If you live in Apollo Beach, Riverview, Ruskin, Sun City Center, or elsewhere in the South Shore area, your pool heater probably has not received much attention during the heat of the Florida summer.
That makes now a great time to test it.
At ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Company of South Shore, we regularly see pool heaters that worked perfectly the last time the homeowner used them but developed problems while sitting idle.
Recently, we inspected a pool heat pump that would not operate because a critter had gotten inside the unit and chewed through electrical wiring.
That homeowner had no reason to know there was a problem until they tried to use the heater.
We have also recently diagnosed a natural gas pool heater that would not ignite.
The lesson is simple: don’t wait until the first cold weekend to find out whether your pool heater works.
Why Pool Heaters Can Stop Working During the Summer
Even when your pool heater is turned oI, the equipment is still sitting outside in Florida’s heat, humidity, rain, salt air, insects, and wildlife.
Problems can develop without the heater ever being turned on.
Common pool heater problems include:
- Rodents or other animals damaging wiring
- Insects nesting inside the heater
- Corroded electrical connections
- Failed temperature or pressure sensors
- Ignition failures
- Gas valve or gas supply problems
- Failed control boards
- Heat pump electrical issues
- Refrigeration system problems
- Low water flow
- Automation or communication problems
Some of these issues are relatively simple repairs. Others require additional troubleshooting or replacement parts.
Either way, it is much better to discover the problem before you actually need the heater.
How to Test Your Pool Heater
You do not need to wait for cold weather.
Turn the pool heater on and set the desired temperature above the current pool water temperature.
Then verify that the heater starts and continues operating normally.
Testing a Gas Pool Heater
If you have a natural gas or propane pool heater, verify that:
- The heater starts its normal ignition sequence
- The burners successfully ignite
- The heater continues running
- No error codes appear
- The heater does not repeatedly start and stop
If the heater attempts to ignite but immediately shuts down, displays an error, or never lights, it may need professional troubleshooting.
Testing a Pool Heat Pump
For an electric pool heat pump, verify that:
- The unit turns on
- The fan operates
- The compressor starts
- No error codes appear
- The unit remains running
- The pool begins gaining temperature
Remember that heat pumps warm pools gradually. You are primarily checking that the equipment is operating correctly, not trying to heat the entire pool during your test.
Why Testing Early Matters in South Shore
Around Apollo Beach and the South Shore area, our pool equipment is exposed to especially harsh conditions.
High humidity, heavy rain, insects, wildlife, and coastal air can all aIect outdoor electrical and mechanical equipment. Heaters also tend to receive far less attention than pumps and filters because they may go months without being used.
Then the first cool weekend arrives and suddenly everyone wants their pool or spa heated.
That is also when pool companies begin receiving significantly more heater-related service calls.
Testing early gives you time to:
- Diagnose the problem
- Order replacement parts if necessary
- Schedule the repair
- Confirm the heater works afterward
That is much easier than discovering the heater is broken the afternoon you planned to use it.
Pool Heater Repair in Apollo Beach, Riverview, Ruskin & Sun City Center
If your pool heater will not start, will not ignite, displays an error code, shuts down unexpectedly, or simply is not heating the water, ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Company of South Shore can help.
We troubleshoot and service pool heating equipment throughout the South Shore area, including:
- Apollo Beach
- Riverview
- Ruskin
- Sun City Center
- Wimauma
- Gibsonton
- Surrounding
- South Hillsborough County communities
Whether you have a gas pool heater, propane heater, or electric pool heat pump, testing it before cooler weather can save you a lot of frustration later.
Test Your Pool Heater Today
Take a few minutes and turn your heater on.
If everything operates normally, you will have confidence that it is ready when temperatures drop. If it does not, contact ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Company of South Shore for pool heater troubleshooting and repair.
Don’t find out your heater is broken on the first cold night of the year. Find out now.