Talking Pools Podcast

Pool Heaters: The Good, The Bad, and The Costly Mistakes You Can't Ignore

Rudy Stankowitz Season 4 Episode 604

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In this episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, Peter, Lee, and Shane dive into the complexities of swimming pool heaters, covering the good, the bad, and the ugly. They start by discussing the benefits of modern heaters, including efficiency, performance, and the convenience they offer for extending the swimming season. The hosts highlight how newer models have become more environmentally friendly with improved energy consumption and faster heating times, making them an attractive option for pool owners.

However, they also delve into the challenges—particularly maintenance and cost. Shane brings up the high initial investment and ongoing upkeep, such as the need for regular servicing to prevent breakdowns. Lee talks about the challenges of troubleshooting faulty heaters and how expensive repairs can become, especially when dealing with older models or complex systems.

The "ugly" side of the discussion centers around customer expectations versus reality. Peter shares stories of clients demanding unrealistic heating times or not understanding the limitations of their equipment, leading to dissatisfaction. The trio also talks about problems like poor installation and issues that arise from improper sizing of heaters, which can lead to inefficiencies and costly fixes down the line.

In conclusion, the hosts emphasize the importance of educating clients on the proper use and care of pool heaters, ensuring they understand the balance between convenience and the necessary upkeep.

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Peter: "Alright, mates, let’s jump into today’s topic—swimming pool heaters. We’ve got the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. I know some of us have had our fair share of frustrations with these, so let’s break it down. What do you think, Shane, what’s the 'good'?"

Shane: "The good? Well, I’ll tell you—today’s heaters are miles ahead of where they were even five years ago. Efficiency has gone through the roof! You’ve got models now that can heat up a pool in no time, and with much less energy usage. That’s a big win for us and the eco-conscious clients."

Lee: "Yeah, and they’re quieter too! I’ve had clients who didn’t even realize the heater was running. That’s a big upgrade, especially when you’re dealing with outdoor areas where the last thing they want is a machine drowning out the peace and quiet."

Peter: "That’s true. And let’s not forget about the extended swim seasons. You’re talking about people being able to keep their pools open way longer than they could before. But… we’ve gotta move onto the 'bad' because it’s not all roses, is it?"

Shane: "Oh no, definitely not. The cost of some of these units—man, they’re not cheap! I’ve had a few clients get sticker shock when I tell them the price for a new heater. And that’s just the upfront cost, Peter. What about the ongoing maintenance?"

Lee: "Exactly. You can’t just install one of these and forget about it. They need regular servicing—cleaning, descaling, all that fun stuff—or they’ll break down. And when they do, you’re looking at repairs that’ll hit your wallet hard."

Peter: "And that’s where the ugly comes in, right? I’ve seen some shockers in terms of customer expectations. They think their pool’s going to go from freezing cold to bathwater warm in 10 minutes, and when it doesn’t, they’re on the phone yelling at you like it’s your fault."

Shane: "Yup, and don’t get me started on installations gone wrong. Poor sizing is a killer. I had one job where the heater was too small for the pool, so it was running constantly and still couldn’t keep up. The client blamed the heater when really, it was a bad install from the get-go."

Lee: "Yeah, that’s what I was going to say. It’s not always the heater itself that’s the problem. It’s poor installs, or people not maintaining them. And when they don’t perform as expected, we get called in like it’s our fault."

Peter: "Exactly. And that’s the 'ugly'—dealing with unhappy clients who’ve got sky-high expectations but don’t understand how the equipment works. It’s all about managing that relationship, letting them know what their heater can and can’t do."

Shane: "Spot on. The key is educating the clients. Make sure they know what to expect from their heater, and how to maintain it. It saves us a lot of headaches in the long run."

Peter: "Couldn’t have said it better myself. Alright, that’s our take on heaters, folks—the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you’re in the market, do your homework, and if you’re servicing them, make sure your clients know the score."