SunHeater Insufficient Heating Capacity / Flow or Sizing Issue

Heater runs but pool does not reach set temperature or heats very slowly

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Possible Causes

Heater undersized for pool volume, Excessive heat loss due to wind or no cover, Low gas pressure reducing BTU output, Internal scale in heat exchanger

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Normal operation checks can be done with the heater running; avoid touching hot surfaces.

  • Verify setpoint and mode: Confirm the SunHeater is set to the correct body (pool vs spa) and that the temperature setpoint is above current water temperature.
  • Use a pool cover: Uncovered pools lose large amounts of heat overnight. Use a solar or thermal cover to reduce heat loss and improve heating rate.
  • Check gas supply: If other gas appliances struggle or flames appear weak, have a gas technician verify that the meter, regulator, and piping are sized correctly for the SunHeater's BTU rating.
  • Inspect for scale: If the heater is several years old and used with hard water, the Heat Exchanger may be scaled, reducing efficiency. Have a professional perform a chemical descaling if necessary.
  • Confirm pump speed: For variable-speed pumps, ensure the heater is programmed to run at the minimum flow rate recommended by SunHeater during heating cycles.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5
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