Pool Heater Conversion From propane To Natural Gas?

Question

I want to convert a laars LD250p (pool heater) from propane to natural gas. Can anyone tell me what's involed or what has to be changed?

Answer 1

You cannot drill out orifices anymore! That practise was banned in the early 1990's. Anyway...a pool heater has about 15 orifices not one! You need to contact the manufacturer and get a conversion kit from them. If one is available, it will include a new rating plate that states the appliance is approved by the manufacturer for the alternate fuel. If they don't offer a conversion kit, you are done...it can't be converted. DO NOT try and McGyver the heater to run on the other fuel. If it is involved in an incident or fire, insurance companies will deny the claim because you have "altered" the appliance. I've seen this happen several times!



Don't mess around with pool heaters. They can be a very dangerous appliance. At 250,000 btu's that heater is roughly equivalant to 3 furnaces in an average size home. Convert it properly with a manufacturer's conversion kit or don't do it at all...

Answer 2

Need to have gas line ran to unit, and burner gas orifice changed out.

Its also a good idea to have a timer installed on heater. A heater left on by mistake will run a propane tank empty, the cost is to refill it. If you leave it on with natural gas, the supply is endless, and your bill too!

Answer 3

You have to change the gas orifice for the burner. Natural Gas uses a larger orifice. They can be drilled out, to open the hole, but I can't say how much to drill out. The size of the hole will determine the Btu of the burner. Your Pool Store or a local Gas Company may be able to get the new orifice for you.

Answer 4

Do NOT drill out the orifice. See if there is a conversion kit. If you don't get everything exactly right you could be setting yourself up for lots of problems.