To understand why this is so important to your pool, let’s review the anatomy of your pool and the pathway of water through the pool. Water comes from your pool and goes to the equipment pad. Then, it goes through your equipment in this order: the pump, filter, heater, salt cell or chlorinator, and then back to your pool. A check valve might go between some of these to prevent water backflow. A check valve should be in between your heater and the salt cell or chlorinator.

Why does it matter if water backflows to the heater? Copper coils are used in heaters to warm the water. Without a check valve, water that has gone through the salt cell or chlorinator but has not been diluted by entering the pool yet, super-chlorinated water, might flow back into the heater. This super-chlorinated water will degrade the copper coils in your heater much faster than water returning from the pool. Heater damage due to backflow from a salt cell or chlorinator happens so quickly that your heater’s warranty is voided if you do not have a check valve.

When we look at your equipment, this is one of the things we look for. A check valve is relatively cheap compared to the damage done or the cost of a new heater. We want you to get the most out of your pool! If you have any questions about your equipment or pool, please give us a call!