Gas Pool Heater Troubleshooting
If you want to extend your summer pool season into fall, or open it a bit earlier in spring, you can if you have a gas pool heater. But what do you do when it breaks? There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the situation before calling a professional.
Common Gas Heater Issues
Here are some of the most common issues when it comes to gas pool heaters.
Pilot Won't Light: In this case, the gas pressure could be low, the heater may not be venting correctly, or the air supply may be off. Check and adjust the gas pressure, and take a look at your vents to see if there are any blockages. Remove the blockage and light the pilot again to see if that fixed the problem.
Heater Won't Ignite: Again, check the pilot light to ensure it is lit, then check that the heater is on. You also want to make sure the gas supply valve is ON. Lastly, make sure the thermostat is at a temperature that is higher than the water's.
Heater Will Not Get to the Desired Temperature: Your thermostat could be set too low, or your heater may be too small for your pool's size. Alternatively, you may not have the proper supply of gas going to the heater. Or, the high limit switch may be faulty, signaling your gas pool heater to turn off before it's done its job of heating to the desired temp. If you are running the heater and it's simply too cold outside, your heater won't reach the temps you want, and you'll have to wait till it's warmer out to try again.
Heater Cycles on and Off: Spurred by a water flow issue, this is usually due to a dirty filter, closed valve, reversed water connections, or even the thermostat itself (you may have to replace it).
Heater is Leaking: Your pool chemicals can do a number on the heat exchanger, but this could also be happening due to low winter temperatures. You may have to replace the exchanger, or fix a loose connection or leaky gasket.
Heater Leaks When Burner is On: Condensation build-up could be to blame, but it could also be due to a damaged internal bypass. Too much water flow could also be the culprit.
Heater is Black on Top or Emitting Dark Exhaust: This means there is a buildup of too much heat when the heater is running. Check the gas pressure to ensure there is enough air supply and venting.
Heater is Rusted: Pool chemicals also corrode your heater. Replace corroded parts and balance your pool water to avoid future incidents of rusting.
If none of these troubleshooting tasks works, or if you don't want to deal with gas because it makes you uncomfortable, call the pros at Central Jersey Pools. We can get to the bottom of it!