So, your pool heater keeps shutting off. You probably think it’s a factory defect, or maybe the weather, or perhaps your pool is just cursed. But let’s be honest, you probably caused it. Not on purpose, but by ignoring the messy, gunky truth hiding in your pool system.
Mistake 1: Ignoring Filter Maintenance
Filters are like the lungs of your pool. When they can’t breathe, your heater pays the price. Dirty or clogged filters make the heater work harder, overheat, and then shut down.
- Check your filter weekly.
- Backwash or clean according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- Replace cartridges when they’re worn out instead of pretending they still work.
If your filter gauge is spiking but you keep pretending it’s fine, your heater is already planning its next shutdown.
Mistake 2: Letting Debris Build Up
Leaves, dirt, and mystery gunk are like junk food for your pool system, it gets stuffed and can’t function. That buildup restricts water flow and your heater simply gives up.
- Skim your pool daily.
- Empty skimmer baskets and pump baskets.
- Vacuum at least once a week.
Skipping these steps means the heater is choking on your laziness.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Water Chemistry
Poor water balance does more than cloud your pool, it slowly ruins your equipment. Low flow from scale buildup or corroded parts can trigger automatic shutoffs.
- Keep pH between 7.2 and 7.6.
- Monitor alkalinity and calcium hardness.
- Test water 2–3 times a week instead of guessing.
If your water feels slimy or your heater looks like it’s aging in dog years, this is your wake-up call.
Mistake 4: Pretending Small Problems Don’t Exist
Hear a weird noise? Smell something off? See reduced water flow? That’s your heater whispering, “Help me.” Small clogs in pipes or the heat exchanger can escalate fast.
- Investigate unusual sounds or flow issues immediately.
- Flush your system if debris or scale buildup is suspected.
- Schedule a professional inspection if the problem persists.
Ignoring it won’t make the gunk go away. It will just create a bigger bill.
If you follow these steps, your heater will thank you by doing the one thing it was meant to do, keep your pool warm instead of shutting off mid-swim.
