If you live here in the Valley of Sun, you know that our Winters, particularly in the evenings, can get quite chilly. For those Valley residents who enjoy frolicking in their swimming pools year-round, having a properly functioning pool heater is essential.
That’s why a broken pool heater can put a kibosh on your winter swimming pool fun and can also lead to costly repairs, if ignored. So, it’s a good idea to pay attention when you first suspect trouble with your pool’s heater and have it diagnosed immediately by a professional pool equipment repair person.

Types of Pool Heaters

When it comes to pool heaters, there are three main types:

Gas Pool Heater

Gas pool heaters are less expensive to buy than electric heat pump pool heaters and are not as quick to heat up your pool as a gas pool heater. That said, gas pool heaters are good at maintaining a more even temperature, but cost more to run, especially for larger pools.

Electric Heat Pump Pool Heater

An electric heat pump pool heater is more expensive to buy than a gas pool heater. It also doesn’t heat up your pool as fast as a gas pool heater. As such, the cost to run electric heat pumps is not exactly cheap, especially during colder weather.

Solar Pool Heater

Here in the Valley of the Sun, solar pool heaters have become a popular choice for many homeowners. That’s because of our abundance of sunny days which results in the reduced operating costs derived from the use of solar power. That said, there are some drawbacks. For one, the up-front cost to purchase a solar water heater is higher. Also, solar pool heaters won’t heat your pool as well at night or on cloudy days when there is little to no sun.

Key Pool Heater Parts You Should Recognize

Thermostat

A thermostat controls water temperature.

Pilot light or Ignition System

A pilot light or ignition system, starts the heater in gas models.

Heating elements

In electric models, heating elements generate heat.

Filters and water flow components

These components keep water clean and moving properly.

Valves and seals

Valves and seals prevent leaks and control water flow.

Safety Reminders

Always turn off your heater before inspecting. Electricity and water are a dangerous mix when it comes to your pool heater. For complex troubleshooting and/or pool heater repairs, call a pool equipment repair professional such as Accent Pool/Spa, to avoid any risk of injury to you and your family.

Common Pool Heater Problems and Their Causes

Not Enough Heating

Do you ever feel like your pool is only lukewarm whenever the pool heater is on? This might be caused by dirty filters blocking water flow, a broken thermostat telling the heater to stop, low gas supply, or worn-out heating elements. Checking filters and thermostat settings may be a good starting point. Beyond that, we suggest contacting a pool equipment repair professional such as Accent Pool/Spa.

No Heat or Heater Not Turning On

When the heater refuses to turn on, check the circuit breaker first. Sometimes a breaker trips, cutting power to your pool heater. Faulty wiring or a damaged thermostat can also cause this problem. Electrical issues are the most common cause of no-heat pool heater problems. Always verify power supply before troubleshooting further.

Frequent Cycling or Short Cycling

If your heater turns on and off constantly, it might overheat or face water flow issues. Dirty filters and clogged pipes restrict water movement, which can cause the system to shut down prematurely. Cleaning filters and ensuring proper water flow often solves this problem.

Leaking or Dripping Pool Heater

Leaks are serious. Corrosion, worn-out seals, or cracks in heat exchangers can cause water to escape. Leaks not only waste energy, but can also create electrical hazards. If you see water around your heater, shut it down immediately and call a professional, such as Accent Pool/Spa, to assess the damage.

Strange Noises or Unusual Odors

A heater making screeching sounds or releasing bad smells means trouble. Sediment buildup, worn-out parts, or combustion problems, can be the root cause of these issues. So, a heater producing loud noises might be heading for failure if ignored.

Pilot Light or Ignition Problems

For gas pool heaters, the pilot light or igniter might fail. A dirty pilot or malfunctioning igniter prevents the heater from lighting. Regular inspection and cleaning can prevent these failures from occurring unexpectedly.

When to Call a Professional and What to Expect

If you’d rather avoid risking further damage to your pool heater, call an expert, such as Accent Pool/Spa. Major electrical repairs, cracked heat exchangers, or persistent leaks require professional skills. At Accent Pool/Spa, our professional pool equipment repair technicians will diagnose the issue, replace faulty parts and perform the necessary safety checks. We recommend that you don’t delay repairs as ignoring issues can lead to bigger costs later.

Preventative Maintenance Tips to Minimize Future Repairs

We suggest that you regularly (monthly) inspect and clean your pool filters. Schedule annual professional servicing to catch problems early. Keeping your heater in tip-top shape also boosts energy efficiency and prolongs its lifespan.

The Bottom Line

No one likes dealing with a faulty pool heater, so it’s wise to address problems quickly to avoid costly damage and keep your pool comfortable all year long. To that end, when you suspect there is a serious problem with your pool heater, contact the pros at Accent Pool/Spa.