Pool Heater Fix: Pool Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit: Pilot Generator Replacement: Pool Heater Repair 

Yep, the whole thing comes out of there. At the end of last summer our same exact pool heater had that problem. We disconnected the gas and took it down to the detached garage and replaced the parts over the winter. We replaced the pilot generator and the pilot heat shield. Every thing along with shipping cost us around $120. My husband and a friend self serviced it then connected it back up. Our heater is over 15 years old and still working good.

Thanks!