Pool Heater Running But Water Not Getting Warm (Solved) - Refresh Outdoors (2024)

When a pool heater is running, it is supposed to warm the water.

This is what you are going to assume is supposed to happen but sometimes that won’t be the case. You will dip your toes into the water and will realize it is still cold.

What does this mean?

This means the pool heater is running but the water is not getting warm.

If the pool heater is running but the water is not getting warm, this means the thermostat is malfunctioning or the filter needs to be cleaned. It’s also possible the pool heater is damaged and has to be replaced. To fix the issue, change the filter and then reset the pool heater.

Resetting the pool heater is a good way to test whether or not there is another issue to think about. Sometimes, the pool heater will need to be reset the right way to get it to work properly.

You do not want to overlook this when it comes to pool safety and making sure the temperature is in your control.

This article is going to show you how to fix a pool heater that is running but the water is not getting warm.

Table of Contents

How To Fix Pool Heater Running But Water Not Getting Warm

1. Clean The Filter

You will want to clean the filter.

It’s important to think about how the filter is set up and how clean it is. Sometimes, there will be debris in the filter and this is going to create serious issues about how the pool heater is going to perform.

When the water is not getting through as required, this is going to impact at various levels. It is not just about the contaminants in the water because it will also impact the pool heater’s performance.

You can do two things here.

The first is to simply replace the pool water filter. This is a good way to know it is brand-new and ready to go.

Another option is to clean the filter and remove the debris inside. This will take longer but can work depending on how much debris you are dealing with.

Pool Heater Running But Water Not Getting Warm (Solved) - Refresh Outdoors (1)

2. Check The Thermostat

The thermostat may be malfunctioning.

This means the temperature that has been set is not what you are getting with the pool water. You will want to make sure the temperature setting is accurate and in line with what you want for the water.

If the set temperature is accurate, it’s time to look at whether or not the thermostat is working properly.

it’s possible the thermostat is not relaying this message to the heater and getting it to warm the water as needed. You should take the time to check the thermostat and make sure it’s in good working condition.

3. Check For Damage To The Pool Heater

Is the pool heater fine?

It is possible the pool heater has been damaged and it needs to be repaired or replaced. You will want to address this to make sure the damage does not worsen.

This is something a person might fret about as a pool owner.

Focus on checking for damage to the pool heater and ensure you are not taking a risk with how it is being managed.

If the pool heater is damaged, this is not a good sign and it means you are going to have to swap out the pool heater.

4. Reset The Pool Heater

The last step is to reset the pool heater.

Resetting the pool heater is a good option because you will get it to start again.

This is going to let you see whether or not something happened that caused one of the internal components to malfunction.

This does happen more often than you think.

Just unplug the pool heater and let it sit for a while. Once you are done, you can then connect it again and that will reset the pool heater.

Try running in the same way and see if it works as you want it to.

Final Thoughts

It’s best to see these details when the pool heater is running but the water is not getting warm.

If the pool heater is running but the water is not getting warm, it might be due to excess debris in the pool filter. Clean the filter the right way. Additional reasons can include damage to the pool heater or a malfunctioning thermostat. It’s also possible the best option is to reset the pool heater by unplugging it.

This will help get the pool heater to work the right way.

A pool heater that does not work is not going to heat the water. This is why you have to be diligent about how you are working on this part of the pool to get it working again.

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Pool Heater Running But Water Not Getting Warm (Solved) - Refresh Outdoors (2024)

FAQs

Why is my heated pool not warm? ›

If your pool heater is running but the water is not getting warm, check your filter. If it is dirty, clean it or get a new one. Make sure that the heat exchanger, thermal regulator, pressure sensor, and limit switch are in good, clean working order.

Why is my pool heater not getting to temp? ›

Heater won't reach the desired temperature? The thermostat may be set too low. If the heat loss is greater than the heater input - the heater may be too small, outside air temperature is too low, or your heater may have an inadequate gas supply.

Why is my pool heat pump on but not heating? ›

Check that your heat pump is getting sufficient water flow.

Without constant, sufficient water flow, your heat pump cannot transfer heat from the refrigerant to your swimming pool. Insufficient water flow will not only lengthen your heating time, but also cause damage to your heat pump's internal components.

How do I make my pool water warmer? ›

6 Economical Ways to Heat a Pool and Cut Costs
  1. Use solar heating as the primary source. ...
  2. Use your heat pump during warmest time of the day. ...
  3. Use pool blankets to control evaporation. ...
  4. Shield your pool from the wind. ...
  5. Choose a high efficiency HPPH and size it correctly. ...
  6. Reduce the temperature of the pool a few degrees.

How long should a pool heater take to heat a pool? ›

It depends on a few things to determine how long it takes a heat pump to heat a pool. However, overall a heat pump generally heats a pool after 24 to 72 hours by 20-degrees Fahrenheit. For smaller pools like a spa pool, the heat pump can heat a pool between 45 and 60 minutes.

Why does my pool heater take so long to heat up? ›

The initial temperature of the water also plays a huge role in determining the amount of time it takes for the pool to heat up, completely: if the starting temperature of your swimming pool water is pretty low, it's going to take longer for the water to heat up.

How cold is too cold for pool heater? ›

Make sure your pool heater or heat pump is designed to work in cold conditions. Many heat pumps won't be able to function below 50 , but certain ones that can be installed can work well into the 20's.

How do you test a pool heater? ›

Clean your filter, turn up the thermostat and give it another try. The next place to check is the shut-off valve if you have a gas heater. Make sure that it's open and supplying fuel. If you have an electric heater, check the electrical connections and make sure that they are tight and not corroded or damaged.

Do pool heat pumps need to be recharged? ›

For example, a heat pump system that is used in an area with high humidity levels or that is exposed to corrosive elements like salt may need to be recharged more often. If there are no leaks, then there is no need to ever recharge until a component requires a change out.

How do I know if my pool heat pump capacitor is bad? ›

Listen - If your pump isn't “starting”, listen to it. If you hear a faint buzzing sound or a quiet hum coming from your pool pump then that's a 100% sure sign that your capacitor has failed.

What is the life expectancy of a pool heat pump? ›

With proper installation and maintenance, heat pump pool heaters can last 10 or more years.

Should I leave my pool heat pump on all the time? ›

Leaving your swimming pool heat pump powered up through the winter will usually cause no harm and will consume only small amounts of power.

How long should a pool heat pump run per day? ›

We recommend running your pool heat pump for 10-12 hours a day during summer, and 6-8 hours a day during winter. This difference is because algae tends to grow in warmer temperatures, so keeping your heat pump on for longer during the warmer months will help to filter algae out.

How long does it take a heated pool to warm up? ›

It depends on a few things to determine how long it takes a heat pump to heat a pool. However, overall a heat pump generally heats a pool after 24 to 72 hours by 20-degrees Fahrenheit. For smaller pools like a spa pool, the heat pump can heat a pool between 45 and 60 minutes.

What is a good temperature for a heated pool? ›

The water temperature you desire for your swimming pool not only affects the size of the pool's heater, but also your heating costs if use a gas or heat pump pool heater. Pool water temperatures typically range from 78ºF to 82ºF. The American Red Cross recommends a temperature of 78ºF for competitive swimming.

What is a comfortable temperature for a heated pool? ›

According to the American Red Cross the recommended water temperature ranges from 78°F to 85°F for the most comfortable and safe swimming experience, but it can vary depending on who is using the pool, and for what purpose.

References

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