Pumps · heaters · filters · valves
Pool Pump, Heater and Filter Repair in Walnut Creek
Most equipment calls are a pump that won't start, a heater that won't stay lit, or a filter running at high pressure. Many are repairs; an old single-speed pump is usually replaced with a variable-speed model, which California requires for replacement pump motors of 0.5 hp or more (CEC).
Call with the brand, model and what the equipment is doing.
Talk it through first
(925) 574-5921Have the brand and model plate details handy, plus what you hear or see: humming, clicking, error codes, leaks.
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What usually fails on the equipment pad
- Strainer lid and O-ring. A cracked lid or dry O-ring pulls air; the pump loses prime.
- Pump motor. Humming without starting (often the capacitor), screeching bearings, or a leaking shaft seal under the pump.
- Filter. Clogged cartridges or grids raise pressure and cut flow; tank O-rings and clamps leak.
- Heater. Ignition, flow or pressure switches, and scaled or corroded heat exchangers.
- Salt cell. Scale build-up and normal wear; output drops before it fails.
- Diverter valves. Worn seals bypass water or pull air on the suction side.
- Return and suction lines. Leaks at glued joints near the pad; underground leaks show in a pressure test.
Decide
Repair or replace, component by component
| Component | Usually repair when | Usually replace when |
|---|---|---|
| Pump | Capacitor, seal, O-ring or bearings on a newer pump | Motor is burned out or the pump is an old single-speed model |
| Heater | Ignitor, sensor, switch or a clogged burner tray | Heat exchanger is leaking or badly corroded; parts are unavailable |
| Filter | Cartridges, grids, O-rings, gauges, air relief valve | Tank is cracked or the filter is undersized for the pump |
| Valves and plumbing | Valve seals and lids; a leaking glued joint | Brittle sun-damaged pipe or a failed valve body |
| Salt system | Cleaning scale off the cell | The cell is at the end of its rated life |
State rule
California’s variable-speed rule for pump motors
- It is a manufacturing standard for replacement motors, not an order to remove a working pump.
- The CEC notes that models certified as compliant before July 19, 2021 can still be sold.
- Variable-speed pumps may need a controller or automation setting so the pool runs at low speed most of the day.
- New or changed circuits need a licensed electrician (C-10) and may need a permit.
Heating
Gas heaters vs heat pump pool heaters
| Gas heater | Heat pump | |
|---|---|---|
| How it heats | Burns natural gas or propane | Moves heat from the air into the water with electricity |
| Heat-up speed | Fast, any weather | Slower; works best when air is warm |
| Good fit | Occasional heating, spas, quick warm-ups | Steady heating through a long swim season |
| Common repairs | Ignition, switches, heat exchanger | Fan, sensors, refrigerant issues, control boards |
Gas line or electrical changes usually involve a permit. Ask the contractor who pulls it.
Filtration
Cartridge, DE and sand filters
| Filter | How it cleans | Typical service |
|---|---|---|
| Cartridge | Pleated fabric cartridges | Hose-clean the cartridges; replace when worn |
| DE (diatomaceous earth) | Grids coated with DE powder; finest filtration | Backwash and recharge DE; teardown cleaning |
| Sand | Bed of filter sand | Backwash; sand replacement every several years |
A filter that keeps climbing in pressure right after cleaning may be undersized or failing. Prices are on the cost guide.
Answers
Questions people ask
Is a variable-speed pump better than a single-speed pump?
Variable-speed pumps can run slowly for long periods, which is why California now requires them for replacement pump motors of 0.5 hp or more. Single-speed pumps run at one fixed speed.
Should I repair or replace my pool heater?
Repair if the heat exchanger is sound and parts are available. Replace if the heat exchanger leaks, is badly corroded, or repairs keep stacking up on an old unit.
Why does my pool pump hum but not start?
A failed start capacitor or a seized motor are common causes. Turn the pump off and call a pro; running it in that state can burn out the motor.
Do I need a permit to replace pool equipment?
Like-for-like swaps may not; new circuits, gas lines or added equipment often do. Check with your building department (Walnut Creek, Danville or Contra Costa County).
Keep going
Related repairs and guides
Next step
Pump, heater or filter acting up?
Tell us the brand, what it is doing and how old it is. A local pool equipment tech can follow up with next steps and pricing.
- Resurfacing, leaks, equipment, tile and remodels
- Walnut Creek, Danville, Alamo, Lafayette and nearby
- Ask for a written scope before any work starts
Prefer to talk? (925) 574-5921