POOL HEAT PUMPS
Learn all about pool heat pumps, and find the best pool heat pumps for sale
How Pool Heat Pumps Work
Pool heat pumps work by using a fan to pull in natural heat from the surrounding air. As the warm air flows in, it passes over a part called the evaporator coil. This coil contains a special liquid refrigerant, which reacts with the warm air by absorbing it’s natural heat and changing into a warm gas.
Next, the warm gas travels to the compressor, which pressurizes the gas and increases it’s temperature, making it even hotter. From there, the hot gas travels forward to the inner coil of the heat exchanger (condenser). Here, the heat exhanger transfers the heat from the hot gas to the cold pool water as it flows through, warming it up.
As the heated water flows into your pool, the hot gas in the coil slowly cools down and returns to liquid form. And from there, the process restarts.
Benefits of Pool Heat Pumps
- Pool heat pumps cost 75% less than gas heaters to operate
- Swim in any weather down to 40 degrees. Rainy days, cloudy skies, cold windy nights – no problem!
- Reliable heat on demand – no sunlight needed
- Extends your pool season by up to 6 months – open sooner, close later
- Ecofriendly: no C02 emissions, and low energy use
- Easy to repair & lasts 2x longer than gas heaters
Avoid expensive heating bills and swim longer with the most energy efficient pool heat pump on the market
How To Choose a Pool Heat Pump
While most pool heat pumps do cost more than gas heaters upfront, they pay for themselves over and again with lower operating costs and higher efficiency. And with regular maintenance, they can last more than twice as long.
This makes them one of the best pool heating options for long-term savings and budget-friendly performance.
When choosing a pool heat pump, consider these 3 main points:
- Size
- Energy Efficiency (COP)
- Operating Cost
Pool Heat Pump Sizing
Sizing a pool heat pump correctly ensures that you’re getting the right amount of heating power for your needs. Not too much, and not too little. We size pool heat pumps according to their BTU output ratings. Similar to air conditioners, pool heat pumps come in a variety of different power ratings, ranging from 75,000 BTUs up to 150,000.
Choosing the right pool heater size comes down to calculating which one can meet your needs based on a few factors, which include climate, pool size, wind exposure, humidity, and cold temperatures.
How To Size a Pool Heat Pump
To size a pool heat pump for your swimming pool, follow these steps (or use our pool heat pump sizing calculator):
- Choose your desired swimming pool temperature
- Find the average temperature of the coldest month where you live
- Subtract the coldest avg temperature from your desired temperature. This is your Temperature Increase
- Measure your pool’s surface area (Width x Length = Surface Area)
- Calculate BTUs needed with this formula => Pool Surface Area x Temperature Increase x 12 = BTUs needed
Want access to one of the best pool heat pumps for sale?
How Pool Heat Pump Energy Usage
& Efficiency Is Measured
You can measure the energy efficiency of a pool heat pump by referring to its coefficient of performance, or COP. The higher a pool heat pump’s COP number, the more energy-efficient it is.
The number represents how much energy the heater produces based on what it consumes. So with a COP of 5.0, a heat pump produces 5.0 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity it uses.
To generate this number, pool heat pump manufacturers must put their heaters through several performance tests under strict AHRI standards. One of the most common tests includes running the heater at an outdoor temperature of 80 degrees, with a pool temperature of 80 degrees.
Once all tests are completed, the heat pump receives an official COP rating ranging from 3.0 to 7.0.
Quick Fact: The Oasis Platinum Ultra Quiet has a COP of 6.7, one of the highest ratings in the industry
Pool Heat Pump Cost & Savings
Use this table to estimate your monthly pool heat pump cost and savings compared to gas heaters.
The table provides estimates for monthly pool heating costs based on location and a water temperature of 80 degrees.
Want a pool heater that pays for itself in savings?
Pool Heat Pump Installation & Maintenance
Pool heat pump installation is best handled by a professional pool heating company, as they’re equipped with the tools and experience to get the job done safely, and fast.
The installation process typically takes 1-3 days, and mainly involves leveling the ground where the heater will be placed, installing the plumbing, and hooking up the power. For your safety, it’s especially advised to leave the electrical work to a professional, as heat pumps require a high voltage connection to a dedicated, 30-50 amp circuit breaker.
Once it’s installed, performing regular maintenance on your heater will keep it working at maximum efficiency, which helps you avoid expensive repairs while minimizing your heating bills. Servicing your heat pump aids in reversing the effects of wear and tear, and extends it’s lifespan, so you don’t have to worry about a costly replacement. It’s the best way to keep enjoying warm water and long, cozy swim seasons, year after year.
