Pool Heater Service
Pool heaters are the single most-neglected piece of pool equipment — usually because they only run 4–6 months a year. The result: when you fire it up in April or after a cold snap, half the time it doesn't light, doesn't hold, or runs but doesn't heat. We service gas heaters, electric heaters, and heat pumps. Most of what we see is fixable on the first visit; the rest gets quoted honestly with replace-vs-repair math.
What's Included
- Diagnosis on all major brands — Pentair MasterTemp, Hayward H-Series, Raypak, Jandy, Sta-Rite
- Ignitor, flame-sensor, pressure-switch, thermistor, and gas-valve repair
- Heat exchanger descaling + flushing
- Combustion-chamber + burner-tray cleaning
- Heat-pump compressor, fan motor, and refrigerant-circuit diagnosis
- Electric-heater element + thermostat replacement
- Plumbing flow rebalancing — bypass / mixing valve adjustment
- Title 24 compliant new-heater installs
- Solar-system tune-ups (sensors, valves, controllers)
The Hidden Pains Pool Owners Face
If any of these describe your situation, you’re not alone — and you\'re not stuck.
Heater won't ignite
Bad ignitor, dirty flame sensor (often a free clean), pressure switch, or gas valve. The cost of a wrong diagnosis is a full "new heater" quote you didn't need.
Heater fires but never reaches temperature
Almost always flow-related — dirty filter, low water level, partially closed valve, or a clogged heat exchanger. Tuning the system is dramatically cheaper than the "replace it" answer.
Power bill / gas bill doubled
Heat exchanger scaled up because of imbalanced calcium hardness. A descaling treatment + chemistry correction restores efficiency. New heaters get killed by this same problem in 2–3 seasons.
Old standing-pilot or millivolt heater eating money
Heaters from 2008 and earlier are ~60% efficient. A modern 95% efficient heater pays for itself in 3–4 seasons of regular use, especially with a pool cover. Real numbers, not sales pitch.
Heat pump not keeping up in shoulder season
Heat pumps need 50°+ ambient temps to work efficiently. If yours is undersized, you'll never heat in March or November. We'll size correctly and tell you if you need a hybrid setup.
Why Choose This Service
Most heaters fixable with a part swap — not a full replacement
Restored efficiency = lower gas / power bill
Honest repair-vs-replace math, with rebate amounts
Sizing done right when replacement is the answer
Pool warm when the family wants to swim — not three days later
Our Process
How we deliver exceptional results, every time.
Phone screen + diagnostic checklist
I'll ask 6–8 questions before I even come out — saves you a service call if it's something you can fix yourself in 5 minutes.
On-site diagnosis
Combustion analysis, gas-pressure test (gas heaters), refrigerant pressures (heat pumps), or element resistance (electric). You'll know what's wrong within 30–45 minutes.
Quote with options
Repair price. Replace price. Operating-cost difference between repair and replace. You decide based on real numbers.
Repair or install
Most repairs done same visit. New installs typically 1–2 days including permit pull (Title 24 jurisdiction).
Tune + verify
Combustion or refrigerant numbers documented, flow rate verified, temp rise measured against spec. You'll get the numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I repair my old heater or replace it?
Rule of thumb: if the heater is over 10 years old AND the repair is significant, replace. If it's under 10 years OR the repair is minor, fix it. Real answer depends on efficiency and use pattern — I'll show you the math.
What's the most efficient option for Sacramento?
For year-round heating: a 95% efficient natural-gas heater + solar covers. For shoulder-season only: a heat pump (cheapest to operate, slow to recover). For "swim a couple weekends a year": current heater + cover, don't replace.
How long does a heat exchanger last?
10–15 years if your calcium hardness stays in range (200–400 ppm). Hard water or low pH eats them in 4–6 years. A descaling treatment every 2–3 years extends life dramatically.
Why won't my heater fire after winter?
Top suspects: spider in the burner tube (real, common), dead pressure switch, cold-soaked thermistor, or a corroded ignitor. All small-part fixes in most cases.
Can you install solar heating?
Yes — full systems, retrofits, and tune-ups. We'll spec panel area at 50–80% of your pool surface area depending on roof orientation and sun hours.
