Zodiac Insufficient Heating Capacity / Underfiring

Zodiac pool heater runs but water does not reach set temperature or heats very slowly.

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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

Low gas supply pressure, Partially clogged burner orifices, Incorrect gas orifice size for fuel type, Scaled heat exchanger reducing efficiency

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Gas pressure and combustion adjustments should be performed by a qualified technician. Turn off power and gas before opening the heater.

  • Verify setpoint and mode: Confirm the thermostat is set higher than current water temperature and that the correct mode (pool vs spa) is selected.
  • Check run time and flow: Ensure the pump is running long enough and at sufficient flow for the heater's BTU rating and pool volume.
  • Inspect burners: Remove the burner tray and check for rust, debris, or spider webs in the burners and orifices. Clean with compressed air; do not drill or enlarge orifices.
  • Evaluate gas supply (pro): Have a licensed gas technician measure inlet and manifold pressure while the heater is firing and compare to Zodiac specifications. Correct any regulator or supply issues.
  • Check for scaling: If the heater is older or used with hard water, internal scale may reduce heat transfer. Professional descaling or heat exchanger replacement may be required.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Burner Orifice Kit
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