We have many warm swimming months in South Florida. However, a pool heater is necessary to make the most of your investment. As pool heat pump repair specialists in the area, we know that for comfortable swimming and recreation, a swimming pool heat pump is a must.
There is never a good time for a pool heat pump repair. Nobody wants to disappoint family and guests when they are ready to enjoy some outdoor fun. It is disappointing to find the pool heat pump will not warm the pool or spa and in need of repair.
Get Your Pool Heat Pump Checked By A Professional
So, how can you keep your pool heat running smoothly? The most important thing you can do is to have your swimming pool checked regularly by a professional. Simply schedule it once or twice a year (depending on your service company’s recommendation) when you have your air conditioner and heating system checked. This will minimize the possibility of your pool heater not heating.
There are a few things you, as the homeowner, can do to ensure reliable operation and to avoid a swimming pool heat pump repair. For instance, you must never remove the service panels, and you must never use chemical cleaners on your pool heater. But there are also some simple steps you as the owner can take and be aware of to protect your pool heat pump. Here is what you can do before you call Complete Comfort Air Conditioning and Heating at (561) 529-6262 for pool heat pump repair or service:
CORROSION
Chlorine and acid are strong chemicals used to treat and stabilize the water in your pool. Water softener salt is also corrosive. They will damage the electric controls and wiring, or even cause a refrigerant leak. Chemicals should never be stored near the pool heater. Even slight exposure will cause fins and coils and cabinet parts to deteriorate prematurely. Corrosion shortens equipment life causing premature failure, and costs South Floridians millions of dollars every year in pool heater heat pump repair and replacement.
In the event of an accidental chemical spill, gently wash (do not splash) the area with fresh water from your hose. If you are unfamiliar with the chemicals (particularly acid and chlorine products) it is a good idea to call your swimming pool service for direction. Wear protection when cleaning up, as harsh chemicals that corrode metal will also burn skin and eyes.
GRASS AND VEGETATION
The grass and other plants in South Florida infamously put out “runners” that rapidly creep from one place to another. Untrimmed grass or vines will easily become entangled in the cabinet and coil parts of the pool heater. When responding to a call for swimming pool heater repair, we often find the pool heater heat pump has rusted through in the areas where vegetation has accumulated.
Vegetative growth and plants can easily clog the coils of your pool heater heat pump. It is important that air circulates freely through the coils and around the unit so it can heat your pool efficiently. Hedges and plants must be trimmed a minimum of 12 inches clear of the pool heater. Hedges should have a gap not less than 30 inches wide to allow access for cleaning and pool heater heat pump repair and maintenance.
PESTS AND PETS
Equipment areas are attractive to pets and other animals. They offer shelter, and the moving air around the equipment provides some comfort on a warm day. There is no danger to the animal, but the fan can pull in hair that will clog the coil. This will decrease efficiency and will cause service problems if left unattended. Encourage your pets to find their happy place well away from your pool heater.
Inspect for signs of a possible ant infestation in the area of the pool heater heat pump. They are attracted to the electrical wiring and an ant nest can quickly fill the unit with sand. Ant nests lead to corrosion and shorten the life and efficiency of the pool heat pump. Here is an interesting air-conditioning blog on the subject.
LISTEN FOR NOISES
Fans and compressors in your pool heater heat pump run at high speeds. When a bearing goes bad or a bushing wears out, it doesn’t take long for the damage to occur. If you hear an unusual sound, check it out. It may indicate a need for pool heat pump service. To read more on the types of sounds and what they might mean, check our blog “Five Sounds Your A/C Should Never Make”. We often find that twigs, leaves or ‘critters’ get into the fan. With the equipment turned off these can often be removed by the homeowner. Left unattended they can cause the fan motor to seize up and lead to a pool heat pump repair.
BATTERIES
Like our televisions and other electronic devices, many pool heat pump units have remote controls that contain batteries. A good rule of thumb is to always check the battery in your remote before calling for a pool heat pump repair. To minimize the possibility of damage to the remote, always keep it indoors – unless it is in use. Remember to change the batteries twice a year, either when you call Complete Comfort Conditioning and Heating for maintenance on your air conditioner or when the time changes in spring and fall.
But the first and most important thing you can do is call Complete Comfort Air Conditioning and Heating at (561) 529-6262. Our technicians and support staff are ready to respond to your questions as well as your swimming pool heater repair or maintenance inquiries.
