If you had solar panels they'd be pretty obvious... there would be large black plastic panels on your roof (or yard) with large diameter pvc pipes running to them. The panels are turned on/off by changing the position of a 3-way valve. The valve is normally controlled by a small computer that looks like a lawn sprinkler timer. You can configure it a number of different ways. If this is what you have, I recommend contacting a specialist at a pool supply store (like Leslie's) to get an owner's manual for your system.
Older gas heaters look kinda like a home furnace. Newer ones look... well, here's a link to show you what they look like:
http://www.lesliespool.com/browse/Home/H
The newer heaters have control panels mounted to them. The older ones were normally controlled by a thermostat and a remote on/off switch. There should also be a gas shutoff valve and a pilot light which has probably been turned off.
Heat pumps are electric and look like an air conditioner condenser (the thing that sits on the ground outside your house with the big fan in the top of it). They are relatively new and all have control panels mounted on them, Here's a picture of one:
http://www.lesliespool.com/browse/Home/H
Solar covers are... well, pretty self explanatory. They're a plastic cover you spread over your pool which allows sunlight to heat the water (radiant heat) but does not allow the air outside to cool the water (convection/evaporation). Believe it or not, they work pretty good with zero operating cost.
With the exception of solar covers, every heating system requires the filter pump to be running in order to heat. Be sure to start the filter pump before you try starting your heater (if you have a heater).
If you have a gas heater, I recommend you call the gas company and ask for a free leak inspection (you don't want to blow yourself up). They will even turn on the gas and light the pilot for you if you request them to. It's a free service and your safety is definitely worth the time.Does every pool have a heater? if not, what do you check to see if there is one or not?No not all pools have heaters and if there is one there will be a switch somewhere for it. Most often there's a black box sticking out of the ground with a door and a switch inside.Does every pool have a heater? if not, what do you check to see if there is one or not?no they dontDoes every pool have a heater? if not, what do you check to see if there is one or not?Well, there is always the toe test, but if you want to find out if it is equipped with a heater, ask the pool maintenance person. Is the town house yours, or rented? If rented, you should be able to find out from the management company, if owned, check with the realtor.Does every pool have a heater? if not, what do you check to see if there is one or not?first of all you can't turn it on the manager can...try to go in the deep under water and if your ears feel weird then there is one...trust me on this one!
