Thinking about using generic pool heater parts? Think again In this post, we explain the dangers of using non-OEM pool heater parts
Why not go with the less expensive part?
What’s wrong with generic pool heater parts?
We all love a bargain — any opportunity to save a few dollars is typically a no-brainer, right? Because most of the time, it doesn’t make sense to pay more for something when you can get the same value for less.
If “pump motor B” claims to do everything that “pump motor A” does, and motor B is half the price of A, what makes one better than the other? More importantly, how can one cost so much less and still work just as good?
And there lies the core of the issue: non-OEM pool heater parts/generic pool heater parts aren’t designed to do the same job. They’re simply designed to be “compatible” with your heat pump, but that doesn’t mean they’re built to the same specifications. This next section explains why the little details matter.
What’s the difference?
The original parts that comprise a pool heat pump aren’t chosen on a whim. Each one is selected to ensure the best overall performance in accordance with the other parts.
Now it may seem harmless to install a cheaper part, especially when it looks identical — but looks can be deceiving. Every part is designed to extremely precise specifications. Factors ranging from weight and design to voltage and material come into play, and the slightest adjustment to any one of those variables can impact performance for the entire pool heat pump.
Hence why using generic pool heater parts typically results in excelled wear and tear, which leads to decreased performance, and sometimes, no performance at all.
The Dangers of Using Non-OEM/Generic Pool Heater Parts
For instance…
You may think that one 28-inch pool heater fan blade is no different than the next. But it may surprise you to know that subtle differences like the weight of the blade, and pitch (angle of the individual fan blades), heavily control the performance of the fan motor.
A fan motor achieves the best rotational efficiency when working with the original fan blade it was designed for use with. Too heavy of a fan blade can cause the fan motor to overheat and break down.
Suddenly, one part swap creates a domino effect of side effects. Side effects that wear down the life of your pool heater twice as fast. From that point on, you’re practically guaranteed to deal with costly repair jobs in the future.
Considering the main point of this concept, it’s easy to see the problem with using (generic) non-OEM pool heater parts. If they aren’t designed to the exact specifications of the OEM parts, they can cause damage to your pool heater.
Hence why saving a few bucks is rarely worth the consequences of using generic parts.
The importance of using OEM pool heater parts
All parts and components within a pool heater work together to heat your water. But pool heater design is complex and precise, so if one part is “out of tune”, then the whole operation can fail. Prevent that from happening by using OEM pool heater parts.
Moral of the story, generic pool heater parts often leads to excelled wear and tear and costly repairs. And the last thing you want to do is shorten the life of your pool heater, it’s an important investment after all.
To preserve and prolong the life of your heater, choose OEM pool heater parts, and remember to always keep up with regular pool heat pump maintenance.
