing a Job Interview w/ Refrigeration Mentor

Digital Tools and AI – “So Happy Together” – Short #295

HVAC Summer Service Calls: Rushing, Mental Fog & How to Stay on Your Game

The House Always Wins! A Class On Building Science Basics – Short #294

Compressor Failures, What and Why w/ Ty

Multi Position Valves and More – Short #293

Triple Point In Water and CO2 w/ Andrew G. and Matthew T.

Washing Commercial Coils and Water Challenges – Short #292

Does AI Belong in Trades Education w/ Ty

#gas heating #heat pump #pool heat #pool heaters

Author:

Bryan Orr

Company: HVAC School

Position: Founder

Bert Testerman

Company: Kalos Services

Position: Training Supervisor

Check out our most recent video

How to Evacuate an AC system, Full Vacuum Procedure

Our latest Podcast

HVAC School – For Techs, By Techs

Real training for HVAC ( Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) Technicians. Including recorded tech training, interviews, diagnostics and general conversations about the trade.

In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers the points to consider when selecting a replacement motor, particularly blower motors and condensing fan motors in residential and light commercial applications.

Horsepower and amperage both matter for matching, but they are not the only items to consider. We also have to consider phase (three-phase vs. single-phase), voltage, and RPM; those must match exactly (barring VFDs and ECMs with variable RPMs). Frame size, shaft size, mounting, rotation, capacitor (for PSC motors), bearing type, temperature rating, enclosure (or Air Over Motor rating), and operation all matter. The failed motor is also NOT the only source of information; if it is an aftermarket motor, it might not have the correct information, so you are better off using an OEM motor or checking the manufacturer’s data.

Single-phase motors are common for residential condensing fan motors and will need a run capacitor. Three-phase motors tend to be more common in commercial settings, and these will not have a run capacitor. Voltages must be appropriate for the application, and if the RPM is fixed, it must match the same general range because it represents the motor speed and is based on the number of poles. However, RPM may be variable in several applications.

Horsepower is the mechanical output rating (ability to do work); we CANNOT use a replacement motor with less horsepower than the OEM motor (and be careful with fractions; 1/3 is greater than 1/4). Amperage is NOT horsepower; amps are electrical input current. We want the amp rating to be close to the original motor, but it won’t always match, particularly in the case of ECMs. If it doesn’t match, we want to know why that is; if it’s an ECM, then it’s likely not a problem because ECMs can do the same work as a PSC with fewer watts. Power factor indicates motor efficiency for PSC motors, but the rules aren’t quite the same for ECMs, which will have a much lower power factor (or lower wattages with higher amperages). However, if the amperage is off because we have the wrong motor, then that is a problem.

The physical aspects matter for fitting the motor properly and delivering the right airflow. Rotation should match (though most universal motors can run in either direction). Airflow is especially important for blower motors, so factory replacements or ECM replacements are the way to go in those cases (it’s also good to confirm airflow with a TrueFlow grid and by checking static pressure). The speed taps also need to be correct. Noise is also a factor; ball bearing motors tend to be louder than sleeve bearing motors. Temperature ratings also matter because heat can significantly reduce the lifespan of motors, and we need motors that can handle the operating conditions.

Here is the podcast episode about ECM blower amps and watts with Steve Rogers: https://www.hvacrschool.com/podcasts/what-is-up-with-blower-amps-watts-w-steve-rogers/

Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool

Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 8th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium.

Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Search Episodes

Selecting a Replacement Motor – Short #296

07/28/2026

Bryan Orr

Nailing a Job Interview w/ Refrigeration Mentor

07/23/2026