Every pool owner dreams of long summer days where they can spend all day in the water, relaxing and playing with friends and family. That dream could turn into a nightmare if you end up with cold water at the worst possible time – say, during your neighborhood’s big annual pool party!
Luckily, there are many things you can do to keep your pool heater running smoothly so that you never have to worry about any of this happening to you. Here are 8 tips on how to keep your pool heaters functioning properly all year long.
Fix Broken Circuits
A pool heater circuit is an electrical outlet on your home that supplies power to your swimming pool. If a short circuit develops, repairs will be required; these types of problems should always be handled by a qualified professional because they can present an electrocution risk if not handled correctly.
The voltage found in pool heaters ranges from 115 volts to 230 volts depending on how efficient they are. In addition, there’s also a wide range of amperage and wattage among pool heaters. Common circuit ratings range from 40-amp 240-volt circuits up to 80-amp 208/240-volt circuits. Most circuits supply 50–60 amps and around 7500 watts of energy.
Drain and Descale Pipes
Pipes have a nasty habit of getting clogged up with calcium and mineral deposits. If you don’t get rid of these, they can cause all sorts of problems including leaking and decreased efficiency. To avoid that fate, be sure to pour hot vinegar down your drain lines on a regular basis (once a month should do it).
Consider having your pool pipes professionally cleaned once per year—you can usually find pool companies who will do it for around $100 in most areas. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for leaks in your pipes; if you find one, call a pro immediately! This can cause significant damage to your heating system over time and is really more trouble than it’s worth trying to fix yourself.
Replace Old Heat Filters
Just like with air filters in your house, a clogged or dirty heat filter can drastically reduce your pool heater’s energy efficiency. Make sure you replace your old filters regularly and avoid blocking grates—and that you don’t allow debris to build up near heaters or on any part of your pool.
This is one of those cases where attention to detail is critical for getting maximum efficiency from your equipment. If you own an in-ground pool, a solar cover is also a great way to insulate heaters from colder air.
Monitor Pool Water Temperature Regularly
The water temperature in your pool can be easily monitored using an inexpensive pool thermometer, which you can hang on a ladder or fence to keep track of daily changes. The normal range for swimming pools is anywhere from 78 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, with warmer temperatures in use during summer months and cooler ones during winter months.
Ideally, you’ll want to make sure that it never dips below 70 degrees or exceeds 90 degrees, since bacteria can thrive in both extremes and cause health problems among swimmers. If your heater is getting old and maintaining your pool water at optimal levels isn’t working as well as it should be, consider upgrading to a more efficient model—or even trying something different such as solar heating.
Pay Attention To Leaks And Chemicals
Is your pool heating up? If so, you’re not alone. Over half of all pools are heated in an effort to extend swim season or provide a more comfortable swimming experience. But keeping your pool heater running at its best can be tricky business; it requires vigilance, maintenance and care. Consider these eight tips for maintaining your pool heaters and avoid big headaches down the road.
Check Electrical Connections, Wiring, And Switches
If your pool heater is not heating up, it could be for a number of reasons. One thing you can check first is if all of your wiring and switches are properly connected. If any of these connections have come loose or disconnected from where they should be, you’ll want to get them fixed as soon as possible so that nothing worse happens.
If a connection comes loose while there’s still energy running through it, it could result in a fire or electrocution. A licensed electrician will know how to test your wiring and make sure everything is functioning properly.
Prevent Frozen Pipes By Using Alternative Heating Sources
During cold winter months, no matter how well you heat your home, it’s still possible for pipes to freeze. The easiest way to prevent frozen pipes is to use alternative heating sources for critical areas like bathrooms and crawl spaces.
The easiest method of doing so is by using portable electric heaters plugged into nearby outlets—you can get small space heaters at almost any department store. Some people may choose more advanced solutions like circulating hot water through their pipes or setting up a furnace in their basement (in some parts of the country, these measures might not be necessary). Before committing to one of these more advanced methods, it’s best to consult with a plumber or hire a professional HVAC technician.
Use Safety Goggles While Cleaning The Heater
It’s best to have a pool vacuum on hand for clearing away leaves and other debris from your pool’s heater. But if you don’t have one, it can be tempting to clean off debris with your hands—especially when your swimming pool is freezing cold.
It’s always a good idea to use safety goggles when cleaning any part of your heating system; bits of dirt or leaves could get into your eyes during that time, which could cause serious injury or infection.
Conclusion
While pool heating can be expensive, it is far less expensive than dealing with a frozen pool. A bit of upkeep will go a long way to ensure that your swimming season is never in danger due to rising temperatures or unexpected storms. If you have any questions about maintaining your pool heater, contact us today. We’re here to help!