Pool Heater Maintenance 101

A reliable pool heater ensures you can enjoy warm water anytime—early mornings, late evenings, or the cooler shoulder seasons. Whether you're using a gas, electric heat pump, or solar heater, this pool heater maintenance guide covers everything: setup, routine care, and troubleshooting strategies.

Know Your Heater Type

Different pool heaters require different care routines:

Propane or Natural Gas Heaters: Use a gas burner to warm water quickly.
Tip: Clear the burner chamber of debris and check the venting system monthly to avoid carbon buildup and ensure safe operation.

Heat Pumps (Electric): Draw heat from the air and transfer it to your pool. Most efficient in temperatures above 50 °F.
Tip: Keep airflow clear—trim back foliage, clean fins, and avoid obstruction.

Solar Heaters: Circulate water through roof or ground-mounted collector panels heated by sunlight.
Tip: Check for leaks, keep panels clean, and verify valves are set correctly each season.

Why Heater Maintenance Matters

Proper pool heater care leads to:

Reliable, energy-efficient heating

Extended equipment life

Lower energy costs

Safer operation — especially for gas units

Essential Maintenance Tasks

Monthly (All Heater Types):

Clear debris—grass, leaves, dust—from around the unit.

Check for leaks, corrosion, and unusual noises.

Every Few Months:

Gas Heaters: Inspect the burner and pilot assembly, clean any soot, and verify the gas pressure.

Heat Pumps: Wash condenser fins with a gentle hose (no pressure washer!), and ensure filters are clear.

Solar Heaters: Inspect plumbing fittings and seals, and clean surfaces if dusty or grimy.

Annually:

Have a certified technician inspect gas appliances, test pressure, combustion, and seals.

For electric and solar units, check refrigerant levels and inspect all electrical connections and valves.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

No Heat or Weak Heating:
- Gas heaters: Pilot or igniter issues—clean or replace.
- Heat pumps: Low refrigerant or blocked fins—clean and recharge.

Unit Cycling On and Off Frequently: Could be thermostat, pressure switch, or sensor problems—check settings or call tech support.

Strange Noises: Hissing, rattling, or banging demands inspection. Could signal airflow problems, loose parts, or combustion issues.

Leaks: Identify and replace damaged connections or seals.

Seasonal Maintenance Calendar

Season	What to Do
Spring	Remove winter covers, clean the unit, verify all valves and connections.
Summer	Keep airflow clear, monitor temps, consider shade or cover in extreme heat.
Fall	Flush water, clean heat exchanger, test heating before cold sets in.
Winter	In freeze-prone areas: drain water lines, drain the heater, follow manual.

Final Thoughts

A bit of regular pool heater maintenance goes a long way: keeping components clean, checking systems regularly, and addressing issues quickly can boost efficiency, extend your heater’s lifespan, and reduce energy costs.

In The Swim makes every effort to provide accurate recommendations based upon current ANSI/APSP/ICC-5 2011 (R2022) standards, but codes and regulations change, and In The Swim assumes no liability for any omissions or errors in this article or the outcome of any project. You must always exercise reasonable caution, carefully read the label on all products, follow all product directions, follow any current codes and regulations that may apply, and consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. In The Swim assumes no legal responsibility for your reliance or interpretation of the data contained herein, and makes no representations or warranties of any kind concerning the quality, safety, or suitability of the information, whether express or implied, including, without limitation, any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.