Servicing a Luxury Underground Swimming Pool System – Featuring a Pellet Burner & Ratiotherm Oskar Buffer Store

At Burbage Heating & Plumbing Services, we recently carried out a full service on a unique and highly efficient heating system tucked away beneath a luxury property – an underground swimming pool setup powered by a pellet burner and a Ratiotherm Oskar layered buffer store.

These systems are designed not only for comfort and luxury, but also for energy efficiency and long-term performance. But like any finely tuned machine, they need regular care to stay at their best.

What’s Involved in Servicing a System Like This?

1. Pellet Burner Maintenance

The pellet burner provides renewable, biomass-fuelled heat to the buffer store and pool system. We carried out a full clean of the combustion chamber and ash container, inspected the burn pot, tested the fan and fuel feed mechanism, and made sure the ignition and safety controls were functioning correctly. Pellet systems are incredibly efficient when properly maintained, but they do require a thorough annual check-up.

2. Ratiotherm Oskar Layered Buffer Store

This is the brain of the thermal system, intelligently managing heat layers for maximum efficiency. We checked all the internal sensors, made sure stratification was operating correctly, and verified that all connections to the heating circuits were working smoothly. These systems are brilliant at balancing multiple heat sources, but they rely on accurate readings and clean flow paths.

3. Pool Heating Circuits

Swimming pool systems need consistent flow and temperature regulation. We inspected the heat exchangers, tested the pumps, and cleared any air from the system. Any blockages or poor flow here can cause comfort issues and waste energy. We also checked the expansion vessels and safety valves to ensure smooth operation through the year.

4. Control System & Smart Monitoring

We made adjustments to the control settings for seasonal optimisation and updated the software where necessary. Systems like this often include smart monitoring and weather compensation, which can significantly improve efficiency when set up correctly.