The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Swimming Pool Heat Pump

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.

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

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.

Introduction

Swimming pool heat pumps are an increasingly popular choice for pool owners looking to extend their swimming season. But how do they work? How do you calculate the right size for your pool? And what are the best practices for maximizing their efficiency? In this blog, we’ll explore these questions and introduce you to TURBRO's latest pool heat pumps, designed to keep your pool warm well into the fall.

How Does a Swimming Pool Heat Pump Work?

A pool heat pump operates by extracting heat from the air and transferring it to the pool water. It functions similarly to an air conditioner but in reverse.

The process involves:

1. Heat Capture: A fan draws in outside air, which then passes over an evaporator coil containing a liquid refrigerant.
2. Heat Transfer: The refrigerant absorbs the heat from the air and turns into a gas.
3. Compression: The gas is compressed, raising its temperature.
4. Heat Exchange: The hot gas flows through a heat exchanger, where the heat is transferred to the pool water.
5. Cycle Repeat: After the heat exchange, the gas cools down, condenses back into a liquid, and the cycle repeats.

This efficient process allows the heat pump to generate several times more heat energy than the electrical energy it consumes, making it a cost-effective solution for pool heating.

How to Calculate Heat Pump Size for Your Swimming Pool

Choosing the right size heat pump is crucial for efficient heating and maintaining optimal water temperature. To determine the appropriate size for your pool, you need to consider factors such as pool volume, desired temperature, and local climate. Here's how to calculate the pool's volume, which helps in selecting the right heat pump:

• Calculate Pool Volume

For Elliptical Pools:

Formula: Capacity (gallons) = π × Long Axis Radius × Short Axis Radius × Depth × 7.48

 *π≈3.14

Long Axis Radius and Short Axis Radius are measured in feet

Depth is typically 4.5 feet

7.48 is the conversion factor from cubic feet to gallons

For Circular Pools:

Formula: Capacity (gallons) = π × (Radius2)  ×Depth × 7.48

*π≈3.14

Radius is measured in feet

Depth is typically 4.5 feet

7.48 is the conversion factor from cubic feet to gallons

• Choose the Right Heat Pump Size

Once you have the pool volume, you can select a heat pump based on the BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating suitable for your pool size. Typically, a heat pump's capacity is measured in BTUs, and you should consult with a professional to match the heat pump’s capacity to your pool’s volume and desired temperature increase.

Extending Your Swimming Season with a Heat Pump

As summer fades and the crispness of fall sets in, many pool owners reluctantly prepare to close their pools for the season. However, one of the greatest benefits of a swimming pool heat pump is its ability to extend your swimming season, allowing you to continue enjoying your pool well into the cooler months. By keeping your pool's water comfortably warm even as the air temperature drops, a heat pump can add several weeks—or even months—to your swim time.

Season Extension Tips:

To make the most of your heat pump during the fall, consider these strategies:

• Use a Pool Cover: A high-quality pool cover is essential for retaining heat, particularly during the cooler nights of fall. By reducing heat loss, a cover makes it easier for your heat pump to maintain the desired water temperature, ultimately saving energy and reducing operating costs. Think of it as a cozy blanket that helps your pool stay warm and inviting.
• Adjust Settings for Night: While it’s tempting to keep your pool at a constant temperature 24/7, lowering the temperature slightly during times when you're not swimming, like at night, is a smart way to save energy. Before bedtime, you can easily adjust settings from your smartphone with the APP smart control feature. When you wake up, simply raise it again to ensure the water is perfect for your next swim.
• Optimize Pump Timing: To maximize the efficiency of your heat pump, consider running it during the warmest parts of the day. When the air temperature is higher, the heat pump can operate more efficiently, drawing more warmth from the air and transferring it to the pool water. By synchronizing your pump’s operation with the natural rhythm of the day, you can enjoy warmer water with less energy consumption.

Conclusion

A swimming pool heat pump is an excellent investment for extending your swimming season and enjoying a warm pool well into the fall. With the right size and best practices in place, you can maximize efficiency and comfort. Turbro’s latest pool heat pumps offer the reliability and advanced features you need to keep your pool at the perfect temperature, making every swim a pleasure, no matter the season.