Rheem
Chemical Interaction / Overheating of Metals
Heater runs but pool water has a metallic or burnt smell after heating
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Excessive water temperature, Low flow causing localized overheating, Corrosion of copper heat exchanger, Imbalanced pool chemistry
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety First: Turn off heater if you suspect overheating or corrosion.
- Check water temperature: Measure actual pool/spa temperature with a reliable thermometer and compare to setpoint. Reduce setpoint if too high.
- Verify flow: Ensure pump and filter are clean and operating correctly. Adjust bypass to maintain recommended flow through the heater.
- Test water chemistry: Have pool water tested for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and sanitizer levels. Correct any imbalances that can accelerate corrosion.
- Inspect heat exchanger: A technician can inspect the exchanger for signs of erosion or copper leaching and replace it if necessary.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Heat Exchanger
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