1、Use it often
Using your heat pump is one of the best things that you can do for keeping it in good shape. It keeps water flowing through the unit, and all the important parts moving.
So even if you aren’t swimming often, just throw a solar cover on the pool, turn on your automatic timer, and let your heat pump run through the night. It’s the cheapest way to generate heat, and you don’t have to worry about losing it, thanks to the solar cover.
2、Give it breathing room
A pool heat pump needs enough room to maintain a steady stream of air. So squeezing it into a tight space usually isn’t a good idea.
Tip: Keep the space around your heat pumps cleared out
3、Keep the vents clear and unclogged
With ample breathing room, a heat pump pulls in air through the vents. This step is integral to the heating process. But if for any reason the vents are clogged or blocked, the heat pump will usually overheat and shut down.
Although once or twice may not be a big deal if corrected, constant overheating can cause major damaged.
Luckily, keeping the vents clear is the simplest solution. And it’s also a great way to maximize your heat pump’s efficiency while preventing unnecessary overheating.
Tip: Clear out the vents on your heat pump regularly to maintain optimal airflow and performance
4、Use a compressor defender
Every now and then, a brownout or power surge can occur. And when they do, there’s a chance that anything running on electricity could be shorted.
Since a heat pump runs on a dedicated breaker, it’s no exception to this rule. In fact, the dedicated power line may even make it more susceptible.
Now, a heat pump is designed to survive these kinds of incidents, but usually, not damage free. Often, the compressor (an essential part) can take the hit during a power surge.
Luckily, there’s a simple solution: using a pool heat pump surge protector (a Compressor Defender)
They work in the same exact way as the surge protectors in your house. IF a surge strikes, they act as a shield, defending the powered appliances from electrical damage.
Tip: Use a compressor defender to prevent compressor damage
5、Maintain your chemicals and filter system
When your water gets out of balance or too chemically harsh, it can break down your pool system on a chemical level. And it doesn’t discriminate — chemically imbalanced water wears down on everything from the pool walls and pipes, to your filter and pool heater.
Of course, most pool owners do a good job of avoiding these situations with a regular pool care schedule.
Keeping your filter clean, and your chemicals in balance, not only feels and looks better, it’s better for your pool system. Especially your pool heat pump. The last thing you want to have to do is swap out corroded sensors in the middle of July.
6、Schedule annual heat pump service
Can pool heat pumps be repaired?
Yes, but what we’re suggesting is way more cost effective:
If you’re someone who services their car every year and changes their old every 3000 months, then you already understand this concept.
Now, some may argue that it’s “cheaper” to bring in your car only when it absolutely needs service. But most of the time, that’s an unwise choice.
Why? Because chances are, the repairs are way more severe after all that time. And what’s worse is that repairs like those are can easily be avoided with maintenance.
A heat pump is no different. Sure, it may work flawlessly for years when you get it. Not once showing a sign of aging.
But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a little bit of wear and tear happening in the background. And over time, wear and tear adds up.
With annual heat pump service, every square inch of your heat pump gets cleaned, inspected, and tested for full functionality. And just like a car service, it’s a great way to avoid those potential expensive repairs down the line.
7、Troubleshoot your heat pump when you suspect a problem
In an age of DIY, many pool owners opt to perform simpler repairs and servicing themselves.
If you’re one of those people, then being proactive whenever you suspect a problem is a must. Whether it’s a strange sound or some type of malfunction, your best course of action is researching and learning basic pool heat pump troubleshooting. Because the sooner you can fix the problem, the better. Less damage, less stress, more time in the pool.
And with the help of a DIY pool heater troubleshooting service, you’ll have all the guidance you need to get the job done, right over the phone.
But if that’s not really your cup of tea, you can always call a pool heat pump specialist to schedule a repair.
Next steps
If you follow the tips in this post, you can easily extend your pool heat pump’s lifespan by several years. And in the process, you’ll save hundreds, and enjoy soothing warm water from season to season.
