Swimming Pool Heat Pumps: A Buyer's Guide

Swimming pool heat pumps offer warm pool water at a fraction of the cost of gas pool heaters, and unlike solar heaters, continue to heat the pool during cloudy, rainy periods.

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Advantages of using a heat pump

Pool heat pumps work similar to a home heat pump. It acts like a reverse air conditioner, removing the ambient temperature in the air, with the use of an evaporator coil, liquid refrigerant and a compressor. The heat from the outside air is transferred to the pool water moving through the heat pump.

• No emissions and very low energy use
• Reliable heater, requires no maintenance
• No dangerous gas or flames used
• Easy to install, operate and troubleshoot
• Highly efficient, cheap to operate.

This blog will help you select the best pool heat pump for your pool size and usage patterns, and answer some questions about heat pumps along the way:

Sizing a heat pump

Pool heat pumps are typically matched to the number of gallons in your pool. If you don't know or aren't sure how many gallons you have, measure your pool, and use this pool volume calculator tool.

Some heat pump manufacturers don't list the gallons, but list their heaters in terms of the BTU output. Most models are in the range of 50K (50,000) BTU's - to 125K BTU's.

50K BTU heat pumps are meant for small pools, or aboveground pools, under 12,000 gallons. It will work on larger pools, but heating will be slow and total temperature rise may not be what you desire.

You'll need to consider pool size and the desired temperature change when selecting a heat pump for your swimming pool. Other factors, such as the average air temperature, humidity and wind speeds, will also influence a heat pump's ability to warm the pool water. Figuring on a temperature increase of 1-1.25 degrees per hour, you can use the following equation to get an approximate heat pump BTU requirement:

(Surface Area) x (Temperature Increase) x 12 = (Minimum BTU Needed)

For example, we'll use a rectangular pool 14 ft. wide by 28 ft. long. During the coldest month of use, the pool owner wants to increase the water temperature by around 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

(14 x 28) x 20 x 12 = 94,000+ BTU

BTU Guidelines

If you happen to know the volume of your pool in gallons, you can also follow this general guideline for heat pump BTUs:

Heat pumps max out around 135,000 to 150,000 BTU, so larger pools will take longer to heat. It's important to purchase a properly sized unit in order to maximize energy savings. Using a solar pool cover can also help reduce heat loss and boost efficiency.

The larger the BTU output, the faster the heating (still slow by gas pool heater standards) - and the greater temperature rise the pool heat pump can achieve. A nice sized heat pump can bring the pool up 30 degrees (or from 50 to 80 degrees).

Another factor that could affect the size of heat pump that you buy; if you have high winds and no pool cover, you will suffer from a great deal of heat loss off the top of the pool. If you do have wind blocks and/or an automatic pool cover, you could potentially buy a smaller heat pump.

Selecting a heat pump brand

With so many on the heat pump bandwagon, there are a lot of brands to choose from. Many of the names you may not recognize, like TropiCal and AquaCal. These companies are the originators of pool heat pumps, selling thousands throughout the  80's and 90's. As sales increased, big brands like Hayward and Pentair took notice, who are now making pool heat pumps as well.

To make it easier to choose from, we list 6 different pool heat pump models, from 4 manufacturers. Prices vary according to the features installed on these different models. Some of the most popular options out there that all models have is:

• Titanium Heat Exchanger
• Thermoplastic jacket or exterior
• Digital display, electronic controls
• Environmentally friendly R410A refrigerant

Some models will have more advanced diagnostic indicators (idiot lights), a super-quiet Scroll compressor, or a more compact design. Warranty is another point of differentiation between our 6 models of heat pumps. Finally, the high end pool heat pumps have the ability to also cool the pool, in the event that summer heat brings the pool water to unbearable temperatures!

Installing a heat pump

There's not much difference in installation methods among our pool heat pumps. There are some size considerations, so if you have a smaller space, look to the product dimensions in the brochure or the owner's manual (linked from our heat pump pages).

All heat pumps will need to be installed on a level platform or slab. You cut the pipe after the filter and any chlorinator, then connect the pool plumbing in and out of the heat pump. Heat pumps require a 30-60 amp breaker, depending on their BTU output size.

Your heat pump installation may require bringing more power to the equipment pad, or if you're lucky, you have enough room left to add the required breaker size to the panel. To be safe, use a qualified electrician to perform the electrical hook-up on your new heat pump.

Pool Heat Pump Buyer's Guide

Aqua Cal

One of the oldest and largest manufacturers of heat pumps. Aqua Cal does not make any other products besides heat pumps for pools in both residential and commercial applications. Their heat exchanger is titanium. Aqua Cal has an easy to read digital display, dual thermostat and whisper quiet fan motor. The thermostat has a lockout option, which prevents anyone from adjusting the pool temperature.

Aqua Pro

The AquaPro heat pump has a titanium heat exchanger with a 5 yr. warranty on the heat exchanger. Most of the units have a digital display with a dual thermostat. The housing on the heat pump is very durable and is weather resistant. Aqua Pro is one of the leaders in pool heat pumps, and one of the first manufacturers in Florida.

Pentair UltraTemp

The UltraTemp is Pentair's original heat pump with a titanium heat exchanger to help prevent and protect against chemical corrosion. The cabinet on the UltraTemp is weather resistant and will help ensure optimal performance during any climate. Available in three sizes, and comes in a heat/cool model to both heat and cool the pool, and comes with many advanced features and benefits.

Hayward HeatPro

Hayward purchased EUS in , and added the Heat Pro, which has a titanium heat exchanger to help prevent from chemical damage and also Hayward Quiet technology built into their heat pump. The compressor and fan blade helps reduce noise. Hayward Heat Pro has an Ultra Gold corrosion resistant evaporator coil which helps provide excellent durability even in coastal environments.

Raypak Classic Series

These heat pumps feature robust construction, and full featured design elements. Easy-to-use digital controller and simple water line hook ups make operation and installation a snap! ETL Listed and AHRI Certified. We also carry the Raypak Heat Cool Heat Pumps, to allow you to heat or cool the pool water, as needed.

TropiCal

An economical and environmentally-friendly way to heat your pool. Using titanium heat exchangers and TropiCal’s patented counter-flow water management system, this pump harnesses the power of its sealed ventilator motor. Microprocessor controlled auto defrost keeps the TropiCal running even when temps dip into the 40s.

It's frustrating and uncomfortable to swim while the weather is a bit cold. With the weather shifts, temperatures can drop substantially, especially during cloudy days or winter. A significant drop in temperature can render a pool useless. About 90 % of pools in the U.S. are used two to three times during cold seasons.

Related links:
How to Select the Right Pool Heater - Pools & Spas Services Inc

Goto LAILEY & COATES to know more.

This is where a pool heat pump comes in; the primary reason people use pool heat pumps is to make swimming enjoyable by heating the pool water to a desirable temperature.

But what type of heat pump should you go for? In this article, we will be discussing why you should choose an inverter pool heat pump.

What is an inverter pool heat pump?

An inverter pool heat pump is a cost-effective and energy-saving technology that provides a way to heat your pool. Inverter pool heat pumps are designed to guarantee your pool’s water maintains the desired temperature.

Heat pumps work by a technique of drawing in warm air from the surrounding atmosphere and utilizing it to warm up your pool water. What sets inverter pool heat pumps apart from other models is that they can consistently maintain a warm pool water temperature.

The inverter eliminates wasted operations in warm air heat pumps by efficiently controlling the motor. A motor works as an accelerator in a car, influencing the heating speed to manage pool water temperature. The inverter maintains the heat once an appropriate temperature is achieved without using much energy. Conventional pool heat pumps stop and shut down once a specific temperature is reached, and it requires a hard start once the pool temperature drops. This process uses more energy than what is applied in inverter types.

Why choose an inverter heat pump to heat your pool?

Compared to on and off conventional heat pumps, inverter heat pumps regulate and moderate their operation even when operating at full power. Inverter technology allows the fan and compressor to work at variable speeds. This enhances its performance, enabling it to function effectively at a lower energy consumption rate than other models.

The inverter adjusts the electrical frequency, enabling the motor speed to be modified and the output power to be altered. This creates a higher COP(Coefficient of Performance), leading to an enhanced performance of the device.

Benefits of inverter pool heat pumps

With regards to its technical aspects, are inverter heat pumps worth it for pools? Here are some benefits you can enjoy from choosing inverter pool heat pumps:

• Energy-efficient   – In the pool heating game, the inverter is regarded as the best solution in energy efficiency.  Cooling and heating is automated in an efficient manner than in initial pool heating technologies.

• Cost-effective - Purchasing an inverter pool heat pump might be a bit more costly than conventional models. Still, it's cheaper in the long run when you factor in costs on electric consumption,  maintenance, and durability.

• Durable - Most inverters are made with long-lasting technology and material. Also, the soft start in inverters ensures the heat pump is less stressed, thus reducing potential damage.

• Reduced noise levels - Inverter models have slower fans and lower revs, meaning softer sounds of up to 25dB at 390 inches deep.

• Innovative capabilities - Modern inverters have smart capabilities that give you full control over their functionality using smart devices like phones, PC's among other portable      smart devices.

• Better  COP – Inverter technology enables higher  COP to be achieved. Typically for 7(air 15 degrees/water 26 degrees) to be achieved, you need seven times the energy output than the electrical power  used; therefore, a higher COP means a more efficient model.

• Eco-friendly – The inverter saves more when it comes to energy consumption and usage by automatically adjusting its compressor speed. Compared to non-inverter models, the inverter heat pump is friendlier to the environment.

Inverter pool heat pump vs. standard Pool heat pump

These two devices couldn't be more different. The only thing they have in common is that they both serve the same purpose but do it differently. A standard pool heat pump can only be on or off. On the other hand, inverter models use modulation techniques to alter output power to suit the temperature demands of the pool.

Performance of heat pumps is measured in COP, and inverter technology records better COP than standard Pool heat pumps. Its unique inverter control allows it to achieve about a COP of 8 to 7 while traditional models reach about 4 to 5 COP.

Research shows that inverter technology can save 30% to 50%  energy in a year while providing a heating capacity of about 70% or % 50. On the other hand, standard pool heat pumps produce nearly 100% heating capacity but barely save energy.

In this battle for supremacy, the inverter pool heat pump wins due to the reasons provided above.

Inverter pool heat pump vs. solar pool heat pump

Unlike inverter heat pumps that use surrounding atmospheric air to heat pool water, solar pumps rely on thermal energy. Solar heat pumps use the thermal properties of solar energy to heat pool water via a series of tubes.

The most energy-efficient and eco-friendly device is solar pool heat pumps since it purely uses natural energy to work. However, this presents a challenge to this particular device since their natural source of power is solar radiation, which means they can't function without the sun.

Solar pool heat pumps may find it hard to perform at night, in cloudy weather, or during the winter season when there is less sunlight. At the same time, inverts can work as long as they are connected to an electrical supply source.

Solar panels are cheaper when compared to inverter models even in the long run if handled with care, but they require more maintenance and have costly repair parts.

The inverter model still takes a win but with a slight lead gap. Solar panel heat pumps gain a lot of hype because they are friendly to the environment and energy-efficient, especially when most people have adopted the go green policy.

Summary

If you live in a region where you experience cold seasons frequently, an inverter pool heat pump is an excellent option for heating your pool that will save you a lot of costs. This article has provided all the information necessary to help you decide if an inverter pool heat pump is for you.

Also of Interest:

If you want to learn more, please visit our website commercial swimming pool heat pump.