Will Your Pool Play Nice with a Beluga Gen2?

Let’s Check the Fitting

One of the most common questions we hear is whether a pool’s return fitting will work with a Beluga Gen2 solar pool heater. The good news is that many pools already have exactly what you need for a quick, simple connection.

The “You’re Good to Go” Fitting

If your pool return looks like a standard 1 1⁄2-inch threaded return fitting (pictured to the right,) you’re in luck. The Beluga Gen2 can usually thread right in and get to work circulating water through the solar heating device.

This instructional video shows how the Beluga unit connects directly to the return and begins circulating water through the solar heating device. No complicated setup. No special tools. Just sunshine doing the work.

The Fitting with a Directional Eyelet 

Some pools have the same 1 1⁄2-inch threaded return fitting, but with a small directional insert, often called an eyelet, that aims the water flow.

If that’s what you see, it’s still an easy setup. Just remove the directional insert making sure that you remove the inner sleeve that screws into the 1 ½” return fitting and thread the Beluga Gen2 directly into the fitting. And if you ever want to reinstall the eyelet later, Beluga units are easy to remove and reconnect.

What If My Pool Fitting Looks Different?

Not every pool has the same hardware, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.

In the spirit of good old-fashioned poolside ingenuity, many Beluga owners have found simple and affordable ways to adapt their return fittings. We have seen customers with all kinds of setups make Beluga work and start saving hundreds of dollars compared to traditional pool heating.

If your fitting looks different, don’t worry. Reach out to us and we will help you explore options for your pool.

Wait… Don’t I Need the Eyelet for Circulation?

That’s a great question. In some pools the directional eyelet helps guide water flow. However, most pools are already designed with the intake and return fittings placed at opposite ends of the pool, which naturally promotes circulation.

Beluga units are designed to be easy to install and remove, so if you ever want to temporarily put the directional fitting back on, you can. That said, there is another secret to good circulation that pool owners sometimes forget. A warm pool gets used more. And when people are swimming, splashing, and enjoying the water, circulation takes care of itself.

What About Above-Ground Pools?

Above-ground pools come in many different designs, which means return fittings can vary quite a bit. For example, some people ask whether a Beluga adapter will fit a Doughboy above-ground pool. The answer depends on the model and the type of return fitting it uses.

In some cases the threads are compatible, but they are not quite deep enough to hold the Beluga unit securely. When that happens, the unit can pop out when the pump starts. Because of these variations, the best approach is to contact us so we can help determine what will work for your pool.

Not Sure What You’re Looking At?

If you are not sure what type of return fitting your pool has, send us a photo or give us a call.

We are happy to take a look and help you figure out the best way to connect a Beluga Gen2. Many pool owners are surprised by how simple the setup can be and how quickly the sun can start warming their water.

Because once the Beluga is connected, all that’s left to do is enjoy a whale of a good swim season.