There is nothing like a round of swimming in a warm-water pool in chilly winters. A warm water swim/ bath is a perfect exercise for your whole body and mind. In fact it is extensively used for therapeutic purposes all round the world. So installing a pool heater is a must for you if you are living in an extremely cold place. And a warm water bath in the pool would also give you an exotic spa effect in your swimming pool.
But installing a pool heater is not all. You have to maintain your pool heater as well to extend your swimming season. Proper maintenance can take forth the swimming season by weeks or even months. Though, the upholding of your pool heater depends entirely upon the type of heater you have.
Gas heaters are the most common type of pool heaters being used presently. The gas heaters work on natural gas or propane tanks. The gas heaters are favorite hide out of spiders and other insects. It is recommended to regularly clean the spider webs and the debris off the heater. For it can clog off the burner openings. You can clean them manually or with the help of a vacuum cleaner as well.
The most important thing about maintaining the gas pool heaters is to check the gas supply regularly. Check out the pipes to detect any leakages. You can easily detect the leakages using a soap solution. Prepare a liquid dish soap and warm water in the spray bottle. Now spray the solution on the pipe joints. If you find any bubbles emerging from the surface, you immediately need to repair the pipes. Never use the heater until the pipes are replaced or repaired by a qualified plumber.
Electrical pool heaters are also getting popular these days. The heaters produce the heat with the help of heating elements. The element can get coated with certain minerals present in the atmosphere. This hampers the heating process. You can easily take it out and clean with a wire brush. Some elements get damaged beyond repair. You have to replace the element. Take along the old element with you while looking around for a new one in the market.
It is absolutely vital to change the element otherwise it can send some current in the swimming pool. First of all, turn off the power supply to the heater to avoid any injuries. Open up the drain pipe and take out water from it. Fix the new element and test the heater by filling water in your swimming pool so that the heater can work to its full efficiency.
You can enhance the performance of the swimming pool heaters by having a time setting system. This can be greatly helpful in maintaining the efficiency of your heater as the water will only be heated as much as you want. Go for annual checks and get the heaters repaired immediately if you find any problems.