How Much Does Pool Heater Repair Cost in 2025?
Pool heater repair costs $473 on average
The cost to repair a pool heater ranges between $166 and $791, with a national average of $473.
Factors affecting repair costs include the heater's type, age, size, and whether it's for a saltwater or chlorine pool.
Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your pool heater.
Hiring a professional ensures accurate diagnosis and repair in a hazardous situation involving electrical components in a wet environment.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The average pool heater repair costs $473, with most homeowners spending between $166 and $791. Factors like your heater's type, age, size, and the complexity of the issue contribute to the final cost. Regular maintenance extends your pool heater's lifespan, but occasional repairs are inevitable. By budgeting for these costs and hiring a professional, you can keep your pool warm and enjoyable all season long.
Pool Heater Repair Cost Factors
Several key factors affect pool heater repair costs, including the heater's age, size, type, and whether it's designed for a saltwater or chlorine pool.
Age
Older heaters that are out of warranty usually require you to pay the full repair cost. Most pool heater warranties range from one to 12 years.
Size
Larger pool heaters often require spending more for the parts, but something like a thermostat costs the same no matter the size of your heater.
Type
Because of the complexity and cost of parts, repairing an electric heat pump costs 30% to 50% more than fixing a gas heater. On the other hand, solar heaters cost 50% less to repair than average and tend to be more reliable than the other types.
| Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Electric | $200–$1,200 |
| Natural gas | $150–$750 |
| Solar | $50–$400 |
Electric Heat Pump
Electric heat pumps cost $200 to $1,200 to repair. They use compressed refrigerant to pull heat from the air, compress it, and move that heat into your water. They’re especially useful for maintaining constant pool heat in climates that don’t drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit since they take one to three days to heat your water.
Natural Gas
Natural gas heaters cost $150 to $750 to repair. They heat pools faster, in 14 hours or less, than the other two varieties. But they're expensive to run, about 70% more than a heat pump and up to 100% more expensive than a passive solar setup.
Solar
Pool solar heaters cost $50 to $400 to repair. They're the least complex type but heat water very slowly and only work well in moderate to warm climates with ample sunlight. They cost nothing to run and often work great in combination with a gas heater.
Saltwater or Chlorine
Saltwater heater repairs range from $500 to $1,500, which is up to 50% more than chlorine pool heaters, which cost $165 to $790 to repair. Since saltwater systems must resist corrosion, you’ll replace parts more often.
Reasons Your Pool Heater Is Not Working
Your pool heater might not work for many reasons, including lack of power, blown circuitry, or issues with wiring or corrosion. Diagnosing the problem is almost impossible without an experienced pro to assess the situation.
Always get in touch with a local pool heater repair pro to ensure you take the best steps for your system before trying to diagnose it yourself.
Lack of Maintenance
Annual pool heater maintenance will run you between $100 and $200 and can save you hundreds in repair bills.
It could be more expensive to fix if you haven't taken care of your heater with regular maintenance and upkeep. Most people realize their heater is broken when it stops working or their energy bill suddenly increases. By this time, what would’ve been a simple repair may become complicated, costing you more money.
Watch out for these common issues with your pool heater:
More expensive bills due to decreased system efficiency
Problems with controls or system power, pointing to inadequate connections
Excessive noise due to equipment that’s broken or fallen into disrepair
Wrong Size
Not only will the heater type dictate the price of repair, but so will the heater size. Larger heaters will require more work, making them more challenging to get to the problem. Their parts can also be more expensive due to their size.
Saltwater Damage
If you have a saltwater pool, you'll want a saltwater-specific heater. Since saltwater is highly corrosive, it'll quickly destroy a pump not designed for corrosive environments. Usually, this means a complete replacement. Your heater needs a special heat exchanger and other features to handle it.
Other Issues
While the repair cost may not vary significantly based on the specific issue, it's helpful to understand potential problems. Electrical faults, broken parts, or even animals nesting in the unit can cause malfunctions. Other factors include leaks, soot buildup, rust, and control failures.
Check the Pool Heater Warranty
Your pool heater's warranty affects how, when, and why you can call a pro for maintenance. Solar heater warranties usually cover a significant portion of repair expenses. Keep in mind that electric heaters require more frequent service than solar heaters, with warranties ranging from one to 10 years, depending on the manufacturer.
Gas heater warranties are often the shortest and most restrictive. They last up to five years and cover only parts. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent costly repairs.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pool Heater Repair Pro
Attempting DIY repairs on a pool heater can be hazardous. Pool heaters involve complex mechanical systems and electrical components in a wet environment, posing significant risks for those without proper training and experience.
Professionals bring diagnostic expertise that accurately diagnoses problems and prevents costly repeat repairs. They also carry proper insurance and understand code compliance. When your family's safety and comfort are at stake, hiring a pool heater repair technician near you delivers reliable results and peace and mind.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Replacing a pool heater costs $3,000 on average. Final pricing depends on the type of heater (gas, electric, or solar) and your pool's size. Factor for swimming pool repair costs, at an average of $3,800. When you start experiencing issues with your pool heater, other equipment and structural failures often follow. Installation is often the least expensive for electric and gas heaters. Heat pumps and solar panels often cost several thousand dollars more to install.
A pool heater’s lifespan is determined by its type and proper upkeep. Solar heaters last 20 to 25 years, electric heat pumps perform for five to 10 years, and gas heaters remain effective for 5 years. Regular pool maintenance safeguards performance and prevents premature failure. Ensuring that you adhere to a strict annual service schedule protects your investment and maintains consistent heating efficiency.
Depending on the size of your pool, location, climate, and current energy prices, you’ll spend up to $20 per hour to heat a pool using propane, $9 per hour using natural gas, and $1 to $2 per hour for a heat pump. Northern climates require more energy and can double the price. Standard estimates allow homeowners to easily estimate the cost of heating a pool for a month. Propane heaters, for example, are known to burn around 1 gallon per hour per 100,000 BTUs.
An electric or gas heat pump will take eight to 14 hours to heat a pool, while a solar heat pump takes 24 to 72 hours. Multiply the number of gallons by 8.34 to get your total pounds of water. Divide this figure by your heater's BTU rating to determine how many hours it takes to raise the water temperature by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
If your pool heater is not raising the water temperature to the desired level, the issue is caused by cold ambient conditions rather than a malfunction. The best solution is to install a solar cover that locks in heat and boosts efficiency. A solar cover costing $120 to $250 enhances heat retention, ensuring your heater performs at its peak. Additionally, verify that all settings—such as thermostat calibration and water circulation—are properly adjusted to support optimal heating.
Regular annual maintenance is crucial to keep your pool heater running efficiently and to avoid high repair costs. Investing $100 to $200 in yearly maintenance prevents issues such as excessive noise, surging energy bills, and malfunctioning controls. This proactive care not only prolongs your heater’s lifespan but also ensures reliable performance throughout the season. Always refer to your warranty guidelines to follow the required maintenance procedures.
- Swimming Pool - Clean and Maintain
- Swimming Pool - In Ground - Build or Install
- Swimming Pool Heaters - Install or Replace
- Replace Vinyl Liner for Swimming Pool
- Swimming Pool -Remodel
- Swimming Pool Covers - Install or Replace
- Pool Deck - Build
- Swimming Pool - Resurface
- Pool Tile - Install or Repair
- Swimming Pool - Above Ground - Build or Install
- Swimming Pool - Opening & Closing Service
- Swimming Pool or Accessories - Repair or Service
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