Swimming Pool (C-53) · Lesson 6 of 8

Pool Heaters and Solar: Energy Code Checklist and Collector Sizing

"Pool Heaters and Solar: Energy Code Checklist and Collector Sizing" is lesson 6 of 8 in the Swimming Pool (C-53) Learning Hub. It opens with "Which California Rules Apply to a Pool Heater" and works through 6 short steps, then a worked example you can check yourself against.

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Steps in this lesson

  1. Which California Rules Apply to a Pool Heater
  2. The Heater: Certification and Pilot Lights
  3. Table 110.4-A: The Standard for Each Heat Source
  4. Plumbing and Controls You Must Provide
  5. Sizing the Heat Source: Five Ways to Comply
  6. Gas Heater Installation: 2025 CMC §926

The worked example in the course applies this lesson to a realistic job in 6 steps, from "Pool surface area" through "Compare nonresidential or multifamily".

What you'll be able to do

  • Explain the main idea of "Pool Heaters and Solar: Energy Code Checklist and Collector Sizing" in plain language you can use on the exam.
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Table 110.4-A: The Standard for Each Heat Source".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Plumbing and Controls You Must Provide".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Sizing the Heat Source: Five Ways to Comply".
  • Apply this step with confidence: "Gas Heater Installation: 2025 CMC §926".
  • Test yourself on the worked example and the quick-check quiz inside the classroom.
Pool Heater Checklist and Solar Sizing16 ft x 32 ft single-family poolPOOL SURFACE16 ft x 32 ft= 512 sq ft8 COLLECTORS (320 sq ft)(40 sq ft each)PLUMBING ORDERFILTER18 in. or more of pipeHEATERSOLAR SIZING, 110.4(c)1Single family: 60 percent0.60 x 512 = 307.2 sq ft307.2 / 40 = 7.68, round up = 8 panelsNonresidential or multifamily: 65 percent0.65 x 512 = 332.8 sq ft332.8 / 40 = 8.32, round up = 9 panelsHeater: no pilot light (110.5), outsideon-off switch, plate or card (110.4(a))Gas listing: ANSI Z21.56/CSA 4.7a8 panels = 320 sq ft passes the 307.2 sq ft single-family ruleAlso: pool cover (outdoor, gas or electric heat), directional inlets, pump time switchCMC 926: bypass line if none integral; relief valve ahead of a restrictive device2025 Energy Code §§110.4, 110.5; 2025 CMC §926CC
The diagram for this lesson, exactly as it appears in the Learning Hub.

The first steps of this lesson

Step 1: Which California Rules Apply to a Pool Heater

The 2025 Energy Code §110.4 sets mandatory requirements for pool and spa systems and equipment, §110.5 bans continuously burning pilot lights on natural gas pool and spa heaters, and §150.0(p) adds pump, piping, filter and valve rules for single-family pools and sends you back to §110.4. A gas heater is also installed under 2025 CMC §926 (Pool Heaters). The exam's Systems Installation section covers all of this, so treat it as one checklist.

Step 2: The Heater: Certification and Pilot Lights

§110.4(a) allows a pool heater to be installed only if the manufacturer has certified it has: efficiency per §110.1; a readily accessible on-off switch mounted on the outside of the heater that shuts it off without adjusting the thermostat; and a permanent, easily readable, weatherproof plate or card giving the energy efficiency rating and operating instructions. §110.5(c)-(d) adds that pool and spa heaters may not have a continuously burning pilot light.

The remaining 4 steps, the worked example and the quiz are in the course. This is a preview. The full lesson, with the step-by-step explanations, a worked example and a quick-check quiz, is inside the classroom.

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