Having a pool in your house or backyard can be a great source of enjoyment during the summertime in Orlando. It can also, however, be quite expensive to maintain, especially pool heaters. One of the most common and costly repairs that pool heaters acquire are leaks. A leak in your pool heater can easily add up to hundreds of dollars in repair costs, not to mention the added water bill from all the extra water that’s being used.
If you think you may have a leak in your pool heater, it’s important to take action right away and call a professional for repairs. The sooner you catch and fix the leak, the lower your overall repair costs will be.
Cause of Leaks in Pool Heaters
There are a few different ways that leaks commonly occur in pool heaters. One is through corroded pipes. Over time, the metal pipes that make up your pool heater can degrade, especially if they’re constantly exposed to chlorinated water. This process is accelerated if your pH levels are off, as this can cause the metal to corrode more quickly.
Another common cause of leaks in pool heaters is from cracked headers. The headers are the part of the pool heater that connects all of the pipes together. They’re under a lot of pressure, which can cause them to crack and leak over time. This is especially true if your headers are made from plastic, as they’re not as durable as metal headers.
Repair Costs for Pool Heater Leaks
The cost to repair a leak in your pool heater will vary depending on the severity of the leak and the type of damage that’s been done. For example, a small leak that’s only affecting one pipe may only cost a few hundred dollars to fix. However, a more severe leak that’s caused damage to multiple pipes or the headers could easily cost several thousand dollars.
In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace your entire pool heater rather than trying to repair it. This is especially true if your pool heater is old or has been damaged extensively. A new pool heater will typically cost between $1,500 and $4,000, depending on the size and type of heater you choose.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Pool Heater Repair
Similar to any damaged appliance in your home, there are a few different factors that will affect the cost of repairing your pool heater. One is the type of damage that’s been done. As mentioned above, a small leak will be much less expensive to fix than a large one.
Another factor that will affect the cost of repair is the type of pool heater you have. There are three main types of pool heaters: gas, electric, and solar. Gas and electric pool heaters are typically more expensive to repair than solar pool heaters. This is because they’re usually more complex and have more parts that can break down. Solar pool heaters are typically simpler in design and therefore easier (and cheaper) to fix.
Finally, the age of your pool heater will also affect the cost of repairs. An older pool heater is more likely to need repairs than a newer one. This is because parts can start to wear out over time, and older heaters are less efficient than newer models. If your pool heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to start thinking about replacing it entirely.
Pool Heater Cost Inclusions
The cost to repair your pool heater will usually include the cost of labor, parts, and any necessary permits. In some cases, it may also include the cost of disposing of your old pool heater if it’s being replaced.
It’s important to note that the cost to repair your pool heater may not be covered by your homeowners insurance. This is because most policies only cover damage from weather events or accidents, and leaks are typically considered maintenance issues. If you want to be sure that your repair costs will be covered, you should check with your insurance company before having any work done.
How to Prevent Leaks in Your Pool Heater
There are a few things you can do to help prevent leaks from occurring in your pool heater in the first place. Here are some tips you can do to prevent leaks:
Always check your pipes.
Regular inspection and maintenance of your pipes can help prevent leaks from occurring. Make sure to check for any signs of corrosion or cracks, and have them repaired immediately if you find any damage.
Keep your pH levels balanced.
Having the right pH levels in your pool is important for a number of reasons, one of which is preventing leaks. Keeping your pH levels balanced will help reduce the rate at which your pipes corrode, which can help prevent leaks from occurring.
Choose the right type of headers.
When you’re buying a new pool heater, be sure to choose one with metal headers rather than plastic. Metal headers are much more durable and less likely to crack and leak over time.
Invest in regular maintenance.
In order to keep your pool heater running efficiently and prevent leaks from occurring, it’s important to invest in regular maintenance. This means having a professional come out to inspect and service your pool heater on a yearly basis. This can help identify any potential problems early on, before they have a chance to cause serious damage.
By following these tips, you can help prevent leaks from occurring in your pool heater and save yourself a lot of money in the long run. Pool leaks can be costly to repair, so it’s always better to take preventive measures to avoid them altogether.
When to Call a Professional for Pool Heater Repair Contractor in Orlando
If you think you may have a leak in your pool heater, it’s important to call a professional for help right away. The sooner you can get the problem fixed, the less damage it will cause and the less expensive it will be to repair.
If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to call a professional for pool heater repair:
1.) Water around your pool deck or patio
2.) Water spots on your ceilings or walls
3.) An increase in your water bill
4.) A decrease in water pressure
If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help. The longer you wait, the worse the problem will get and the more expensive it will be to fix.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair an Electric Heat Pump?
An electric heat pump is a type of pool heater that uses electricity to heat your pool water. Heat pumps are a popular choice for many homeowners because they’re relatively efficient and easy to maintain.
However, like any piece of equipment, heat pumps can break down over time and will need to be repaired or replaced. The cost to repair an electric heat pump will vary depending on the problem, but it’s typically between $200 and $500.
If your heat pump is more than 10 years old, it may be time to start thinking about replacing it entirely. A new heat pump will typically cost between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the size and features you choose.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Natural Gas Pool Heater?
A natural gas pool heater uses, you guessed it, natural gas to heat your pool water. Natural gas heaters are a popular choice because they’re relatively inexpensive to operate.
This type of heater is also easy to maintain, but like any piece of equipment, they can break down over time and will need to be repaired or replaced. The cost to repair a natural gas pool heater will vary depending on the problem, but it’s typically between $250 and $500.
Common FAQS
What is the average life of a pool heater?
The average life of a pool heater is about 10-15 years. However, with proper maintenance and care, your pool heater can last much longer.
How often should I have my pool heater serviced?
It’s generally recommended that you have your pool heater serviced once per year. However, if you notice any problems with your heater, it’s important to call a professional for help right away.
What are the most common problems with pool heaters?
The most common problems with pool heaters are leaks and corrosion. These problems can be caused by a number of factors, including old age, poor maintenance, and incorrect installation.
When should I replace my pool heater?
If your pool heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to start thinking about replacing it. However, if your heater is still working well, there’s no need to replace it just yet.
How much does it cost to replace a pool heater?
The cost to replace a pool heater will vary depending on the size and features you choose. However, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 for a new heat pump.
What to do if pool heater is not working?
If your pool heater is not working, the first thing you should do is check the power. Make sure the breaker is turned on and that there is power to the unit. If the power is off, turn it back on and see if the heater comes on.
If the power is on and the heater still isn’t working, there may be a problem with the control panel. Try resetting the panel by turning it off and then back on again. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the control panel.
If you’ve checked the power and control panel and your pool heater still isn’t working, there may be a problem with the heating element. You can try cleaning the element with a brush or replacing it entirely.
Finally, if none of these solutions works, you may need to call a professional for help.
Conclusion
Leaking pool heaters are never fun, but they’re unfortunately a reality for many pool owners. By taking preventive measures and being aware of the signs of a leak, you can help avoid costly repairs down the road. And if you do find yourself in need of repairs, be sure to call a professional right away to get the problem fixed as soon as possible.