Having your pool heater replaced is typically expensive. It might cost you around $1,340 to $2,316, depending on the type of heater you own. It’s wise for pool heater owners to have basic knowledge of troubleshooting common pool heater issues to prevent more costs down the road.
In this article, the residential pool service experts at Clark County Pool & Lawn in Las Vegas share some troubleshooting tips to help you deal with common pool heater problems.
Poor Heating (Low Flow)
It’s possible for your pool heater to randomly shut off before completely warming the pool water to your desired temperature. This is a common pool heater issue that can be caused by three things:
- Dirty Filters: If your machine has dirty filters, it might be preventing the heater from firing. Check the filters and clean them if necessary. After that, turn on the temperature switch to a high setting to allow the heater to fire up and warm the pool.
- Valve/Timer Issues: Sometimes, all you have to do is check the machine’s reset timers and system valves to make sure they are set to go through the heater. Doing so should allow the heater to work properly.
- Pool Size: If the issue isn’t caused by dirty filters or reset timers, your pool may be simply too big for your heater. Review the product manual and ensure that your machine is capable of heating your pool. A size recommendation should be printed on the product manual as well.
Unusual Noises
Another common pool heater problem is the presence of loud and violent noises. The sound varies from loud bangs, whines, and mechanical grinding. The most likely cause of this is loose parts or debris.
They often cause violent knocking and whining noises when the pool heater is in operation. What you need to do is check the system for possible blockages and back-flush the filter. This should help clear the pool heater of any debris and get rid of the noises.
On some occasions, loud noises can also mean that the pool heater is operating when the pump shuts off. This can be caused by a faulty pressure switch that needs to be replaced. Be sure to turn off the heater and get in touch with a professional. They can help you determine the exact cause of the noise and replace any damaged parts.
Pool Heater Doesn’t Turn On
If your pool heater refuses to turn on or stay on, the ones causing it may be dirty filters. Dirty filters can result in low pressure that eventually causes the pressure switch to turn the pool heater off.
What you need to do is clean the filters and check the shut-off valve (on gas pool heaters) to make sure they are open. This will allow the fuel to flow to the heater and allow it to run as intended.
If you are using an electric pool heater, ensure that the wirings are connected properly and that there is no corrosion present at its terminals. If you’re familiar with using a voltmeter, you can use it to check the transformer.
If you get a reading between 20 and 28, the pool heater’s transformer is working fine. A reading lower than 20 could mean a problem with the voltage supply. It’s best to contact a technician to confirm your readings and fix your heater’s electrical issues.
By knowing how to troubleshoot basic pool heater problems, you can prevent further damage and decrease your chances of having to replace the entire machine. However, if you’re still unsure about diagnosing your heater, it’s wise to ask for professional assistance.
Clark County Pool & Lawn is an award-winning pool maintenance company in Las Vegas. If your pool heaters are starting to act up, contact us today. Our team will be happy to help you deal with your heater issues.
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