If a new bill passes in Florida, HVAC professionals may expand their scope in working on pool heaters.

Currently HVAC workers can perform repairs on existing pool heaters. However, they cannot install or replace pool heaters, because they don’t have the specialty needed to work within pool hydraulic systems, which can be affected by heaters. With a new bill, the HVAC industry hopes to change that.

The Florida Swimming Pool Association opposes the bill. “The idea of a like-for-like replacement of a pool heater is easier said than done,” said Dallas Thiesen, FSPA’s chief government relations officer. “HVAC contractors don’t have the expertiese to change the piping in a way that is beneficial for the consumer.”