Your swimming pool should be a place of comfort and enjoyment year-round—especially when you’ve invested in a heater to extend the swim season. Whether you’re managing a commercial pool or maintaining a backyard oasis in Greenville, SC, the pool heater plays a key role in keeping your water warm and inviting during the cooler months. But, like any piece of equipment, it can run into issues over time, and you will need a pool heater repair.
If your water is unexpectedly chilly or your heater seems to be working harder than usual with minimal results, it’s time to investigate. In this article, we’ll walk through the most common signs that your pool heater needs repair or replacement, share helpful pool maintenance tips to keep your whole system in good shape, and show you how our Greenville-based pool service company can help keep things running smoothly.
Signs You May Need A Pool Heater Repair
1. Water Isn’t Heating Properly
The most obvious sign of a malfunctioning pool heater is that the water simply isn’t getting warm. If your pool is staying cold despite the heater being on, something isn’t working as it should. This could be due to:
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A faulty thermostat
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Blocked burners or heat exchangers
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Electrical problems
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Low gas pressure or a malfunctioning pilot light
Sometimes the issue is as simple as a setting adjustment. But if you’re cranking up the temperature and nothing’s happening, it’s time to call a professional.
2. Inconsistent Water Temperature
One day your pool is comfortably warm, and the next it’s back to freezing—that’s a red flag. Fluctuating water temperature may point to a failing thermostat, dirty filter, or issues with the heater’s internal sensors. A pool heater that’s cycling on and off unpredictably could also be a sign of clogged components or poor water flow.
3. Strange Noises Coming From the Heater
Pool heaters should run quietly in the background. If you start to hear banging, rattling, hissing, or grinding noises, there could be a mechanical problem inside. Mineral deposits or debris buildup in the heat exchanger can cause a noisy operation and eventually damage internal components if left unchecked.
4. Error Codes on Digital Displays
Many modern pool heaters have display panels that flash error codes when something isn’t working correctly. These codes are your heater’s way of telling you that something’s wrong—whether it’s a flow issue, a flame sensor problem, or a system lockout. A technician can diagnose the exact code and get your heater back up and running.
5. Low Water Flow
Pool heaters rely on proper water circulation to operate. If the water flow is too low, the heater may not turn on at all or may shut off shortly after it starts. Causes for low water flow can include:
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Dirty or clogged pool filters
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Closed valves or obstructed plumbing
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Air trapped in the system
Any of these problems can prevent your heater from doing its job and should be addressed quickly to avoid further damage.
6. Pool Heater Turns Off Unexpectedly
Is your heater starting up and then shutting down for no apparent reason? That could signal overheating, a dirty filter, a faulty pressure switch, or another mechanical issue. Pool heaters have built-in safety shut-offs to prevent damage, so when the system detects a fault, it may turn itself off. If this keeps happening, don’t ignore it—have it inspected before a minor issue becomes a major repair.
7. Rising Utility Bills
If your energy bills are unusually high, your pool heater could be operating inefficiently. Sediment or scale buildup inside the heater can force it to work harder, drawing more power or fuel than normal. Not only does this increase your operating costs, but it also shortens the lifespan of your heater.
Pool Maintenance Tips to Avoid Costly Repairs
Catching heater problems early is important, but prevention is even better. Routine pool maintenance can extend the life of your equipment, prevent major repairs, and keep your water sparkling clean. Here are some expert tips to keep your pool in great shape:
1. Clean Filters Regularly
Dirty filters reduce water circulation, which can cause your pool heater to shut off or overheat. Backwash your filter regularly and replace cartridge filters as needed. Clean filters help maintain good flow, which is essential for your heater and other equipment to function properly.
2. Keep the Water Chemistry Balanced
Unbalanced water can damage your heater, corrode internal components, and encourage scale buildup. Regularly test your pool’s pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and sanitizer levels to keep everything in check. Aim for:
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pH: 7.2–7.6
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Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
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Calcium hardness: 200–400 ppm
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Chlorine: 1–3 ppm
If you’re unsure, your local Greenville pool service team can test and adjust your chemistry for you.
3. Schedule Seasonal Inspections
Have your pool equipment inspected by a professional at least once a year—ideally in the spring or fall. An experienced technician can catch small problems before they turn into big ones, from leaky valves to heater inefficiencies.
4. Keep Debris Out of the Pool
Leaves, insects, and other debris not only dirty your pool but can clog filters and strain the circulation system. Use a skimmer regularly and invest in a quality pool cover to keep contaminants out when the pool’s not in use.
5. Run the Pump for the Right Amount of Time
Your pump helps circulate chemicals and keeps your pool clean and heated. Running it too little can lead to poor water quality and low heater efficiency, while running it too much wastes energy. As a general rule, aim for one full turnover of the water per day, which usually means running the pump 8–12 hours.
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Pool Heater Repairs or Replacement
A small pool heater problem might seem easy to ignore—until you’re left with a freezing pool and costly pool heater repairs. Delaying service can cause:
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Premature heater failure
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Higher energy costs
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Longer downtimes for your pool
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Unsafe swimming conditions
A properly working heater not only makes swimming more comfortable but also supports proper chemical function, especially during the colder months. If you’re a commercial property manager, this is especially important—pool closures due to maintenance issues can cost you customers and violate health regulations. But, you may be wondering who to call for pool heater repair near me?
Southeast Pools for Pool Heater Repairs & Pool Maintenance in Greenville, SC
At Southeast Pools, we’ve been helping homeowners and commercial property managers in Greenville keep their pools running perfectly for over 25 years. Whether you need a pool heater repair, have poor water circulation, or just want to stay on top of regular maintenance, our experienced team is here to help. We will diagnose the pool heater and either suggest a repair or pool heater replacement.
We specialize in:
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Seasonal maintenance and tune-ups
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Pool cleaning and water chemistry balancing
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Pump and filter inspections
Don’t wait for your pool to get cold and cloudy. Let us diagnose your pool heater issues, restore your comfort, and keep your pool ready for enjoyment all season long.
Ready to schedule your service?
Contact Southeast Pools today to book your residential or commercial pool maintenance appointment in Greenville. We’ll make sure your pool heater repair or replacement is done right—and the rest of your system—is working just the way it should. Call us or request your appointment online now!
