Who to Call to Fix a Pool Heater
You shouldn’t have to take a polar bear plunge in your own pool
Diving into your pool only to discover the heater is on the fritz can be a real wake-up call. To fix a pool heater that just isn’t heating, you’ll want to hire a pool electrician. Most pool service companies will have an in-house pool electrician who specializes in this kind of work, so you can get back to your backstroke in comfort.
Benefits of Hiring a Pool Electrician to Fix Your Pool Heater
Bringing in a pool electrician when your pool is unexpectedly colder than it’s supposed to be has several upsides, including:
Specialized Training
Pools have complex electrical systems to keep the pump, filter, heater, and lighting running properly, so it’s best to hire a local pool heater pro who specializes in electrical work for pools. They’ll have the necessary expertise to troubleshoot the pool heater problem and make any necessary repairs or replacements.
There are a number of different types of pool heaters, and each one requires specialized training and skills for proper servicing. A pool electrician has experience working on each type and can get your heater up and running correctly.
Safety and Code Adherence
Electrical work is highly regulated, and for good reason. Safety concerns when working with electrical systems can be serious, and that applies even more when all of those components are surrounded by water. A pool electrician will ensure that their work abides by all local codes and is completed safely.
Warrantied Work
Many pool electricians will warranty their work, so if the heater starts having trouble again, you’re covered. Having the peace of mind that a licensed pro can come fix the problem is a great reason to hire a pool electrician.
Can I DIY Pool Heater Repair?
Handy homeowners may be tempted to try to fix a broken pool heater themselves to save on pool heater repair costs. Some smaller heater issues—like a clogged filter, closed valves, or an extinguished pilot light—can be remedied without calling in a pro. But issues like faulty or worn-out components, damaged wiring, or leaks are best handled by someone with extensive training and experience working with pool electrical systems.
Safety is one big reason to hire a pool electrician rather than attempting to DIY. Electrical systems can be complex and may pose serious safety risks when you’re attempting to work on them. A pro will be able to fix or replace parts safely so you won’t need to take the risk.
DIY repair may also damage your pool’s electrical system, causing you to have to replace your heater and leading to expensive pool heater installation costs. A pool electrician will be able to repair your pool heater correctly without taking the chance of damaging the heater or the rest of the electrical system.
Can I Hire an Electrical Contractor to Fix My Pool Heater?
Depending on the type of repair, you may be able to hire an electrician or electrical contractor to do the work. But keep in mind that they may not have experience working on pools and their components. You’re likely better off looking for a pool electrician who works with pool heaters on a regular basis and is familiar with how they work and how to fix them.
How Do Pool Electricians Fix a Pool Heater?
When you hire a pool electrician to fix your pool heater, they’ll likely take the following steps:
Ask you to describe the problem and collect information about what you’re experiencing.
Troubleshoot and identify the problem.
Determine whether your heater needs to be repaired or replaced.
Provide you with a quote for the work that needs to be done.
Repair or replace the heater.
Test the heater to ensure it’s working correctly.
Provide you with any instructions for keeping your heater in good condition and what to do if you run into any trouble with it down the road.