A broken pool heater doesn’t just ruin your swim plans—it can signal serious equipment problems that worsen with time. Whether your pool heater not working at all or barely heating water, fast professional diagnosis prevents minor issues from becoming expensive replacements.
Firefighter Pools specializes in rapid pool heater repair near me throughout the Austin area. Our certified technicians diagnose heater problems in minutes and repair most issues same-day. We service all heater types—gas, electric, solar, and hybrid systems—with parts and expertise to get your water warm again fast.
Common Pool Heater Problems & Symptoms
When you need pool heater repair, you’ll typically notice one of these issues:
Heater Won’t Turn On
No power, no ignition, no response when you adjust the thermostat. This indicates electrical problems, gas supply issues, or failed control boards.
Heater Runs But Doesn’t Heat
Equipment operates normally but water temperature doesn’t rise. Usually caused by thermostat failure, low gas pressure, or damaged heating elements.
Weak or Slow Heating
Heater works but takes hours longer than normal to reach temperature. Points to clogged heat exchangers, low water flow, or undersized equipment.
Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
Gas heaters that repeatedly lose pilot flame have thermocouple problems, gas valve issues, or ventilation blockages.
Strange Noises
Grinding, squealing, or rumbling sounds indicate pump cavitation, scale buildup in heat exchangers, or failing components.
Water Leaking
Leaks around heater housing suggest cracked heat exchangers, failed seals, or loose connections—all requiring immediate attention.
Error Codes or Warning Lights
Modern heaters display diagnostic codes when problems occur. Professional interpretation prevents misdiagnosis.
Gas Smell
Any gas odor near your heater requires immediate shutdown and professional service. This is a safety emergency.
Pool Heater Troubleshooting: DIY Checks Before Calling
Before scheduling pool heater repair near me, try these basic pool heater troubleshooting steps:
1. Check Power Supply
Verify heater is plugged in (electric models) or circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Reset breaker if needed and test again.
2. Verify Thermostat Setting
Ensure temperature dial is set at least 5 degrees above current water temperature. Some heaters won’t activate if the difference is too small.
3. Inspect Filter Pressure
Clogged filters reduce water flow, preventing heaters from operating. Check pressure gauge—if above 25 psi, backwash or clean filter.
4. Check Gas Valve (Gas Heaters)
Confirm gas supply valve is fully open. If you have other gas appliances, verify they’re working to rule out supply issues.
5. Look for Visible Leaks
Walk around heater looking for water puddles or drips. Leaks indicate internal damage requiring professional repair.
6. Listen for Unusual Sounds
Turn heater on and listen carefully. Grinding, squealing, or rattling suggests mechanical problems.
7. Check for Error Codes
If your heater has a digital display, note any error codes. Look them up in your owner’s manual or write them down for your technician.
If these steps don’t resolve the issue or you’re uncomfortable working with gas/electrical systems, professional pool heater repair near me is necessary.
When to Call for Professional Pool Heater Repair
Don’t attempt DIY pool heater repair in these situations:
Safety Concerns
Gas leaks, electrical sparking, or burning smells require immediate professional attention. Shut down equipment and call for emergency service.
Warranty Coverage
DIY repairs void most warranties. If your heater is under warranty, professional service protects your coverage.
Persistent Problems
If basic troubleshooting doesn’t fix the issue, deeper problems exist. Continued operation may cause additional damage.
Complex Systems
Modern heaters have sophisticated controls, sensors, and safety systems. Proper diagnosis requires professional equipment and training.
Age-Related Failures
Heaters older than 8-10 years often need multiple component replacements. Professional assessment determines if repair or replacement makes financial sense.
Pool Heater Repair Near Me: What We Fix
Firefighter Pools handles all pool heater repair Austin needs:
Gas Heater Repairs
We service natural gas and propane heaters from all major brands. Common repairs include thermocouple replacement, gas valve service, heat exchanger cleaning, ignition system repair, and pilot assembly replacement.
Electric Heat Pump Repairs
Heat pumps are energy-efficient but have unique components. We repair compressors, refrigerant leaks, fan motors, control boards, and defrost systems.
Solar Heater Repairs
Solar systems require specialized knowledge. We repair panel leaks, valve failures, controller issues, and circulation problems.
Hybrid System Repairs
Combination systems using multiple heating methods need technicians who understand both gas and electric components.
Common Pool Heater Repair Services
Thermostat Replacement
Faulty thermostats cause inaccurate temperature readings and prevent heaters from activating. We test and replace failed units.
Heat Exchanger Cleaning
Scale buildup reduces heating efficiency and can crack exchangers. We chemically clean or replace damaged units.
Ignition System Repair
Electronic ignition systems fail over time. We repair or replace igniters, control modules, and flame sensors.
Gas Valve Service
Stuck or failed gas valves prevent proper fuel delivery. We clean, adjust, or replace valves as needed.
Pressure Switch Replacement
These safety devices shut down heaters when water flow is insufficient. Failed switches prevent operation even when flow is normal.
Control Board Repair
Circuit boards manage all heater functions. We diagnose electrical problems and replace failed boards.
Seal and Gasket Replacement
Leaking seals cause water damage and efficiency loss. We replace all seals during repairs.
Pump and Circulation Repairs
Heaters require proper water flow. We repair or replace circulation pumps that affect heater performance.
Pool Heater Repair vs. Replacement: Making the Right Choice
Not every pool heater not working situation requires replacement. Here’s how we help you decide:
Repair Makes Sense When:
· Heater is less than 8 years old
· Single component failure (thermostat, igniter, valve)
· Repair costs less than 50% of replacement
· Equipment is properly sized for your pool
· Regular maintenance has been performed
Replacement Makes Sense When:
· Heater is 10+ years old
· Multiple component failures
· Cracked heat exchanger (expensive repair)
· Repair costs exceed 50% of new equipment
· Frequent breakdowns despite repairs
· Opportunity to upgrade to more efficient model
We provide honest assessments with repair and replacement quotes so you can make informed decisions.
Why Choose Firefighter Pools for Pool Heater Repair Near Me?
When your pool heater not working, you need reliable experts who fix it right the first time:
Same-Day Service Available
We understand heater failures are urgent. Most repairs are completed same-day when you call before noon.
All Heater Types & Brands
We service Hayward, Pentair, Jandy, Raypak, Sta-Rite, and all major manufacturers. Gas, electric, solar, hybrid—we fix them all.
Certified Technicians
Our team includes licensed gas technicians and EPA-certified refrigerant handlers. We have the credentials and experience for safe, code-compliant repairs.
Fully Stocked Service Trucks
We carry common replacement parts on every truck, allowing same-day repairs without waiting for parts orders.
Transparent Pricing
You receive a detailed quote before we start work. No surprise charges. No hidden fees.
Warranty on Repairs
All labor is warranted, and we use manufacturer-approved parts with factory warranties.
Emergency Service
Heater failures during cold snaps or special events get priority scheduling. We’re available when you need us most.
Veteran-Owned & Local
As former firefighters, we bring the same urgency and professionalism to pool heater repair that we brought to emergency response.
Pool Heater Repair Near Me: Service Areas
Firefighter Pools provides pool heater repair Austin and surrounding communities:
Austin (all neighborhoods), Dripping Springs, Bee Cave, Wimberley, Lakeway, Henly, Blanco, Driftwood, Cedar Valley, Spicewood, Marble Falls, and all Hill Country areas.
Preventive Maintenance Prevents Pool Heater Repair
Most pool heater repair needs are preventable with annual maintenance:
· Clean heat exchangers to prevent scale buildup
· Test and calibrate thermostats
· Inspect and clean burners (gas heaters)
· Check refrigerant levels (heat pumps)
· Test safety systems and pressure switches
· Inspect electrical connections
· Verify proper water flow and pressure
Our annual maintenance plans keep heaters running efficiently and catch problems before they cause breakdowns.
Pool heater not working? Don’t wait—cold weather is coming.
Call Firefighter Pools now at [phone number] for same-day pool heater repair near me. We’ll diagnose the problem fast and get your water warm again.
