Scorching

[MetFan]

hi janet,
No we do not need the heater, and yes we are going to bypass system just as you said, the bottom and steps have turned black, the gunite is stained, not just discolored. he says the water going thru the heater, even though it is off, picks up particles, and whatever evlse may be in there. He feels the prior sevice, MAY have scorched, i had an independent check of my chemicals now, andall is good, so he feels this is the logical solution. As far as the acid wash, he claims the stains will not be removed any other way, but he wants to wait about 2 months after we disconnect the heater just to make sure it does not continue....Any more feed back will be appreciated. Also, theis service i use now is owner operated, he is out here every week, and has many positive recommendations...Thanks again!!

Steve

[aylad]

Ah, I get it now. Yes, definitely bypass (I would remove it completely if possible) the heater. However, before you drain and acid wash, I'd at least try shocking the water for an extended amount of time first, and you might even try rubbing a vit. c tablet on the stain just to see if it will come off with ascorbic acid. Won't cost much to try....

I can't imagine what the other pool service did chemically to cause this to happen in a 3 year old heater. could you please post your water test results....CL, CYA, pH, TA, CA?

Janet

[waterbear]

Sounds like you have copper staining from the heat exchanger in your heater. Does it have a copper heat exchanger (which can be problematic with a salt system) or does it have a copper-nickel or titanium heat exchanger (which is compatible with a salt system)? Chemicals don't "scorch" heaters but they can corrode them and cause the metals to dissolve in the water, which can lead to metal stains.

The usual culprits that can cause this to happen are too low a pH, salt systems with heaters that are not designed for them, or water that has been very out of balance for long periods of time.