How to Determine Gas Pressure at the Meter

Accurately determining gas pressure at the meter is a crucial step for pool builders to ensure that pool heaters, fire features, and outdoor kitchens function properly. Incorrect pressure levels can lead to undersized gas lines, appliance malfunctions, and costly rework. This guide is designed to help pool builders understand gas pressure requirements and avoid common mistakes.

Why Gas Pressure Matters

Gas pressure plays a vital role in ensuring appliances receive the correct volume of gas to operate efficiently. Low pressure can result in:

• Pool heaters failing to reach the desired temperature

• Fire features producing weak or uneven flames

• Outdoor kitchens experiencing inconsistent burner performance

• Equipment shutdowns due to safety mechanisms

By verifying gas pressure before installation, pool builders can plan accordingly, meet timelines, and prevent costly adjustments later.

Key Considerations for Gas Pressure at the Meter

1. Identify the Type of Gas System

Gas systems typically fall into two categories:

• Low-pressure systems (Standard Residential): 7 inches of water column (WC) (approximately 0.25 psi)

• High-pressure systems: 2 psi or greater, requiring regulators to step down the pressure

Knowing system pressure, and what type of gas is present (natural or propane), is critical for determining the right pipe size(s) and regulators needed to set your gas project up for success.

2. Locate the Gas Meter and Regulator

The gas meter is usually installed near the front or side of the property. Unless explicitly labeled on the meter (1 in 100), none of these can be used by themselves to determine system pressure. It’s best to use a wholistic approach and assess based on all factors below (PRO TIP: if the property is a new build, ask the house plumber to tell you how much pressure they are running to a dedicated stub out for your equipment or what the system pressure is!). When your team needs to figure it out themselves, look for:

• Meter color – in Central Texas we typically see grey meters for natural gas and light brown meters for propane

• Color of meter face – in Central Texas we typically see a white meter face for regular low-pressure systems, and a red meter face for 2 PSI systems BUT…(that’s a big “but”) this alone is not enough to go on. Do not make an assumption on system pressure based solely on the color of the meter face since not all gas company technicians follow their standardized process on every install.

• Color  of the circle/cap on regulator – in Central Texas we typically  only see a red circle/cap on the meter’s regulator on 2 PSI systems but again, this alone is not enough to go on.

• Pressure range on the meter’s regulator – this is typically a good indicator of pressure as a 2 PSI system will have a range of 42” – 2.2# or 1.25 – 2.25 PSIG; both indicate up to 2 pounds of pressure or 2 PSI.

• Pipe diameter where gas supply enters home – if 1” or smaller, it is likely a 2PSI system. Again this alone can’t be used to determine pressure.

• Propane Tanks – If looking at a buried tank it likely has a red regulator on top – this is a regulator that steps it down to 10 PSI. The max pressure that can go inside a house is 2 PSI but that would mean every appliance inside would need it’s own regulator (typically in the attic) so there’s likely a regulator outside the house where gas enters, dropping it down to low pressure. If there’s no regulator on a newly installed tank, you will need a 250x10 PSI regulator and either a 10xLow Pressure regulator to step it down or 10x2 PSI regulator to a 2PSIxLow Pressure regulator.

3. Contact the Gas Supply Company

Before making any changes or planning gas line installations, contact the gas supply company to:

• Confirm the current pressure being delivered to the property

• Inform them about the planned addition of a gas appliance

• Ask if any adjustments are needed based on estimated increase to BTU load, such as increasing volume or upgrading the meter

Understanding what the gas company recommends can prevent unnecessary costs and ensure proper system functionality.

4. Work with a Licensed Professional

Gas pressure assessment and adjustments should always be performed by a licensed professional. Pool builders should coordinate with experienced plumbers to:

• Ensure gas pressure meets appliance specifications

• Verify that regulators are correctly installed and functioning

• Confirm that gas supply lines are properly sized for total BTU load

• Check for potential leaks and conduct necessary safety inspections

Common Gas Pressure Issues

🚩 Undersized gas lines – Leads to pressure drops when multiple appliances run simultaneously
🚩 Blocked or faulty regulators – May cause inconsistent gas flow
🚩 High-pressure systems without proper regulators – Can damage appliances
🚩 Leaks – Always consult a professional for leak detection and correction

Pro Tips for Pool Builders

✅ Verify gas pressure before trenching – Avoid expensive rework by ensuring correct pressure from the start
✅ Coordinate with a professional plumber – If in doubt, have an expert evaluate pressure needs
✅ Account for additional appliances – Plan for future expansions by considering all potential gas loads
✅ Understand local codes – Municipalities may have specific gas pressure requirements

Pool Builder Gas Pressure Planning Checklist

✅ Identify the gas system type (low-pressure or high-pressure)
✅ Locate the gas meter and confirm regulator placement
✅ Contact the gas supply company to verify delivered pressure
✅ Inform the gas company about planned gas appliances
✅ Ask the gas company if a meter upgrade or volume adjustment is required
✅ Verify pressure requirements for all appliances
✅ Ensure regulators are correctly sized and functioning
✅ Work with a licensed professional to confirm pressure readings
✅ Check for leaks and perform safety inspections
✅ Plan for future gas appliance installations
✅ Follow local codes to ensure compliance
✅ Consult a professional plumber if pressure issues arise

Need help verifying gas pressure for your next pool project?

Contact Wildflower Plumbing & Gas at (512) 292-1966 or email info@wildflowerplumbing.com for expert guidance!