Heat Pump Swimming Pool Heaters | Department of Energy

A heat pump is a device that uses a small amount of energy to move heat from one location to another. Heat pumps used for heating pools transfer heat from the outdoors into the water. Unlike gas heaters that require natural gas or propane, they use heat that is already available and just move it from one place to another, thereby using a cleaner heat via electricity, producing no carbon monoxide.

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Why Use a Heat Pump for Water Heating?

Reason #1: You Want to Use Your Pool Year-Round

Heat pumps are perfect for use in warmer climates! Heat pumps are most efficient when they’re heating outdoor air that’s above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything below 50 and a heat pump does start to lose efficiency. In fact, heat pumps work more efficiently the warmer the air temperature gets.

Reason #2: Heat Pumps Yield Better Energy Savings

If you want to save on your energy bill, heat pumps provide great value.

Think of a gas heater as a muscle car and a heat pump as a bike. A gas heater will definitely heat your pool faster, but you’ll pay a price for it when the energy bill comes. On the other hand, a heat pump will provide an even and consistent heat once it reaches your ideal temperature, operating with much less effort. The U.S. Department of Energy confirms that if you run an average heat pump year-round at 85 degrees, you’ll experience up to $400 a year in energy savings.

Reason #3: Some Heat Pumps Can Cool Your Pool, Too!

If you’re in the market for a heater, you’re probably already invested in your pool, and making it an enjoyable experience. Why not go the extra mile?

A premium heat pump model won’t just heat your pool, but also keep the water cooler when the weather is too hot outside.

As the pool water circulates through the pool pump, it passes through a filter and the heat pump heater. The heat pump heater has a fan that draws in the outside air and directs it over the evaporator coil. Liquid refrigerant within the evaporator coil absorbs the heat from the outside air and becomes a gas. The warm gas in the coil then passes through the compressor. The compressor increases the heat, creating a very hot gas that then passes through the condenser. The condenser transfers the heat from the hot gas to the cooler pool water circulating through the heater. The heated water then returns to the pool. The hot gas, as it flows through the condenser coil, returns to liquid form and back to the evaporator, where the whole process begins again.

Higher efficiency heat pump pool heaters usually use scroll compressors versus the reciprocal compressors of standard units.

Heat pump pool heaters work efficiently as long as the outside temperature remains above the 45ºF–50ºF range. The cooler the outside air they draw in, the less efficient they are, resulting in higher energy bills. However, since most people use outdoor pools during warm and mild weather, this usually isn't an issue.

You should have a trained pool professional perform a proper sizing analysis for your specific pool to determine pool heater size.

Sizing a heat pump pool heater involves many factors. Basically, a heater is sized according to the surface area of the pool and the difference between the pool and the average air temperatures. Other factors also affect the heating load for outdoor pools, such as wind exposure, humidity levels, and cool night temperatures. Therefore, pools located in areas with higher average wind speeds at the pool surface, lower humidity, and cool nights will require a larger heater.

Heat pump pool heaters are rated by Btu output and horsepower (hp). Standard sizes include 3.5 hp/75,000 Btu, 5 hp/100,000 Btu, and 6 hp/125,000 Btu.

To calculate an approximate heater size for an outdoor swimming pool, follow these steps:

1. Determine your desired swimming pool temperature.
2. Determine the average temperature for the coldest month of pool use.
3. Subtract the average temperature for the coldest month from the desired pool temperature. This will give you the temperature rise needed.
4. Calculate the pool surface area in square feet.
5. Use the following formula to determine the Btu/hour output requirement of the heater:

Pool Area x Temperature Rise x 12

This formula is based on 1º to 1-1/4ºF temperature rise per hour and a 3-1/2 mile per hour average wind at the pool surface. For a 1-1/2ºF rise multiply by 1.5. For a 2ºF rise multiply by 2.0.

For an outdoor pool, use the following tables to help estimate your annual heat pump pool heater costs and savings compared to using an electric resistance or a gas pool heater.

With competitive price and timely delivery, LAILEY & COATES sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Table 1 estimates annual heat pump pool heating costs by location, by water temperature, and with or without using a pool cover.

Table 1. Costs by Location of Heating Outdoor Pools with a Heat Pump*

LOCATION SEASON TEMPERATURE 78° 80° 82° Miami 1/1–12/31 $ $ $ w/ cover 1/1–12/31 $293 $409 $559 Phoenix 3/1–10/31 $927 $ $ w/ cover 3/1–10/31 $49 $116 $158 Dallas 4/1–10/31 $491 $ $ w/ cover 4/1–10/31 $123 $191 $279 Atlanta 4/1–10/31 $ $ $ w/ cover 4/1–10/31 $211 $279 $395 Los Angeles 5/1–10/31 $ $ $ w/ cover 5/1–10/31 $116 $211 $327 Kansas City 5/1–10/31 $974 $ $ w/ cover 5/1–10/31 $198 $279 $368 New York 5/1–9/30 $ $ $ w/ cover 5/1–9/30 $143 $204 $273 Chicago 5/1–9/30 $ $ $ w/ cover 5/1–9/30 $143 $204 $266 Denver 5/1–8/31 $ $ $ w/ cover 5/1–8/31 $95 $136 $204 Boston 5/1–8/31 $ $ $ w/ cover 5/1–8/31 $164 $225 $320 Minneapolis 6/1–9/30 $899 $ $ w/ cover 6/1–9/30 $136 $170 $259 San Fran 6/1–8/31 $ $ $ w/ cover 6/1–8/31 $129 $225 $327 Seattle 6/1–8/31 $ $ $ w/ cover 6/1–8/31 $204 $293 $382

*Figures based on a 1,000 square foot, outdoor pool heated with an air to water heat pump with an average COP of 5.0 at $./kwh.

Table 2 estimates the savings for every $ in annual pool heating costs using a heat pump pool heater compared to using an electric resistance or gas pool heater with an efficiency of 55% (baseline).

Table 2. Annual Savings Comparisons of
Gas and Electric Pool Heaters*

EFFICIENCY ANNUAL COST COST W/ 5.0 COP HEAT PUMP SAVINGS Gas Pool Heater 55% $ $700 $300 60% $915 $700 $215 65% $845 $700 $145 70% $785 $700 $85 75% $732 $700 $32 Electric Resistance 100% $ $200 $800

*Based on an electric resistance heated pool, which costs $1,000 per year at an electric cost of $./kwh, and using a gas pool heater with a 55% efficiency (baseline) at a cost of $1.09/therm. A seasonal average COP of 5.0 was used to determine heat pump savings.

Introduction

Swimming pool heat pumps provide an energy-efficient way for pool users to maintain consistently warm water in their pools and spas all year round. Rather than generating heat like gas or electric heaters, pool heat pumps capture energy from the outside air which it then transfers into the pool water in order to heat it. Once activated, the heat pump’s fan pulls warm air into its evaporator coil, where it warms the liquid refrigerant, converting it into a gas. This gas is then compressed, increasing its temperature further. After reaching the desired temperature, it flows into the heat exchanger, where it heats the pool water. Afterward, the heated water circulates back into the pool while the gas reverts to a liquid state, ready to begin the cycle anew. When you choose Aqauaheat pool heating, you also get the added benefit of InverPad Technology, which is not only one of the quietest heating systems available, but is also one of the most energy-efficient. In fact, it can cut down your energy usage by an average of 90%.

Swimming pool heat pumps provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for heating your pool. They serve as an excellent alternative to gas heaters and are ideal for maintaining warm pool temperatures throughout the year. If you’re looking for a pool heat pump in Melbourne, you can browse Aquaheat options here, or scroll down to learn more about this innovative technology.

What’s the Difference Between a Gas Pool Heating and an Air Source Heat Pump?

In short, gas pool heaters burn fuel to directly create heat, whereas air source heat pumps extract heat from the surrounding air to warm the pool, making them generally more energy-efficient. Gas pool heaters can use natural gas or LPG as their fuel; the gas combusts in the heater’s combustion chamber, producing heat that is transferred to the water before it cycles back into the pool. Conversely, an electric heat pump does not use a heating element but instead harnesses heat from the external air. Approximately 70-90% of the energy required to operate the heat pump is derived from the air, with the remainder provided by electricity. Using air as its primary energy source lowers your heating costs considerably, making an air source heat pump a cheaper more environmentally friendly alternative to pool heating.

Why Use a Heat Pump for a Pool Water Heating?

Heat pumps allow you to set your pool at your ideal temperature, and then keep it that way, as they are excellent at keeping a consistent temperature. Heat pumpsrequire very little effort to operate. They are designed to be user-friendly, offering simple controls and automated features that make managing your pool’s temperature effortless. Their straightforward installation and operation allow for easy integration into existing pool systems. In addition to this, heat pumps provide:

• Energy Efficiency: If you’re hoping to keep your energy costs as low, you will find that heat pumps offer excellent value. Heat pumps are more energy efficient than gas heaters because they transfer existing heat from the air rather than burning fuel to generate new heat. While a gas heater can heat your pool more quickly, that speed comes at a higher energy cost. In contrast, a heat pump can provide you with steady and consistent heating after it reaches your desired temperature, and can do so far more efficiently than a gas heater.
  
• Durability: Heat pumps are designed to last. They’re built with sturdy components that have been engineered to operate in varying weather conditions, and they typically require very little maintenance. Their long operational life spans ensure reliable performance year after year.
  
• Easy Maintenance: Heat pumps require less maintenance than other heating systems due to their fewer moving parts and the absence of combustion-related components. Regular checks and basic cleaning are typically all that’s needed to keep them running efficiently.

The Right Heat Pump for Your Pool

When selecting a heat pump for your swimming pool, it’s advised that you consider the following factors before you buy:

• The Volume of the Water: The size of your pool significantly impacts a heat pump’s heating capacity requirements, so it’s critical that you consider this before you buy, as the heat pump’s capacity will need to correspond to the pool’s volume. To determine this, you first need to calculate the volume of your pool in cubic metres (m³) using the following formula: length x width x depth (water level). As it takes 1kW of heat to warm 4m³ of water, the minimum heating capacity required for your heat pump can be calculated by dividing your pool’s volume in m³ by 4. But if you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Total Solar for a free quote by calling us on (03) .
  
  
• Climate & Environmental Factors: Factors such as humidity, wind chill, and temperature fluctuations will also play a role. For instance, opting for a larger pool heat pump is advisable if you live in an area that’s got a drier climate, higher wind speeds, or low nighttime temperatures.
  
  
• Heat Pump Size & Capacity: Make sure the heating capacity of the heat pump is appropriate for your pool’s size. A heat pump that is too small will not heat the water effectively, whereas one that is too large can consume unnecessary energy.
  
  
• Noise Levels: For the sake of your neighbours as well as your own serenity, it’s highly recommended that you don’t get a heat pump that’s too noisy. As with certain other machines, heat pump noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). The sound of leaves rustling is around 20dB, whereas a lawnmower sits around 90dB. A good, quiet heat pump should sit somewhere between 30dB to 40dB, which is somewhere between a gentle whisper to the sound of a quiet library (an Aqauaheat pump clocks in at 36.8dB).
  
  
• Degree of Use: The frequency and intensity of pool use significantly influence the type of heat pump you should consider. If you fancy a regular dip in the pool, especially in the colder months, then it’s recommended that you invest in a heat pump with a higher capacity and more robust features to maintain a consistent water temperature efficiently. On the other hand, for pools that are used less frequently or chiefly in the warmer seasons, then a smaller, less powerful heat pump might suffice, as the demand for heating is lower and less constant. Assessing how often and in what conditions your pool will be used can help you choose a heat pump that balances performance with energy efficiency, ensuring optimal functionality without excessive power consumption.

Benefits of Using the Aquaheat Pool Pump

An Aquaheat pool pump comes with a range of features, including:

• InverPad Technology: Aquaheat pumps are equipped with InverPad tech, which uses groundbreaking noise-cancelling technologies to achieve unprecedented low noise levels. This marks a significant milestone in the development of quieter pool systems.
  
  
• Coefficient of Performance (COP): The Coefficient of Performance (COP) measures the efficiency of heating and cooling systems. Heat pumps have the added advantage of cooling water, which can be particularly beneficial in hot climates. The average COP for these systems is 10.7.
  
  
• Simple Touch Controllers – The Aquaheat Intelligent Pool Heat Pump features a straightforward touch controller, offering a user-friendly experience. Its simplicity ensures that the system is extremely easy to operate.
  
  
• High Efficiency: Heat pumps chiefly pull their heat out of the very air, making them highly efficient while also significantly reducing power bill costs.
  
  
• Longevity: Heat pumps tend to have a longer lifespan than gas heaters and provide consistent heating since air, their primary heat source, is readily available.
  
• Back Discharge Design: The heat pump’s back discharge design expels air from the back rather than the sides or top. This design allows for more flexible installation options, particularly in tight spaces or against walls, and helps to minimise noise and disruption by directing sound and airflow away from nearby areas, making it ideal for residential settings.
  
• Intelligent System: This smart system initiates at 0 amps and incrementally increases power, maintaining a consistent electrical load to prevent any surges or drops in your home’s power.
  
  
• Stepless DC Inverter: The Aquaheat pump features a top-of-the-line Stepless DC inverter control system, designed to lower your electricity usage and reduce your bills. Stepless DC inverter control systems are designed to give the user continuous and variable control of a device’s motor speed, enabling optimal efficiency and energy savings by adjusting power output to the exact needs of the operation. This system quickly heats the pool water and then operates at a low speed to efficiently maintain the temperature once the pool is warm, which ultimately lowers both your energy consumption and your power bills.

Installation & Maintenance

If you wish to ensure optimal efficiency and longevity, it’s always advised that heat pump pool heaters are always installed (and if need be, repaired) by professionals. This is also the safest route, given that heat pumps require electrical connections around water.

The cost of installation can differ depending on site conditions, availability of electrical power, and the size of the unit. For a free quote, reach out to Total Solar Solutions.

Where Can I Get the Aquaheat Pool Pump?

Total Solar Solutions has been offering high range solar and heat pump products to Australia since . Offering excellent workmanship and quality customer service, Total Solar Solutions can provide you with thorough quotes, honest opinions, and punctual tradies.

You can get your Aquaheat intelligent pool heat pump from Total Solar today. The Aquaheat comes in five different sizes to accommodate a range of pool size specifications, and you can hit us up for a free quote to find out what’s best for you. You can also browse our other energy-effective products and services over at the Total Solar website.