Swimming pool heaters are undoubtedly the single most technical part of pool equipment in your pool equipment pad. Therefore, it makes sense that pool heater repairs should be best left for qualified and professional technicians. Gas pool heaters that use LP (Liquid Propane) or Natural Gas are especially dangerous because of pool heater combustion or exhaust. A comprehensive Pool Heater FAQ was created by Hayward pool equipment that addresses pool owners’ questions about pool heater troubleshooting and pool heater repairs. We are your one-stop shop for all your Purex, Hayward, Jandy, Raypak, Sta-Rite, Anthony, Coates, Comfortzone, Pentair, Teledyne Laars/Jandy pool heater needs.
My Heater Does Not Ignite
- Is heater switch set to “ON”?
- Is the thermostat temperature higher than the current water temp?
- Is the pump operating on a functional filter?
- Is the valve for the heater gas set to “ON”?
- Is there a light on the heater pilot?
- Is the supply valve for gas open?
- Are all filter valves and plumbing valves open?
- Is the heater bypass installed properly?
It would be best to call a qualified service personnel if the heater still won’t ignite.
My Pilot Does Not Light
This issue normally happens when there is improper venting, insufficient air supply or a low gas pressure. Check if the gas is On, and with the propane, check and see if the tank holds fuel. You may also inspect for sprinklers and roof water run-offs that can flood the heater. Ensure the heater pilot tubing does not have a clog and is fully intact.
My Pool Heater Does Not Reach Desired Temperature
The thermostat’s settings may have been set at the minimum. If you notice greater heat loss than what the heater input provide, it may mean that your heater is too small, the outside air temperature too low, or the heater has an insufficient gas supply. You may remedy this by installing a protective pool cover that slows down the rate of heat loss for your pool. All heaters have a safety high-limit switch to keep it from overheating. A defective switch can shut the heater down, or it could be a truly overheating unit due to improper exhaust coming from above the pool heater.
The Heater Turns Off and On Before Reaching Desired Temperature
Your heater does this when it has an inadequate water flow caused by a dirty filter, external bypass, a pressure switch that needs adjustment, a closed valve, or reversed water connections. A malfunctioning thermostat can also be a main reason, in which it may need re-calibration or an outright replacement.
My Pilot Needs Frequent Relighting
You may check the last two questions above for further information. You can check for an excess water run-off from the sprinklers that were directed at the heater. The location of your heater may require a tall wind stack to function optimally. Millivolt types have pilot generators or thermocouples that can be weak or faulty. Rusty and loose connections from the thermocouple leading to your gas valve, a loose coil bond, or a short from these wires can also lead to a pilot shutdown.
The Heater Does Not Ignite, But There is a “Sparking” and “Clicking” Sound
Read and go over your owner’s manual for the pool heater. If the answer could not be found there, shut off your pool heater immediately, then contact a professional service company. Check to see if the gas valves show they are in the “open” position. If LP is used for the pool heater, see the gauge indicator on the tank.
The Heater Leaks Water
Leaking can be caused by the heat exhanger of your pool heater due to sanitizer or chemical damage. This damage can be created by various reasons- winter freeze, which causes leaking right on the spring start-up, or the rear header. A gasket leak can also be the culprit, or a pressure switch that has a loose connection.
The Heaters Leak But Only During A Lit Burner
This problem can be due to condensation, which happens when trying to heat very cold water. It can also be caused by a damaged or missing internal bypass located in the foremost header. Excess water may also flow from the heater through an oversized pump. Inspect your heat exchanger for signs of sooting, and verify that your internal bypass is functioning properly. You may install an external bypass pool heater if the problem becomes significant, and if you want to stop the water flowing to the heater.
Heater Top Is Black and Emitting Black Smoke
It can be due to an inadequate air supply, venting, or a low gas pressure. Brush up on the installation requirements as indicated on the owner’s manual. They can be assessed by a service technician as well. Sooting can be a major problem and can lead to safety hazards and other significant problems.
The Heater is Damaged By Excessive Heat
A combination of possible factors can lead to this issue: air supply, venting, down-drafting or a low gas pressure. A tall wind stack is required for some pool heaters if they are installed in a windy area or near vertical walls. The pool heater must be properly installed with a wide clearance all around. A pool heater can inadvertently cause fire to adjacent structures, and they should not be installed near windows, where deadly carbon monoxide emitted can be drawn to the house.
Rust Returns to the Pool
Chemical imbalance and sanitizers are the usual culprits as they can degrade the heater component’s coatings, creating rust. Cast iron headers normally go first. Check for rust and replace damaged components, then re-balance chemicals after. Ensure that chemical feeders are set in place subsequently, and put a check valve in-between the two in order to prevent highly-chlorinated water from backflowing to your pool heater.
A Whistling Noise Emanates from the Heater
Low gas pressure causes whistling from your pool heater’s burners. Check the Owner’s Guide for more information, or call your installer for service.
Do Hayman Heaters Need A Fireman’s Switch or Heat Sinks?
No, as Hayward heaters are able to immediately cool down after shutting off. Nevertheless, it is always good to shut your pool heater off first before turning the pool pump off.
What Should the Pool Heater be Installed On?
According to safety precautions, all pool heating equipment must be placed on a non-flammable material, like concrete. Any structures placed on top of it is forbidden. It the pool heater is installed outdoors, clearance of obstructions should be at least 4 feet from all directions. Check the owner’s manual for specific guidelines and clearance area in all sides for your pool heater.
Can I Install Hayward Heaters Indoors?
Yes, but specific installation conditions still apply. Consult and read your owner’s manual for a comprehensive instruction on how to do it. Indoor pool heaters need to be vented to an external area in a specific method, and it should have sufficient influent air for proper combustion. Pool heaters that are not properly installed can cause fatalities from gas explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.
How Much Gas Do Pool Heaters Use?
Typically, propane heaters consume a gallon of fuel each hour for every 91,000 BTU of your pool heater’s input. An example would be, for 250,000 BTU units, a computation of 250,000 over 91,000, or roughly 2.75 gallons of gas an hour. Natural gas heaters utilize one therm or 100,000 BTU for every 100,000 BTU heater size. Gas bills usually come in therm units.
How Do I Save On Heating Costs?
- Buy pool heater models that have energy-efficient features.
- Make use of automatic covers or a solar pool overlay when the pool is not being used.
- Set the temperature to the lowest and the most comfortable position.
- Wind can instantly rob the pool of valuable heat. Putting up shrubbery or fences can reduce wind factor and keep the pool heat on for longer.
Other Ways to Save on Pool Heating by Teledyne Laars/ Jandy
- Put in a thermostat for your pool. This device will accurately pinpoint which temperature is the coziest for you.
- Put the thermostat in the most economical setting but still make it so that you are comfortable. Each unnecessary degree will add up to more energy usage and translate to a higher monthly fuel cost.
- Set the thermostat to about 70 degrees when the pool is not to be used for approximately 3 to 4 days. You can shut the pool heater completely if it will not be used for longer. This way, you can save valuable energy and fuel consumption each month.
- Protect the pool from wind, as wind that are 3 to 5 miles above per hour can change the pool’s temperature in a drastic and sudden manner. Install a fence, a hedge or cabana as an effective windbreak.
- Always cover your pool when your are not using it. Doing this will reduce heat dissipation by about 50% percent. If you have a vacation lined up for a few weeks, or if you are preparing for winter, remember to turn of the heater completely, including all pilot lights.
- Drain your heater before the onset of freezing weather. This can prevent freezing water entering the pool heater and save you from spending money on costly repairs.
Remember to have your pool heater checked annually for maintenance reasons as it is the best way to keep your pool heater in tip-top shape. Call or contact your dealer and ask for a skilled and professional technician for the best results. This is the most cost-efficient way to make sure your pool heater will be in service for a good many number of years. Keep it dry and as clean as possible. Opting for a winter pool cover is another great way to keep the elements away from your investment.