COPPER HEAT EXCHANGERS: Many gas pool heaters have different models of heat exchanger options. For most the standard heat exchanger material is copper and these are suitable for any well-balanced pool and spa water. The addition of salt-water pools are a concern for copper heat exchangers, however with rigorous proper water maintenance, good electrical bonding, and the addition of a sacrificial anode to the pool system, copper can be used with salt-water pools.

CUPRO-NICKEL HEAT EXCHANGERS: Anyone with a salt-water pool would be well advised to pay the extra to get the heat exchanger model upgraded to cupro-nickel which is more resistant to chemical damage, fluctuating PH and Salt-water. This upgrade usually costs an additional 10-20% over the cost of the base model copper heat exchanger.

ASME COPPER HEAT EXCHANGERS:  Many heater manufacturers also have a third heat exchanger option called ASME approved, which has an upgraded material thickness of heat exchanger, and is considered suitable for commercial pool applications and would be considered overkill for residential applications. ASME commercial approved heaters cost 50% more than the base model units. For salt-water pools the thicker copper exchanger is better than the basic, but the cupro-nickel version is specifically made for this salt-water residential pool application.