DIY Error Codes

Hayward Universal H-Series gas pool heater Error CE

Communication error. It clears once the ignition and display boards communicate again.

Note the code. It clears once the ignition and display boards communicate again. If CE comes back, call a qualified pool heater technician.

Start the fix →When to call a pro ↓
Full answer & models

Hayward CE on a Universal H-Series heater means communication error. If it keeps returning, Hayward says to contact a qualified service company.

Applies to: H150FDH200FDH250FDH300FDH350FDH400FDH500FD
Also searched as: Hayward heater error CE, Hayward H-Series CE code

Gas appliance. Service only by a qualified technician; power off before any service.
Why
Hayward, what to do if you smell gas: do not try to light any appliance; do not touch any electrical switch and do not use any phone in your building; immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor's phone and follow their instructions; if you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department. Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency, or the gas supplier. Hayward: before installing or servicing this electrical equipment, turn the power supply off. Hazardous voltage can shock, burn, cause death or serious property damage.

What CE means

Communication error. It clears once the ignition and display boards communicate again.

More detail
Hayward's Universal H-Series owner's manual (Figure 4, Error Codes) lists CE as "Communication error": If communication between the ignition board and the display board is not established within 3 seconds of power-up, or is lost for 30 seconds, the error is displayed. It clears upon a valid data exchange between the boards. The manual's instruction for error codes is to contact a qualified service company for assistance.

5-minute checks

Fix it step by step

Step 1 of 2

  1. Note the code and wait

    • 2 min
    • None
    • DIY

    Safety: Gas appliance. Service only by a qualified technician; power off before any service.

    The code clears on its own once the ignition board and display board exchange valid data.

    More detail

    Note the code and wait.

    Write down the code and when it appears. Per Hayward's Figure 4: The code clears on its own once the ignition board and display board exchange valid data.

    Did the code clear?

  2. Call a qualified service company

    • Decision
    • None
    • Pro decision

    Stop here and book a qualified technician.

    More detail

    Call a qualified service company.

    Hayward's owner's manual says to contact a qualified service company for assistance with error codes. Installation and service must be done by a qualified installer, service agency, or the gas supplier. Do not open the heater cabinet yourself.

    Still showing CE?Need a pro → call a pro

Code cleared. Nice work.

Watch the display for a day to make sure it stays clear.

Back to top

Fixed after any step? Watch the display for a day to make sure it stays clear. Still CE after step 2? call a pro.

Call a pro if…

  • You smell gas (leave first, then call your gas supplier from a neighbor's phone).
  • CE keeps coming back or the heater stays in lockout.
  • Anything that needs the heater cabinet opened or wiring checked.

FAQ

What does Hayward heater code CE mean?

"Communication error", per Figure 4 of the Universal H-Series owner's manual. If communication between the ignition board and the display board is not established within 3 seconds of power-up, or is lost for 30 seconds, the error is displayed. It clears upon a valid data exchange between the boards.

What does Hayward say to do about CE?

Contact a qualified service company for assistance, per the manual's error-code section.

Source: Hayward Universal H-Series Owner's Manual (H150FD-H500FD), Figure 4 Error Codes, pp. 13-14; safety, pp. 1 and 3. Written by the DIY Error Codes team. Updated 2026-10-16. DIY Error Codes is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Hayward.