{"id":37,"date":"2014-01-29T09:30:33","date_gmt":"2014-01-29T14:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mypoolsigns.com/blog\/?p=37"},"modified":"2026-04-23T01:21:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T05:21:17","slug":"knowing-4-pool-heater-dangers-save-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mypoolsigns.com/blog\/knowing-4-pool-heater-dangers-save-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Knowing these 4 pool heater dangers could save your life"},"content":{"rendered":"

A dozen different businesses are embroiled in a lawsuit<\/a> over a pool heater explosion that injured two people. The courts will ultimately decide who\u2019s at fault in this dispute, but it points out a hidden pool danger many swimmers don\u2019t know about until it\u2019s too late.<\/p>\n

\"pool<\/a>

Pool heaters can pose serious fire and carbon monoxide hazards. From Bill Jacobus<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n

An estimated 900,000 pools<\/a> in the U.S. are heated with natural gas or propane. While these heaters make pools more enjoyable, they can also become dangerous when not properly installed, maintained or understood.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been on calls where the whole garage burnt down,and all the cars inside were destroyed, because of an improper heater installation,\u201d says Brian Diglio, president of Blue Wave Pool Service and Supplies Inc. in Hamden, Conn. in Pool & Spa News<\/a>. \u201cIt\u2019s unbelievable how careless some installers are.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before you start to think that your pool heater is just waiting to explode, remember that today\u2019s pool heaters come with safeguards to prevent most common problems. But just in case, here are three common heater dangers to avoid:<\/p>\n

1. Carbon monoxide. Just like a car engine, gas pool heaters cause carbon monoxide poisoning<\/a> if inhaled for too long, as demonstrated by this news story<\/a>. To avoid this danger, make sure your pool heater is properly ventilated. If it\u2019s located indoors, it should be vented outside. If it\u2019s outside, make sure it\u2019s not too close to windows. Check venting regularly to make sure it hasn\u2019t become blocked or broken. It\u2019s also a good idea to get a carbon monoxide detector.<\/p>\n

2. Fire: Pool heater gas lines can become blocked with anything from leaves to dead animals, which can cause a variety of ignition problems that lead to flame \u201croll-out\u201d<\/a> or even an explosion. Blockage can also cause exhausting issues, which can lead to flames or violent explosions.<\/p>\n

3. Leaks<\/a>. Gas is delivered to the heater through a number of connections. All of these connections can develop leaks, which can lead to fire or explosions. Sometimes, leaks have a smell because gas suppliers add a \u201crotten egg\u201d smell. But otherwise natural gas is odorless and colorless. If you smell a leak contact your gas supplier immediately for service.<\/p>\n

4. Neglect. With so many working parts \u2014 pipes, igniters, circuit boards \u2014 pool heaters need regular care<\/a> to operate properly and safely. They\u2019re also complicated enough that homeowners shouldn\u2019t try to service them on their own. If you have a regular pool service, make sure the heater is being checked. If not, it\u2019s a good idea to have it checked annually.<\/p>\n

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