Must have information for those considering an Astral heater
Two Gas Spa Heater types and one Gas Pool Heater is available:
- The wall mounted JX Astral Spa Heater
- The HX Freestanding Spa Heater
- The new ICI Astral Pool Heater small footprint premixed combustion Heater
With five different Astral Pool Heaters, three of which can be used on a spa, you would think that an Astral Heater (now owned by the international company Fluidra) was the way to go. In many instances they are. So what are the pros and cons of owning each model – lets take a look!
JX Wall Mounted Astral Spa Heater
The JX is not only the sole wall-mounted spa heater now available in Australia, but it also takes up a minimal amount of space. It comes in two sizes, the JX130 and the JX160. In certain situations it is the ideal choice, but make sure that you speak to a spa heating expert before selecting a wall mounted unit.
Pros:
- Only Wall mounted purpose built spa heater
- Ideal for tight spots
Cons:
- More expensive than ground-based options
- Requires specialised flueing for undercover installation – this may not suit your purpose
- Although Astral Pool suggest that these heaters will heat your pool in 24 hours, they are not designed for this purpose so shouldn’t be purchased as a pool/spa heater (you will be disappointed!)
HX Astral Spa Heater
The HX Model is Astral’s other Gas Heater which is chiefly used for spas. This takes the more traditional, free-standing form and comes in two sizes, the largest of which is the HX120. Both the JX and the HX are available as outdoor or indoor Heaters with the addition of the correct Hood Kit and Flueing. Both of these models were around at the time when the company was known as Hurlcon though there have been some minor changes such as enabling the units to become compatible with Astral’s Viron Connect System.
Pros:
- Less expensive than the JX Astral Spa Heater
- Made in Australia
- Connects with Astral’s Viron Connect System
Cons:
- There are other heater brands with similar products that are less expensive
- Once you begin to use the Viron Connect System, you are committed to purchase and use only Astral products in the future (unless you replace the Viron Connect itself)
Naturally, you don’t have to use Viron Connect, or you may already have it.
ICI Astral Pool Heater
The ICI is a Fully Modulating, mid efficiency Condensating Pool Heater. Many Boilers are fully modulating but Astral have supplied the only purpose built Pool Heater of this type available at present. A fully modulating heater self adjusts it’s own temperature, and of course you already know what the condensating aspect is from the information shown under the Viron Evo. Once again, this heater requires expert installation and should never be installed by anyone other than a gas pool heating specialist with trade qualifications. There are two sizes, the 200 and 400 – both suited to swimming pools. This is a complex heater but there is every chance it could still be suitable for you.
Pros:
- Produces up to 100 litres of condensate per hour (which can go straight into your pool reducing the need to top up water)
- Suggested up to 83% efficiency rating
- Hi tech Ceramic Mesh Burner
Cons:
- Drainage provision must be made for the condensate otherwise damage will occur within the heater and it’s surrounds due to the acidity of the condensate
- The condensate recovery kit which returns the water to the pool is an additional purchase item
- Acidic water should only be returned to pools running with salt chlorinators.
Once again, this heater could work really well in some situations and not so well in others. The trick is to know whether it should be installed in your situation, and if so, how it should be installed. Gas pool heating experts with trade experience can help you here. Why not call PoolHeat on (08) 8168 1766 for more information. Currently this heater is not in production as recalls are performed, but Fluidra will be returning it to stock as soon as possible.
