During the summer months, often nothing looks more enticing than a cool, comfortable swimming pool on a hot day, especially in the Decatur area.

However, if the temperature is too low or too high, a pool can quickly become uncomfortable, or an electrical hazard can cause issues. You’ll want to keep temperatures between 78 and 86 degrees, in general, for the safety of those using it.

Temperatures outside of this range can cause health issues and discomfort. Pools typically use heat pumps or gas heaters for temperature regulation, though solar heaters also exist. Here’s a quick way to troubleshoot your heater.

Check the Simple Things First

Sometimes, a pool doesn’t heat up sufficiently for health and comfort or doesn’t heat up at all. The heater may switch off before the pool reaches the right temperature.

Dirty filters are a common problem in pools, but did you know they can cause your pool heater not to turn on long enough to sufficiently heat your water?

Many pool heaters are designed to shut off when the water pressure is low, so that they do not waste energy. This feature, however, can trigger when a pool filter is so dirty that it makes the heater think the pressure is too low to stay on for long. Clean the filter first before trying anything else.

Check the thermostat as well and adjust if necessary. Sometimes, all that’s needed is to set the heat to run for a longer period. Thermostats can be finicky, so you may need to set it to a higher temperature to get your heater to run, depending on the weather.

Don’t forget to check the power source and ensure everything is plugged in and working properly. If you suspect an electrical issue, call a professional right away, as this is too dangerous for a layperson to attempt a repair.

Using a solar cover can also help your pool’s heat pump keep up, especially if the outside temperature is too low.

Check the Heater Itself

Whether or not you have a gas heater or a pump, mechanical issues can occur. Look to this after ruling out the simpler explanations and call a professional.

Pool heaters can have the same issues as HVAC systems, as they make use of many of the same types of parts such as pilot lights and heat exchangers.

Parts can wear out and cause excessive noise and may need replacement. Electrical issues can plague heat pumps, and gas heaters can have issues with the pilot light failing to stay on. Pool chemicals can also do damage to a gas heater’s exchanger, which is necessary for safety and to heat your pool effectively.

It’s also possible your heat pump isn’t strong enough to heat your pool, leading to the need for an upgrade or for more power to be supplied. Again, this is a job best left to a professional. Also be sure to check the plumbing valves, ensuring that they’re allowing enough water though and in the right direction.

Contact Us Today

Here at Southeastern Mechanical Services in Decatur, AL, we’re here to help you with your heating and cooling needs. Be sure to contact us today with any questions you may have.