Swimming Pool Heater Safety – Part 1

With our variable climate here in Southern Ontario, the advantages of a pool heater are obvious. Warmer water = a longer swimming season, and lets you make the most out of your swimming pool.

The Right Installation Is Key

Installation by a professional and expert like our employees at Bremner Pool Services is your assurance of safe and long continued use. You may think you’re saving time and money by doing it yourself or hiring an unlicensed ‘friend of a friend’ who says he’s done it once before.

But consider this: installing the wrong pool heater can not only burn up the heater, but can also burn down your house! I’ve heard of garages going up in flames with all the vehicles in them and buildings burnt to the ground because of improper installation procedures – and it can get even more serious than that. Tennis star Vitas Gerulaitis succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning from an improperly ventilated and brand new pool heater.

In short – it’s nothing to fool around with. Natural gas pool heaters are efficient and relatively inexpensive as compared to other model types, but they can also be dangerous if not installed and maintained properly. That’s why professional installation and expertise are so important.

However, it doesn’t end there. Continued maintenance is the only way to ensure safe operation of your pool heater. With proper maintenance and care, you can expect years of pleasantly warm pool water to enjoy.

Ventilation

Ventilation issues are among the most serious and most common of problems with pool heaters but most can be avoided.

– Clean it and the area around it on a regular basis. Anything that obstructs the flow – like insects, leaves and other yard debris – can create carbon monoxide leaks and flammability issues that build over time.

– “Flame roll out” happens when the unit doesn’t have sufficient ventilation, and gas accumulates inside the heater. The flame shoots out of the front when it’s lit – a very dangerous situation!- Debris, soot and corrosion on the heat exchanger can block the burner exhaust.

– A blockage in the wrong place can cause a serious fire.

Pool Timers

Be vigilant. Regular inspections and maintenance by a professional when it’s called for will give you peace of mind and maximize the longevity of your pool heater.  A timer also helps to ensure your safety and should also be professionally installed.

Proper installation of a 2 stage timer will help to prevent your pipes from overheating and melting to the point of causing a fire.

Pool Opening Services:

If you’ve already got a pool heater and you’re ready to open your pool for the early spring season, we offer opening services by a licensed gas fitter, including:

– Clean

– Light

– Check safety and efficiency

Contact Bremner Pool & Spa today for swimming pool service, swimming pool repairs, safety tips and maintenance. Free Quotes Available.

About Bremner Pool & Spa:

Established in 1981, Bremner Pool & Spa is one of the premiere swimming pool service companies in Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Durham Region. We operate 11 state-of-the art vehicles and offer a variety of high quality and eco-friendly products & services including swimming pool repair, openings, partial swimming pool openings, swimming pool closings, weekly pool and spa service, pool leak detection & repair, heaters, liners, pumps and more. As well, Bremner Pool & Spa complies with all City of Toronto By Laws for Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas.Swimming pool services including openings, renovations, installations and maintenance throughout Toronto and the GTA including Ajax, Durham, East York, Forest Hill, Markham, North York, Oshawa, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, Thornhill, Unionville, Vaughan and Whitby, Ontario.