Pool heater installation

For the most part, the installation and fitting of swimming pool heaters is a specialist trade and should only be undertaken by a qualified and registered plumber or electrician.

It is vital to check manuals, fitting instructions and installation guides to ascertain the specialists required for the job and to appreciate the potential dangers of using an unqualified or unregistered fitter or contractor.

Most pool heaters require a connection to an electricity supply and either a gas, oil, or propane fuel source or feed. All of these energy types can be potentially harmful and even life threatening, so a professional tradesman or contractor should be appointed to fit the pool heater and connect it to the energy source and the swimming pool.

NEVER ATTEMPT TO FIT OR INSTALL ANY ITEM OF POOL EQUIPMENT THAT REQUIRES A CONNECTION TO A GAS, PROPANE, OR OIL ENERGY SOURCE.

NEVER ATTEMPT TO FIT OR INSTALL ANY ITEM OF POOL EQUIPMENT THAT REQUIRES A HARD WIRED CONNECTION TO A MAINS ELECTRICITY SYSTEM, GENERATOR, OR ANY OTHER ELECTRICAL POWER SOURCE.

There are however certain pool heater products and systems where a part, or all of an installation, can be undertaken as a DIY project.

DIY pool heater installation for above ground swimming pools

There are a small number of portable electric pool heaters that can be connected to the inflow and outflow pipes of an above-ground swimming pool and then plugged directly into a standard domestic electricity socket. i.e. They are not hard wired.

This kind of pool heater is designed for small above-ground swimming pools and its intended function is for short periods of use only. These small pool heaters do not required constructed bases are usually disconnected when not in operation.

Pool heaters of this type will clearly state that they can be assembled and connected by the householder and, if they do not, no attempt should be made to do so.

Solar matting and solar cell heaters

Some components of solar powered pool heating systems can be set up and fitted by a relative novice provided that they do not require a hard wired connection to an electricity supply. That said, the person in question should practically minded and a competent DIY-er.

This means that the setting up and positioning (attachment) of the cells or matting, and any interconnection between them may be a possible DIY project. Some solar powered pool heaters use easy-fit pipe connections and this may make many parts of the installation possible without a professional fitter.

You should always be aware that failing to use a registered or recommended fitter may invalidate any manufacturers guarantees or warranties.

Always follow the recommendations of the pool heater’s manufacturer or supplier in determining the fitting requirements and appointment of fitters or contractors for swimming pool heaters.

Once the heater is fitted and working the next decision is to determine what is the ideal (or most desirable) temperature at which to set the thermostat. Some guidance on swimming pool water temperature levels can be found here - pool temperature.

For some tips and checks that will help to identify some of the more common and basic heater problems refer to this page. The information is for gas fired pool heaters only.