One of the sneakiest ways pool pros lose money is through heater damage. I’ve seen it happen countless times: the homeowner calls in a warranty claim, the manufacturer sends a tech, and the verdict comes back—“Not covered. This is chemical damage.” Suddenly, you’re the one in the hot seat.
The problem usually comes down to over-chemicalization or not checking total alkalinity. Everyone tests chlorine and pH, but TA often gets skipped. Low alkalinity makes water more corrosive, and when you keep hammering in chlorine, it eats away at the heater’s internals. Next thing you know, a $5,000 heater is shot—and the warranty company points the finger at you.
I remember one pool where the homeowner swore I ruined their heater. I had just taken over the account two months earlier. Luckily, I had logs showing every visit, every reading, and every chemical added. My insurance was able to step in and fight the claim, and it was eventually dropped. Without those logs, I would have been stuck.
The lesson? Test alkalinity regularly, avoid stacking shock treatments, and keep clean, time-stamped records. It might feel tedious, but when you’re facing a $5,000+ replacement, you’ll be glad you did.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi, I’m Danielle Bahr, owner of the Swimming Pool Pro Alliance (SPPA). With over 30 years of experience in the pool and spa industry, I’ve dedicated my career to protecting service and repair professionals with insurance that’s affordable, flexible, and backed by A-rated carriers. SPPA serves pool, spa, pond, and fountain pros across 49 states, offering coverage that includes pool pop-ups, pollution cleanup, inspections, and even key and lock replacement. I come from a family of pool service pros myself, so I understand the risks you face, and my goal is simple: to give you peace of mind so you can focus on running your business.