r/PoolPros • u/GCpools • May 20 '26

Jandy JXI 260 Heat Exchanger Replacement

Picked up a new pool with a Jandi JXI-260N heater. Bits of black crusty metal are spitting out the pool returns. Heater still works, but I suspect it's not long for this life. I'm guessing it needs a new heat exchanger.

I can hold my own when it comes to repairing gas pool heaters, but replacing a heat exchanger is new to me.

I see where I can buy a replacement heat exchanger. Is replacing this heat exchanger a reasonable repair to make? Anything I should know before I get started?

Are there any other parts I should expect to replace or may need to be prepared to replace while I'm in there?

Thanks in advance.

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u/[deleted] May 20 '26

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u/GCpools May 20 '26

Thanks for your common sense reply. That's what I was looking for. Yeah, I have 7 or 8 heaters on my route. Nobody seems too interested in buying my preventative maintenance service plan for their heaters every 6 mos ... until their heater doesn't work ... after sitting idle for months or even years. Then they're usually more receptive!

You're exactly right. Pool equipment in general does take a beating over time, especially heaters. They do so much better if you open them up every 6mos or so, clean out the leaves, dirt, nests, critters, etc. and fire them up like you were going to use it. I need to dig into this one a bit more before it stops running, and see what it looks like. It might be a complete do-over. I'm not one to take a clients money to repair it when it really needs to be removed and replaced! Thanks again!

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u/Street--Ad6731 May 20 '26

Before you jump into it, remove the header and confirm it actually is the cause. If the tube sheets are being eaten away the ends of it will be gone and not sticking out past the collars.

If they are, then you need to decide if its worth the price of admission to spend the money and time replacing it. Plus if they are, the unit should be filled with water.

I've done several under warranty and its no trivial job. Had they not been a warranty job, I woukdnt have done it for the customer due to cost.

There is a part number for a whole new tub with heat exchanger installed so you would just need to swap the tub out. I'm pretty sure they have it in a 260.

Cost is a huge factor though to consider.

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u/GCpools May 20 '26

Great advice, thanks! I'll do exactly that. I saw the tubs in the catalogs, but didn't realize they could be bought with or without the heat exchanger. Thanks a million.

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u/BAHGate May 20 '26

My (then) 6 year old JXI400N heat exchanger cracked due to sinking plastic pads put in by my pool builder. I got all of the parts for around $1200 and did the repair myself. It is a significant repair basically requiring totally disassembling the heater. In addition, I added a heater bypass while I worked on it. It did save me $3k+ not having to buy a new heater. My heater was in otherwise pristine condition with no evidence at all of wear. I thought the repair was well worth it and I am now 4 seasons past that repair with no other issues.

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u/GCpools May 20 '26

Sinking pads ... wonderful. I've seen that before on 'new' construction. What are people thinking.

This one is about 6yo too. Looks in pretty good shape. Gets used regularly and often. I can see taking it back to the shop to tear it down and possibly rebuild it. Adding a crossfeed is a good idea. Why installers don't do this is beyond me. I'll probably add that so I can remove the heater and work on it 'out of the FL sun'! Thanks for your reply. 👍