Pool Heater clearance - InspectionNews

Jim Luttrall · #1 (**permalink**) 06-30-2009, 10:50 PM

Anyone have any helpful information or comments concerning the clearance of the gas pool heater vent pipe in the photos?
I already noted the leaning vent pipe and the improper offset and tape.
I am mainly looking for supporting documentation on clearance to the windows and soffits. Most of what comes to mind would be referring to house vent pipes and not necessarily separate pool equipment.

about 3' clearance to each side to operable windows.

Jerry Peck · #2 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 06:42 AM

It would be shown in the installation instructions.

I am thinking I have seen 5 feet in the ones I looked at years ago.

Rick Hurst · #3 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 06:56 AM

I've always seen 4ft. as a minimum. This is from the side of the heater also, not the flue.

See chart and picture as noted on the Raypak brand heater below.

http://www.raypak.com/uploads/6000.52AG.pdf

Wayne Carlisle · #4 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 07:39 AM

From the 2006 IRC

SECTION G2441 (617)
POOL AND SPA HEATERS

G2441.1 (617.1) General.

Pool and spa heaters shall be tested

in accordance with ANSI Z21.56 and shall be installed in

accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

G2427.7.3 (503.7.3) Termination.

Single-wall metal pipe

shall terminate at least 5 feet (1524 mm) in vertical height
above the highest connected appliance draft hood outlet or
flue collar. Single-wall metal pipe shall extend at least 2 feet
(610 mm) above the highest point where it passes through a
roof of a building and at least 2 feet (610 mm) higher than
any portion of a building within a horizontal distance of 10
feet (3048 mm) (see Figure G2427.6.4). An approved cap or
roof assembly shall be attached to the terminus of a single-
wall metal pipe (see also Section G2427.7.8, Item 3).

And as Rick stated:

2. A mechanical draft venting system, excluding
direct-vent appliances, shall terminate at least 4 feet
(1219 mm) below, 4 feet (1219 mm) horizontally from,
or 1 foot (305 mm) above any door, operable window, or
gravity air inlet into any building. The bottom of the vent
terminal shall be located at least 12 inches (305 mm)
above grade.

Jerry Peck · #5 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne Carlisle

2. A mechanical draft venting system, excluding direct-vent appliances, shall terminate at least 4 feet (1219 mm) below, 4 feet (1219 mm) horizontally from, or 1 foot (305 mm) above any door, operable window, or gravity air inlet into any building. The bottom of the vent terminal shall be located at least 12 inches (305 mm) above grade.

Except that is not a mechanical draft venting system. That is a natural draft venting system.

Thus that does not apply.

Jim Luttrall · #6 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 09:32 AM

Thanks guys

Ted Menelly · #7 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 09:35 AM

OK

You have a flue pipe on a roof that is somewhat below and a few feet to the side of a dormer window (that was posted here somewhere)

Whats the difference. You have a vent from a pool heater that very well could be venting to the interior of a home. The vent is technically right outside a window. If the windows are open and the pool heater on then the likelyhood of the unit drafting into the home is there no matter what type of vent, natural or mechanincal.

I think it is one of those that needs no code but common sence.

Heater on, window open, open window sucks it inside to the sleeping baby!

Wayne Carlisle · #8 (**permalink**) 07-01-2009, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne Carlisle

And as Rick stated:

2. A mechanical draft venting system, excluding
direct-vent appliances, shall terminate at least 4 feet
(1219 mm) below, 4 feet (1219 mm) horizontally from,
or 1 foot (305 mm) above any door, operable window, or
gravity air inlet into any building. The bottom of the vent
terminal shall be located at least 12 inches (305 mm)
above grade.

I wanted to clear this statement up. Rick did not state it was a mechanical draft venting system. He mentioned the 4 feet horizontally and this was the section in the code that mentioned 4 feet.

Pools and spa heaters are regulated by manufactuers recommendations.

Dennis Krouse · #9 (**permalink**) 07-27-2009, 07:52 AM

The vent system that is on that pool heater is for use in an enclosure and is supposed to have a top on it also, not just end with the draft diverter like it is now. They make a different top for that heater when installed outside. The code says 4 feet from any opening into a structure which inscludes operable windows. The next issue would be the tape, which you would not need if the unit had the right top on it.