Heater Heat Exchanger Corrosion / Cracked
major severityoccasionalCall a proPro repair$500–$1,200LA-area, parts and labor
DIY cost$0–$0parts and supplies
Typical time2 hrfor a pro
Difficulty5 / 51 is easiest
What you'll notice
- Reduced heat output
- water dripping from heater
- chemical smell
- heater leaking internally
Likely causes
- Hard water scale buildup (common in LA)
- low pH corrosion (pH below 7.0)
- age-related degradation (10+ years)
How to keep it from coming back
- Maintain pH 7.2-7.6
- use pool sequestrant for hard water
- flush heater seasonally
- annual service
Ranges are estimates; see How We Estimate. Affects: gas heaters.
This is a job for a licensed pro, especially where electrical, gas or structural work is involved. If you're in the LA area, R.D. Pools offers free quotes.
Equipment involved
Maintenance that prevents it
Related costs
- Annual Gas Heater Operation (4 months use, 75K-200K BTU): $300–$800
- Annual Heat Pump Operation (electric heating, 6 months): $300–$600
- Annual Solar Heater Operation: $0–$0
- Heater Repair/Service (annual inspection, descaling): $100–$300