Built Right XW Series pool heat pumps make controlling your pool temperature simple. Once powered, you can adjust the temperature from the digital control panel.
These instructions apply to the following Built Right pool heaters:
Whether starting your heater or changing the temperature, the process only takes a few seconds.
Before Turning On Your Pool Heater
First, make sure your pool circulation pump is running. Next, confirm water is flowing through the heat pump. Also, verify that the heater has electrical power. Your Built Right heat pump needs adequate water circulation before operating properly.
How to Turn On Your Built Right Pool Heater
If the control panel displays OFF, follow these steps:
- Press and release the SET button four times until OFF appears.
- Press the DOWN arrow twice until NO appears.
- The heater is now turned ON.
- The Pool or Spa indicator light should illuminate.
- Finally, use the UP or DOWN arrows to select your desired water temperature.
Afterward, the display returns to the current pool water temperature.
Setting Your Desired Pool Temperature
Use the UP arrow to increase your desired temperature. Likewise, use the DOWN arrow to lower it.
The heat pump operates when your desired temperature exceeds the current pool water temperature. For example, suppose your pool is currently 78°F. Setting the heater to 84°F tells the heat pump to heat toward 84°F.
However, the heater may not start immediately. Built Right heat pumps include an approximate three-minute delay before starting a heating cycle. This feature helps protect important components from rapid cycling.
Therefore, do not assume something is wrong if the fan and compressor do not immediately start.
How to Turn Off Your Pool Heater
To turn your Built Right Pool Heater off from the control panel, follow these steps:
- Press and release the SET button four times until OFF appears.
- Press the UP arrow twice until YES appears.
- The heater will enter OFF mode.
- The Pool and Spa indicator lights will turn off.
This process shuts down normal heater operation from the control panel.
For extended shutdown periods, disconnect electrical power using the appropriate service disconnect. High voltage can remain present even when the controller displays OFF.
Why Isn’t My Pool Heater Heating?
If your heater is turned on but does not begin heating, check these three items first.
- Check your temperature setting: Your selected temperature must exceed the current pool water temperature.
- Make sure your pool pump is running: The heat pump requires adequate water circulation before operating.
- Allow for the startup delay: Built Right heat pumps can wait about three minutes before beginning a heating cycle.
These conditions are normal and do not necessarily indicate a problem.
Is It Time to Replace Your Existing Built Right Pool Heater?
Built Right pool heat pumps can provide years of reliable service. Eventually, however, every pool heater reaches the point when replacement makes more sense than another repair. If you already own a Built Right heater, replacing it with another Built Right pool heater model can be easier.
Current Built Right XW Series pool heater models use standard plumbing connections and common electrical requirements. Therefore, many installations may require fewer changes when replacing an older Built Right unit. In many cases, this makes a new Built Right heater an excellent drop-in replacement option.
In addition, staying with Built Right can provide familiar controls and operation. Most importantly, you may avoid unnecessary changes to your existing pool equipment setup. That can simplify installation while helping control replacement costs.
Choosing Your Replacement Built Right Pool Heater
A replacement also gives you an opportunity to reconsider what you want from your pool heater.
The Built Right BR115XW is a strong replacement option for many residential pools. Its 117,000 BTU output provides efficient heating in a compact XW Series design.
For larger pools, consider the Built Right BR135XW. It can also work well for pool-and-spa combinations. Its 135,000 BTU output can provide faster heating than a smaller heat pump.
Meanwhile, the Built Right BR135XW H/C adds pool cooling. It combines heating and cooling in one unit. This feature can be especially useful during extremely hot summer weather.
All three XW models use 2-inch water connections. As a result, they can be strong replacement candidates for many existing installations. Actual installation requirements can vary. Always confirm plumbing, electrical service, breaker requirements, clearances, and water flow before selecting a replacement.
Not Sure Which Built Right Model Replaces Yours?
You do not have to figure it out yourself.
- Simply provide Pool Heater Direct with your existing heater’s manufacturer and model number. Then, our team can help identify the closest Built Right replacement.
- We can also help determine whether a drop-in replacement is available for your existing installation.
- Additionally, we can help you decide whether a larger BTU model makes sense. For example, a larger heater can provide faster heating and quicker spa recovery.
If you are replacing the heater, it may be the right time to increase performance. Therefore, consider your current needs instead of simply replacing what you had before.
Watch: How to Turn On and Adjust Your Built Right Pool Heater
The short video below shows how to turn on your Built Right XW Series pool heat pump. It also demonstrates how to adjust the temperature.
Built Right XW Series Pool Heaters
Built Right manufactures its XW Series pool heat pumps in Florida. The BR115XW and BR135XW provide pool heating. Meanwhile, the BR135XW H/C provides both heating and cooling.
Pool Heater Direct carries all three models. We can help customers select, replace, install, and operate their Built Right pool heater.
Already have an older Built Right heater? Contact Pool Heater Direct with your current model number. Then, we can identify the best Built Right replacement for your installation.


