General information, not legal, engineering or insurance advice.
When a pool heater stops heating, the first question is whether to fix it or replace it. Here's how to tell, what to check before you call, and how to hire a licensed Texas contractor for the job. We don't sell heaters or repairs, and we can't diagnose your heater remotely, so use this as a starting point for a conversation with a pro.
Check these first
- Is the pump running? Heaters need water flow. A stopped pump, closed valve, full skimmer basket or dirty filter can trip the flow or pressure switch.
- Is it calling for heat? Check the heater is on, set to pool or spa as intended, and set above the current water temperature. Check any timer or automation system too.
- Gas and power. For a gas heater, check the gas supply is on and other gas appliances work. For a heat pump, check the breaker.
- Note the error code. Write down the brand, model and any code on the display. It saves the technician time.
Signs a repair makes sense
- The heater is fairly young and has worked well until now.
- The fault points to a single part: an igniter, flame sensor, pressure or flow switch, thermostat sensor, fan motor, capacitor or control board.
- The cabinet, burners and heat exchanger are in good shape.
- Parts are still available for your model.
Signs it may be time to replace
- The heat exchanger is cracked, leaking or badly scaled or corroded.
- A heat pump's compressor has failed or there's a major refrigerant leak.
- The heater needs repair after repair, or parts are hard to find.
- The repair quote is a large share of the price of a new heater.
- You want a different heater type, for example switching from gas to a heat pump to cut running costs. Our heat pump vs. gas guide covers the trade-offs, and sizing a pool heater explains BTU ratings.
Ask the contractor to put both options in writing: the repair price with any parts warranty, and the price of a replacement installed. That makes the decision much easier.
Pool heater repair in Texas
Texas pools are heated mainly from late fall to spring. A hard freeze can crack a heater's heat exchanger or headers if water stops moving, and summer heat and hail can damage heat pump fans and coils. After a freeze, have the heater checked before you fire it up.
Texas has no statewide pool contractor license. Pool heater installs and replacements are commonly done by TDLR Residential Appliance Installation Contractors, and gas line work by TSBPE-licensed plumbers.
In Texas, gas piping for a pool heater is plumbing work that needs a licensed plumber, and many cities require a permit to replace a heater or add an electrical circuit for a heat pump. Ask your contractor who pulls the permit and check their license before work starts. More on timing in our Texas pool heating season guide.
Diagnostic fees and quotes
Many service companies charge a trip or diagnostic fee to find the fault, and some credit it toward the repair. Ask what the fee covers before you book. For bigger jobs, get two or three quotes. Tell each company the heater brand, model, type (gas, heat pump or solar) and any error code so the quotes compare like with like.
When to call a licensed pro
Anything involving gas, high-voltage wiring, refrigerant or the heat exchanger is a job for a licensed professional. Check the license before work starts and make sure the business name on the quote matches the license. Our hiring guide explains how.
Find licensed contractors near you on our Texas pool heater repair pages, or get up to 3 free quotes.