Nobody in South Tampa is thinking about heating their swimming pool when it is 90 degrees outside.
Unfortunately, your pool heater does not necessarily stay problem-free just because you are not using it.
At ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Company of South Tampa, we recommend homeowners test their pool heater before cooler weather arrives rather than waiting until the night they actually want to use it.
Why?
Because heaters can develop problems while sitting idle.
Recently, one of our technicians inspected a pool heat pump that was not operating. The problem turned out to be damaged wiring caused by a critter getting inside the equipment.
We have also recently responded to a natural gas pool heater that would not light.
In both cases, the problem only became apparent once someone attempted to operate the heater.
Pool Heaters Often Sit Unused for Months
Unlike your pool pump and filtration system, which operate almost every day, a pool heater may sit unused for much of the year.
That creates an interesting problem.
The homeowner assumes the heater works because it worked last season.
Meanwhile, the equipment has spent months outside in Florida’s humidity, rain, heat, insects, and other environmental conditions.
When cooler weather finally arrives, you may discover that something has changed.
Common Pool Heater Problems
Pool heater failures can have many causes.
For gas pool heaters, common issues may include:
- Ignition failures
- Gas supply problems
- Flame-sensing issues
- Failed igniters
- Pressure switch problems
- Damaged wiring
- Control board failures
- Water-flow problems
Heat pumps can experience:
- Electrical failures
- Damaged wiring
- Failed capacitors or contactors
- Sensor faults
- Fan problems
- Compressor-related issues
- Refrigeration faults
- Low-flow conditions
- Control board failures
Sometimes the heater itself is operating correctly, but another part of the pool system is preventing it from running.
Proper diagnosis matters.
How South Tampa Pool Owners Can Test Their Heater
Before the first cold front, turn your heater on and make sure it actually operates.
Start by confirming the pool pump is running and water is flowing normally.
Then set the heater temperature higher than the current water temperature.
If You Have a Gas Pool Heater
Listen and watch for the normal startup sequence.
The heater should attempt ignition, successfully light, and continue operating.
If it:
- Fails to ignite
- Repeatedly attempts ignition
- Immediately shuts down
- Shows an error code
- Makes unusual noises turn it off and schedule service.
If You Have a Pool Heat Pump
Confirm that the heat pump starts and continues operating.
The fan should typically operate, and the system should begin producing heat without displaying error codes.
A heat pump will not raise the pool temperature instantly, so the objective of this test is simply to confirm that the equipment operates normally.
Don’t Discover the Problem When Guests Are Coming Over
We commonly see homeowners wait until they want to use their spa or heat the pool for a gathering before turning the heater on.
That can create an avoidable problem.
If a replacement sensor, igniter, control board, wiring repair, or other part is needed, it may not always be possible to complete the repair immediately.
Testing your heater ahead of time gives you time to get it properly diagnosed and repaired.
Pool Heater Repair in South Tampa
If your heater is not operating correctly, ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Company of South Tampa provides pool heater troubleshooting and repair throughout the South Tampa area.
We service many common types of swimming pool heating systems, including:
- Natural gas pool heaters
- Propane pool heaters
- Electric swimming pool heat pumps
- Pool and spa heating systems
- Heaters integrated with pool automation systems
If your pool heater will not ignite, will not stay running, displays an error code, or is simply not heating the water, our team can help determine why.
Test It Before the Temperature Drops
Florida winters may be mild compared with much of the country, but anyone who owns a pool in Tampa knows how quickly water temperatures can become uncomfortable when overnight temperatures begin dropping.
Your heater is what extends your swimming season.
Make sure it is ready.
Turn your pool heater on today and verify that it works.
If it does not, contact ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Company of South Tampa to schedule pool heater troubleshooting or repair.
It is much easier to repair a heater before you need it than when you are standing beside a cold pool wondering why it will not turn on.