When your system showsAutomation errors

What you may notice

You might notice the main panel display is blank or unresponsive. You might notice a communication error code on the control display. The schedule might fail to run the pump, leaving the water still. You might notice the pool lights failing to turn on, or the motorized valves failing to rotate when switching from pool to spa mode. You might notice the filter gauge reading higher than it usually does if the pump runs but the valves are stuck. These signs can point to an issue with the automation board, a sensor, or the low-voltage communication lines.

Common causes in the valley

Data from NWS Las Vegas shows a July average high of 104.5 degrees, and about 78 days a year reach 100 degrees. NWS Las Vegas also notes about 10 nights a year fall to freezing, mostly in December and January. Kingfisher checks freeze sensors and automation settings each November. The monsoon brings storms and strong winds in July and August.

What you can safely check

You can perform a few safe visual checks around the equipment pad. Check whether the skimmer and pump baskets are full. Check whether the water level looks low. Check whether the filter gauge reads higher than it usually does. Look for visible drips at the equipment pad. Look for any error code on a display. Do not open or adjust the control panels. Electrical sparks, burning smells or water near electrical equipment: turn the equipment off at the breaker only if it is safe to do so, keep everyone away, and call NV Energy or 911 if there is any danger.

When to call a technician

When an error code appears or the pump schedule fails to run, you can schedule a diagnostic visit. We schedule urgent repairs, such as equipment that has stopped circulating the water, a leak at the equipment pad, or a failed spa or pool heater, ahead of routine work during business hours. A technician can evaluate the voltage drops, test the relays, and determine whether a sensor or the main board has failed.

How Kingfisher diagnoses it

Our repair diagnostic visit is $85, credited in full toward the repair when approved within 30 days. We provide a written estimate first. The technician evaluates the control panel, communication lines and sensors. The technician explains what failed, what a repair costs and what replacement would cost. We recommend replacement only when age, parts availability or repeated failures make a repair poor value. We repair most major brands, including Pentair, Hayward, Jandy, Raypak and Sta-Rite. Our repair labor carries a 90-day warranty. New equipment we install carries a one-year installation labor warranty plus the manufacturer parts warranty. Warranty exclusions apply to damage from power surges or freeze damage when circulation was turned off.