Heating the pool on a cold day, to make a party extra special, or using it on the hot tub, your swimming pool heater does a lot for you. And if it breaks, it is certainly worth it to get fixed. But when does it just need to be fixed, versus repaired? Call your pool provider to come check it out or help you over the phone (for example your lovely friends at the Legendary Escapes Pool Company in Brighton, Michigan). If you can salvage it, your contact will tell you what to do, or can fix it for you. If it turns out you need a new heater you can visit these websites or ask your pool provider for his/her recommendations.
http://www.poolheaters.com/