San Diego has a more pleasant climate compared to other places in the country. Winters can still get pretty cold here, but it’s nothing a good old pool heater can’t fix. If you want to swim year-round, make sure to keep your heater in excellent condition. Heaters are among the most vulnerable attachments to your pool, after all. We’ve compiled some useful information that you can use that may help you spot problems early on.
What Can Cause Heater Problems?
Pool heaters are designed to be sturdy, and most will last you a long time with proper care. However, several factors can cause heater problems that can lead to malfunctions. Some of the most notable ones include:
· Corrosion
Many of your heater’s parts are made out of metal. This means that these metallic parts are prone to corrosion and rust. If left unchecked, corrosion will eventually weaken the integrity of these parts and lead to malfunctions. Take note that many heaters have built-in protection mechanisms against rust and corrosion. However, these don’t last forever.
· Dirty filters
Your pool heater is highly dependent on water flow — an inadequate flow can cause inadequate heating. If this goes on for too long, especially if filters are blocked, your heaters are at risk. Be sure to clean out your filters regularly to prevent this from happening.
· Energy source problems
Heaters rely on an energy source to heat water, with the most common one being gas. If the energy source has a problem, then your heater won’t work. Check the energy supply, whether this is a solar, gas, or electricity line, to see if this is the cause of the problem.
· Wear-and-tear
The heater is possibly the most fragile component of your pool. It’s very prone to damage caused by wear-and-tear, so always be aware of how the heater is doing. This is especially the case for older water heaters — most models last about 10 years. This means that if your heater is close to or past that age, you should take extra precautions.
· Improper water chemistry
The type of water you have in your pool can significantly affect how long your pool heater lasts. Improper water chemistry can speed up the process of corrosion for your heaters. For example, high amounts of chlorine can remove the protective coats on the heater. As such, you should always be aware of how the water in the pool is composed. If you have doubts, then ask a professional.
You should be aware of all these issues if you want your heaters to last. This is to prevent other consequences that can cause you problems. Pool heater problems don’t just affect your pool water, so make sure issues are kept at a minimum.
What’s the Problem with Malfunctioning Heaters?
Are your heaters malfunctioning? Of course, the most obvious consequence would be your heater being unable to heat your pool. There are other things you should worry about if your heater malfunctions — mostly safety issues.
Your heater doesn’t just stop working if there are problems. It may continue to work incorrectly, which poses a threat to you, your home, and your family. Pool heater repair is necessary for you to maximize safety.
Signs That Your Pool Heater Needs Repair
What are the signs of a malfunctioning pool heater? Be on the lookout for the following, as these can indicate that pool heater repair is needed:
1. Inconsistent heating
Does the water temperature fluctuate even if you don’t change the thermostat on the heater? If it does, then there may be a problem with the heating cycles. Several factors can cause this, and may be a sign that pool heater repair is necessary.
2. Thermostat malfunctions
Your heater’s thermostat is designed to be accurate. Always check if the temperature settings match the water temperature of your pool. If not, then the thermostat may be having issues.
3. Strange noises
All pool heaters make some form of noise, something you should already be used to whenever it’s on. The moment you notice changes in the noise that the heater generates, you may want to start investigating.
If you’re not aware of the normal noise that your heater makes, watch out for banging and whistling sounds. These can be indications that the heater is not working properly.
4. Sudden shutdowns
This is probably the most annoying sign that you watch out for. Simply put, the heater just stops working altogether, although frequent shutdowns can also happen.
5. Smoke and burnt smells
You probably don’t need to be that smoke coming out of your heater is a bad thing. Watch out for this, and any burnt smells — sure indicators that pool heater repair is needed.
Pool Heater Repair Can Keep Your Pool Safe This Winter
We’ve highlighted the importance of keeping your pool heaters in excellent condition. Only go for a trusted company since your safety is at stake, and don’t just trust anyone you find. Luckily, you have Cherry Pool Services to help you in San Diego. Learn more about our services here or call us at 858-999-1004 for more information.
