How to Troubleshoot Heater Problems
Why won’t My Heater Start?
1. First, check that your filter pump is On.
Next, ensure the heater is enabled and the set point is higher than the current water temperature.
Select the bow to water


Press the heater tile to enter the heater's menu


2. Ensure the heater is enabled and the set point is higher than the current water temperature.




If the heater status is displaying “Heating” the heater is actively heating.
One of the most common reasons why the heater is not running while displaying the status as “Heating”, is because the heater is not in Bypass Operation mode.
- Most heaters will display the letters BO on the heaters display to indicate it is in Bypass operation mode. If you believe your heater is not in BO mode, check your gas heater or heat pump manual for instructions on how to place your heater into BO mode.
- If you would like assistance with placing your heater into BO mode, send an email to customerappsupport@hayward.com, In the email, include your Gas heater or Heat pump’s model number, the serial number, and a picture of the heater’s display. We will send you instructions on how to place your heater into BO mode.
Some other reasons why your heater or heat pump is not working, while displaying a “Heating” status.
- The cable connecting your heater to the Omni controller has been unplugged or damaged.
- The heater is not receiving power. Inspect the breaker for the heater and make sure it is On.
The heater/heat pump is detecting a problem. Usually, the heater will display an error code on its display when sensing a problem. Some of the most common error codes are, IF – ignition failure, LO – A pressure switch problem, and AO – a vacuum switch problem. - If your heater or heat pump is displaying an error code on its display, or the heater does not appear to be On after you have confirmed the breaker is On, you should contact a Hayward Authorized Service Center( HASC ) for help.
Why won’t My Heater Start? and the Heater is in the "Ready" Status
1. Ensure that the setpoint is above the current water temperature.
Select the bow to water


Press the heater tile to enter the heater's menu


Heater Menu


Press the ( + ) to raise the setpoint.


2. If the setpoint is higher than the current water temperature, and the status still shows as ready, It could be because the heater is disabled in the equipment priority menu. Ensure the equipment is enabled.
Heater Menu


Press to turn the toggle to On.


3. Another reason for a “Ready” status on your heater is because your system is in freeze protection mode.
Select the bow of water


Press the "Filter Pump" Tile to enter the pump menu




- The heater cannot be operated while freeze protection is running and the system is in Pool mode.
- Freeze protect can only be temporally overwritten to heat for Spa mode only.
- Once the air temperature goes above the freeze protection setpoint, you will regain control of the heater.
- The Omni can also enter freeze protect mode if there is a problem with the air temperature sensor. If you cannot see the air temperature from the main menu, or the displayed temperature is incorrect, we suggest contacting a Hayward Authorized Service Center( HASC ) for help.
4. One more reason for a “Ready” status on your heater is due to a water temperature sensor issue.
Select the bow of water


Press the heater tile to enter the heater menu




The heater cannot be operated if there is a problem with the water temperature sensor.
The temperature sensor may have been unplugged from the Omni controller, or the cable for the sensor has been damaged.
In some cases, the problem could be due to a programming issue.
If your Omni is experiencing a problem with the water temperature sensor or the displayed water temperature is incorrect, we suggest contacting a Hayward Authorized Service Center( HASC ) for help.