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Seal Beach officials plan immediate replacement of Magal pool heater after inspection
Summary
City staff told the council the Magal Pool heater likely must be replaced after an initial repair attempt revealed prior maintenance failures; replacement cost estimates range from about $20,000 for an eight‑year fix to $33,000 for full replacement, and staff said they will pursue possible reimbursement from the previous maintenance contractor.
City staff told the Seal Beach City Council on Sept. 8 that the Magal Pool heater will be replaced after an inspection found incomplete prior work by the pool's maintenance contractor. Marine Safety Chief Joe Bailey said staff initially were told by the contract maintainer that the heater needed a full replacement costing about $80,000. The city engaged an independent boiler/heater expert who "was convinced he could fix the heater for just over $3,000," Bailey said, but after disassembly the expert found prior maintenance tasks (burner replacement and soot cleaning) had not been completed and concluded the heater would be more expensive to repair. Bailey said the expert offered an estimate of approximately $20,000 for repairs that would extend life about eight years and about $33,000 for a full replacement; typical heater life is about 20 years and the current unit is roughly 12 years old. Bailey said the city will "ask questions about [the previous company's] work" and seek to recoup funds if warranty or contractual obligations were not met. Staff said the replacement process would take roughly six weeks and that the city would pursue both immediate repairs to keep the pool operable and possible community fundraising to cover budget gaps if needed. City Manager Gallegos said staff would bring the item back to council for budget or contract approvals if required. Council members and staff stressed the pool's value for water safety and community health; Bailey said the city would move quickly to replace the heater and explore options for addressing a separate gas‑meter issue that may be restricting supply to the heater.
