Coates Electric Pool Heater, 12kw 240V Single Phase, Salt Water Application

The Coates 12kW 240V Single-Phase Electric Pool & Spa Heater for Salt Water Applications (Model 12412CES / 12412CPHS — where the suffix "S" or factory salt package indicates corrosion-resistant construction) is engineered for commercial therapy spas, hospitality plunge pools, and wellness facilities operating with saline chlorination systems (typically 2,500 to 4,500+ ppm TDS/NaCl).

Because standard copper or bare low-grade Incoloy heating elements and standard steel tanks suffer rapid galvanic corrosion and pitting in saline electrolytes, the salt water configuration incorporates upgraded metallurgy and protective barrier layers designed specifically to handle high salinity and chlorine generation byproducts.

Electrical & Heating Performance

• Model Designation: Coates 12412CES / 12412CPHS series (124 designates 1-Phase 240V; suffix designates Saltwater/Titanium package).

• Heating Capacity: 12 kW (12,000 Watts).

• Thermal Output: 40,946 BTU/hr ($12\text{ kW} \times 3,412.142\text{ BTU/kWh}$).

• Operating Voltage: 240V AC, Single-Phase (1Ø), 2-wire plus ground, 60 Hz.

• Full Load Amperage (FLA): 50.0 Amps

  $$\text{FLA} = \frac{12,000\text{ W}}{240\text{ V}} = 50.0\text{ A}$$

• Overcurrent Protection (Breaker Sizing): Requires a dedicated 2-pole 70-Amp circuit breaker conforming to NEC 125% continuous-duty loading standards ($50.0\text{ A} \times 1.25 = 62.5\text{ A}$ minimum branch rating, standardizing on a 70A 2-pole breaker).

• Conductor Sizing: Minimum #4 AWG or #3 AWG THHN/THWN copper conductor (rated 75°C/90°C terminals, adjusted for ambient derating and raceway run length).

Salt Water Construction & Metallurgy Upgrades

• Titanium / Incoloy 825 Sheathed Elements: Standard Incoloy 800 immersion elements are replaced with Titanium or high-molybdenum Incoloy 825 sheathing to resist chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and localized crevice/pitting corrosion caused by dissolved sodium chloride and electrolytic chlorine production.

• Passivated / Coated Pressure Vessel: Cylindrical pressure chamber fabricated with heavy-gauge 316L stainless steel or lined with an engineered high-build baked phenolic epoxy/fluoropolymer barrier coating to isolate steel from aggressive saline exposure.

• Sacrificial Anode Port (Optional / Model Dependent): Select marine/salt packages include a replaceable zinc or magnesium sacrificial anode plug threaded into the vessel to provide cathodic protection against stray currents and galvanic cell formation.

• Cabinet & Enclosure: Heavy-gauge NEMA 1 industrial painted enclosure treated with anti-corrosive powder coat to protect internal contactors and relays from salt-air vapor common in enclosed mechanical rooms.

Construction & Safety Architecture

• Cabinet & Enclosure: NEMA 1 industrial painted steel cabinet with a removable front panel for terminal inspections, heavy-duty 2-pole magnetic contactor servicing, and field wire terminations.

• Integrated Safety Controls:

  • Dual-dial adjustable thermostatic controller calibrated up to 104°F (40°C) for commercial spa compliance.

  • Manual-reset High-Limit safety cutout set to de-energize the magnetic contactor control circuit at 122°F (50°C).

  • Pressure/flow-interlock switch preventing heating element contactors from pulling in during low-flow, pump loss, or deadhead conditions.

Hydraulic & Plumbing Specifications

• Plumbing Connections: Standard 1-1/2" NPT female inlet and outlet ports (adapted via Schedule 80 CPVC unions).

• Equipment Sequencing in Salt Systems: Must always be installed upstream of the salt chlorine generator (electrolytic cell) to prevent concentrated chlorine gas and hypochlorous acid pockets from entering the heater vessel during pump cycles.

• Flow Rate Parameters:

  • Minimum Flow Rate: 15 to 20 GPM (approx. 57 to 76 LPM) required to trip the internal safety flow switch.

  • Maximum Flow Rate: 60 to 70 GPM (approx. 227 to 265 LPM); higher circulation filtration loops mandate an external plumbed bypass manifold.

• Maximum Working Pressure: 60 PSI (approx. 4.14 bar).

Dimensions, Net Weight & Shipping Weight

• Unit Dimensions: Approximately 19.5" L × 10.0" W × 14.5" H (approx. 49.5 cm × 25.4 cm × 36.8 cm).

• Net Unit Weight: Approximately 46 to 52 lbs (approx. 20.9 to 23.6 kg).

• Packaged Shipping Dimensions: Approximately 22" L × 13" W × 17" H.

• Packaged Shipping Weight: Approximately 58 to 66 lbs (approx. 26.3 to 29.9 kg) in heavy-duty reinforced corrugated carton packaging.

Estimated Temperature Rise Rates

(Calculation: $\text{Rise (°F/hr)} = \frac{40,946\text{ BTU/hr}}{\text{Gallons} \times 8.34\text{ lbs/gal}}$, baseline heat-up rate assuming covered vessel without ambient radiation losses.)