Alaska 140 Dual Feed ---Used to Heat a Pool?

I own an Alaska 140 with the dual feed option that I used with a power venter for about 10 years. A few years ago, I converted to gas, and have had the Alaska just sitting around collecting dust.

Meanwhile, we have an approximately 26k gallon inground pool we installed about 5 years ago that I've yet to pull the trigger on adding a heater. I have 1500 gallons of propane on hand at all times. But...although the gas has been very efficient and convenient to heat my house, as well as a large garage with radiant flooring (and a Noritz hot water heater), I'm reluctant to install a propane pool heater. I know they work well, but they chew through a ton of gas in a very short amount of time. I've thought about adding a heat pump because they are a bit more efficient. But again.....it's a large expense to really only use in late May, June, and September for the most part. We keep a blue solar cover on whenever the pool isn't being used to help avoid heat loss due to evaporation.

So....having this coal furnace sitting around, and alot of time to sit and think due to this Covid19 mess, I have my wheels turning. With the Alaska not being a boiler, maybe it's not even an option, or maybe it's just a bad idea. But, I'm curious if I could run a domestic hot water coil inside the Alaska 140 and through a heat exchanger (I'd need titanium due to our pool being salt water) , and ultimately heating the pool that way. The heat exchanger isn't cheap, but I have an Alaska furnace that generates a ton of BTU's, especially with the dual feeder, just sitting there, begging to get put into action. I think I'd install it in an out building to keep it out of the weather, and I could either add a stainless chimney, or power vent it. Burning it in the summer, I'm thinking the power vent may be a better option for more consistent draft.

I've lurked and read through alot of the threads here for quite some time. I grew up in the Coal Region of Pennsylvania, and have been around coal furnaces my whole life. That being said, I don't personally know anyone who's ever tried to heat a pool with one...and especially with one that isn't a boiler. I'm curious on your thoughts, if anyone cares to share. Thanks!

L, if my memory serves me--which gets more & more humorous as the yrs. go by LOL--it's been done & I'm sure you'll get some suggestions. Be patient!! PS-welcome to the FORUM my friend.

It’s not even an option.

You would struggle with a descent size boiler.

Hmmmmm, I regress!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL

What about this setup?

https://www.hotspotenergy.com/pool-heater/pool-he ... chure3.pdf

Interesting item. However, my Trane heat pump came with a 10yr warranty. My guess is if I'd install this, the first problem I have would be attributed to this, and my warranty would be voided.

lancems007 wrote: ↑

Thu. Apr. 16, 2020 11:29 pm

But, I'm curious if I could run a domestic hot water coil inside the Alaska 140 and through a heat exchanger (I'd need titanium due to our pool being salt water) , and ultimately heating the pool that way.

No sir... A DHW coil in a furnace wouldn't produce enough heat. I had one in my hand fed that heated a 40 gallon temper tank. It would take 12 hours to increase the tank temperature by 50 degrees with a moderate fire. Now divide that 50 degree increase of 40 gallons across 26000 and you can see where this is going...

Hmmm....anyone have a boiler they want to part with?

lancems007 wrote: ↑

Fri. Apr. 17, 2020 2:16 pm

Hmmm....anyone have a boiler they want to part with?

Check out the classifieds section: For Sale Coal Boilers, Furnaces, Stoves & Heating Related Items

For reference I heat my 18K about ground pool with an EFM520 and get about 1/2 degree/hour heating.