Heater Not Working? Try This First
Step 1: Check Power & Settings
It may sound obvious, but even the best systems can get out of sync.
- Confirm the heater is powered on—check for display lights or error codes.
- Review your automation or control panel settings to ensure the heat mode is active.
- Verify the temperature is set higher than your current water temperature. If not, the heater won’t engage.
If you have a smart system or pool automation panel, check that schedules or freeze protection settings haven’t overridden the heater.
Step 2: Inspect Water Flow
Most pool heaters have built-in safety features that prevent them from turning on without proper flow.
- Make sure your pump is running and your filter isn’t clogged.
- Check for air in the system—if your pump is gurgling or not fully primed, your heater won’t engage.
- Clean your skimmer and pump baskets to ensure unrestricted circulation.
Restricted flow is one of the most common reasons a heater won’t fire.
Step 3: Examine the Heater Display
Modern heaters often communicate the problem:
- Low Flow or No Flow: Often tied to clogged filters or air leaks.
- Sensor Errors or High Limit Faults: May indicate an internal component issue.
- Ignition Failure or No Flame: Common in gas heaters with dirty burners or pilot issues.
Take note of any error codes—you’ll need them if you contact a service technician.
Step 4: Check for Obstructions or External Factors
- Gas Heaters: Make sure your gas supply is on, and check for blockages in the burner area.
- Electric Heaters & Heat Pumps: Confirm breaker settings and inspect for tripped GFCI outlets.
- Heat Pumps: These depend on air temperature—if it’s too cold outside, the unit may not operate effectively.
Still No Heat? We’re Ready to Help.
If you’ve walked through these steps and your heater still isn’t working, don’t risk costly trial-and-error fixes. Heritage Pools brings 20+ years of expert diagnostics and repair for:
- Gas, electric, and hybrid heating systems
- Automation integration and firmware updates
- Heat pump diagnostics and refrigerant checks
- Sensor, igniter, and valve replacements
- Concrete, Fiberglass, and I-Beam pool compatibility
Whether it’s a worn component or an installation issue, we’ll find it—and fix it.
