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!
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Commercial Heat Pump.
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.
Heated pools have become a symbol of luxury, offering a comfortable and consistent swimming. They not only allow homeowners to enjoy their pools beyond the summer months but also contribute to increased property value. A well-maintained heated pool can also become a central feature for gatherings, ensuring that the investment is not just about personal comfort, but also about creating a space for social connection and entertainment. However, heating a pool can be a complex and expensive endeavor.
This is where heat pumps make all the difference as a smart choice for homeowners. They provide a consistent and even heat, maintaining your pool at the desired temperature. Moreover, the operational costs of heat pumps are typically lower than those of traditional gas heaters, making them a cost-effective solution in the long term. And, with the capacity to heat or cool your pool water, heat pumps offer versatility that can adapt to your changing needs.
Q. What are Compressors and Refrigerants?
A compressor is a mechanical device that intakes low-pressure gas, compresses it through rotational or piston movement, and discharges it as high-pressure gas—often referred to as the heart of a refrigeration system. Refrigerants broadly encompass any substance that causes cooling. However, in the HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) industry, refrigerants specifically circulate within the cycle of cooling devices, such as refrigerators, heat pumps, and air conditioners. They absorb heat at the low-temperature point (the evaporator) and release it at the high-temperature point (the condenser), facilitating the heat transfer essential for cooling and heating.
❶Compressor: Compresses low-pressure refrigerant gas into high-pressure refrigerant gas.
❷Condenser: Cools the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas to a lower temperature by dissipating heat to the surroundings, causing it to liquefy. The condenser plays a vital role in heating water in the heat pump.
❸Expansion Valve: Passes the liquefied medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant through a very narrow space to reduce pressure.
❹Evaporator: Evaporates the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant mixture into a complete gas by exposing it to higher temperature surroundings.
A heat pump operates through a sophisticated cycle that manipulates the state and pressure of refrigerant to move heat. The cycle begins with the compressor, where low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is compressed into a high-pressure gas, elevating its temperature significantly. Moving to the condenser, this high-temperature, high-pressure gas is cooled by the cooler ambient air around it, causing the refrigerant to condense into a liquid while releasing its heat to the outside. At this stage, the heat transfer occurs. The extracted heat warms the water and the heated water is supplied to the swimming pool through a water pump. Then, the liquid refrigerant from the condenser passes through the expansion valve, a narrow passage that reduces its pressure, resulting in a drop in both temperature and pressure, and causing some of the refrigerant to evaporate into gas, creating a low-temperature, low-pressure mixture of liquid and gas. Finally, in the evaporator, this mixture absorbs heat from the warmer surrounding air (ambient air), evaporating the refrigerant completely into a gas. This process of gaining heat causes the surrounding environment to cool down as the heat is extracted from it.
The scroll compressor stands out as the optimal choice for heat pumps used in heating pools. It operates by meshing two spiral-shaped components—the fixed scroll and the orbit scroll—in relative motion to compress gas. The orbit scroll doesn't rotate on its own but orbits around the fixed scroll, progressively decreasing the volume of the compression chambers and moving the gas towards the discharge port at the center. This unique mechanism not only ensures high reliability but also significantly reduces noise and vibration, making it exceptionally suited for medium to large capacity models of pool heat pumps. Its efficiency and quiet operation align perfectly with the demands of pool heating applications, highlighting its suitability for ensuring comfortable and serene pool environments.
In addition, LG Compressor & Motor is preparing to introduce a 9-ton scroll compressor. This new product is expected to meet an existing market need by offering a 9-ton capacity solution. With this advancement, LG intends to facilitate the electrification of pool heating systems, making it possible to replace traditional gas heaters in a variety of applications.
To learn more about LG Scroll Compressor, please check out the video below.
Heating an outdoor pool with a heat pump can lead to considerable savings, especially when compared to electric resistance or gas pool heaters. Table 1 helps you estimate your annual heat pump heating costs by factoring in your location and desired water temperature — which significantly reduces heat loss. Table 2 goes a step further by calculating the potential savings of operational/heating costs* when opting for a heat pump heater. For instance, for every $1,000 spent on heating a pool using traditional methods, the table illustrates the amount you could save on operational costs by switching to a heat pump system. Particularly against gas heaters with a 55% efficiency, heat pumps emerge as a cost-effective solution. These tables provide valuable insight, allowing pool owners to make informed decisions that could lead to substantial savings in annual pool heating expenses.
*Not including purchase costs and installation costs
The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, enacted in , marks a pivotal shift towards environmental sustainability within the HVAC sector, targeting a substantial reduction in hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) usage—potent greenhouse gases—by 85% by . ² This ambitious initiative is a direct response to the escalating concerns over climate change, aiming to significantly lower emissions from high Global Warming Potential (GWP) substances commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning. ² The phasedown is meticulously planned, promoting the adoption of alternatives that promise to lessen the environmental impact of cooling systems. It not only underscores the urgency of addressing global warming but also highlights a collective move towards sustainability, driving the entire industry towards innovation and the use of low GWP refrigerants.
In alignment with the AIM Act's phasedown schedule, LG Compressors & Motor is actively participating by incorporating R454B refrigerant, which has a GWP of 467, into their pool heat pump models. This adaptation signifies LG’s proactive approach in transitioning to lower GWP refrigerants ahead of regulatory deadlines. For U.S. consumers, this shift towards HFC phasedown heralds a new era of cooling technologies that are not only safer for the planet but also optimized for energy efficiency. The transition, while significant, is designed to be seamless, ensuring that consumers will continue to enjoy high-performance cooling solutions without compromising on reliability or facing undue disruptions. The AIM Act, therefore, stands as a critical milestone in the journey towards a more environmentally responsible HVAC industry, benefiting both the planet and the people.
Conclusion
Embracing heat pumps for pool heating embodies a forward-thinking approach to cost-effective pool maintenance. The use of LG's scroll compressors, known for their efficiency and low GWP refrigerant usage, aligns perfectly with the goals of the AIM Act, guiding the industry towards environmentally conscious practices. By choosing heat pumps equipped with low GWP refrigerants like R454B, homeowners can significantly reduce their energy expenses and contribute to the global effort against climate change. This transition not only represents a step towards responsible alternatives but also ensures that the enjoyment of a heated pool comes with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, the adoption of heat pump technology for pool heating signals a commitment to lower GWP, making it a smart choice for consumers.
Reference
[1] https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-swimming-pool-heaters
[2] https://www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction/frequent-questions-phasedown-hydrofluorocarbons
[3]https://www.epa.gov/climate-hfcs-reduction/technology-transitions-hfc-restrictions-sector#refrigeration-ac-heat-pumps
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