Troubleshooting Options to Try if Your Pool Heater Will Not Turn On
When you’ve been looking forward to a pleasant swim in a warm pool, finding out that your pool heater won’t turn on might be a shock and a disappointment. Most people’s troubleshooting skills are limited to double-checking that the pool heater is plugged in if it’s an electric heater or that there’s fuel in the tank if it’s a gas heater. These basic recommendations, on the other hand, can help you improve your troubleshooting skills.
Examine the filter
A dirty swimming pool filter is the most typical cause of swimming pool heaters refusing to start up. A clogged filter or pump basket can obstruct water flow to the point that the heater can’t function. Fortunately, this is a simple fix; all you have to do is remove the filter and clean it, then double-check that all the valves are open.
Make sure the safety switches are turned on
If the filter isn’t the issue, a faulty safety switch is the next most likely reason of your pool heater malfunction. A fundamental circuit known as the control loop is used to set up pool heaters. For the heater to turn on and generate heat, each of the safety switches in this circuit must be turned on. To find these switches, you’ll probably need to review your pool heater’s manual.
The pressure switch is the initial switch in the loop, and it controls the flow of water entering the unit. You can use a power meter or a multi-meter to check for voltage to determine if the switch is working properly. You can also use a jumper wire to make excellent contact with both terminals on the pressure switch to temporarily bypass it. If the problem is with the switch, bypassing it should allow your heater to turn on.
If the pressure switch isn’t the issue (or isn’t the entire issue), you’ll need to go through the rest of the control loop, testing the high limit switches, thermostat switch, and fusible link (on a gas heater).
Call us for help
If you’re not confident in your ability to troubleshoot your pool equipment, you can contact The Stanley Louis Company at any time for assistance in determining why your pool heater isn’t working. We work on all types of gas and electric pool heaters, and you can count on us to complete the job correctly the first time at a reasonable fee. We even offer solar water heater support.
We have a highly skilled pool heater repair professional available to assist you with all of your needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please contact us at 800-217-6527 to make a service request.
