Heat Pumps For Pools Are Energy Efficient and Extend Your Swimming Season
Pool heat pumps are quickly becoming the preferred option for many pool owners. Not only are they energy-efficient, but they can also extend your swimming season.
Heat pumps work by pulling warm ambient air across an evaporator coil. This causes the refrigerant inside to become heated, changing it from liquid to gas.
1. Energy-efficient
The energy efficiency of a heat pump is measured by its Coefficient of Performance, or COP. Compared to gas heaters, which have a COP of 1.0, a heat pump for your pool can create five times as much heat for every unit of electricity used.
The technology works by transferring heat from the air to the water in a cycle. It uses a compressor to condense refrigerant into a hot gas that then goes on to heat your pool water. Most heat pumps use copper or nickel heat exchangers, but some models are built with titanium, a more durable and efficient material.
While the upfront cost is greater with a heat pump, energy savings are a major draw for many pool owners. In addition, rebates and other incentives may be available to offset this cost. However, one thing to note is that because the system relies on ambient air temperature to function optimally, it is less effective in cold climates. In such cases, supplemental heating may be needed to maintain a comfortable swimming temperature.
2. Longer swimming season
A pool heat pump is one of the most rewarding investments you can make for your backyard swimming pool. It is a cost effective way to warm your pool in the winter and extend your swimming season.
It works by pulling the air from the surrounding environment, converting it to heat energy and transferring it into your pool water. The efficiency is what really sets pool heat pumps apart from other heating options, with a COP rating around 6.0, which means that for every unit of electricity consumed, 6 units are transferred to the water.
This is much better than gas heaters that only have a COP of about 1. Freeze damage can be disastrous for your pool. It can burst your pipes, ruin your pump and heater and even physically destroy your swimming pool. Having a backup gas heater to keep your pool from freezing will allow you to enjoy your pool for years to come. The Madimack heat pump is a great option for this. It is not the fastest, but it gets your pool to a safe temperature quickly and efficiently.
3. Easy to install
A pool heat pump uses a small amount of electricity to power a fan and compressor that pulls in ambient air, converts it to heat energy, heat pumps for pools and then transfers it directly to your water. It also offers a much higher COP than gas or electric resistance heaters.
A professional will help to ensure that your new heater is installed properly and that it complies with local codes. Usually, this process will only take a few hours once the heat pump has been delivered to your home and placed on its foundation.
It is important that the heat pump be located close to the swimming pool, which will prevent a loss of heat through the plumbing. A level surface is essential, as well.
To install a new pool heat pump, there are four basic steps: Purchase, Placement, Plumbing, and Electrics. Purchasing the correct size unit is essential as the larger the model, the greater the temperature rise. It’s also a good idea to size the unit according to your budget. The largest models can offer a 20-degree temperature increase, while smaller ones may only provide a 10-15 degree rise.
4. Easy to maintain
Unlike their gas heater counterparts, pool heat pumps don’t need a fuel source to function. Instead, they use heat pumps for pools electricity to draw in ambient air and convert it into heated water, resulting in very low operating costs.
Like any piece of equipment, however, heat pumps can sometimes experience issues. If you notice that your pool’s water temperature isn’t rising as it should be, check the thermostat and make sure it is set to the right setting. You might also find that a clogged filter is preventing it from drawing in enough air to work properly.
Invest in a top-rated pool heat pump that features titanium as the primary material to ensure long-term durability and corrosion resistance. One example is the Hayward HP21404T HeatPro Titanium heat pump square heater, which is BT-certified for reliability and includes a digital control panel for easy operation. Its profiled fan blade delivers efficient air flow for quiet operation, and its titanium heat exchanger is salt water and chemical corrosion resistant. It will save you money on energy bills and keep your pool water at the ideal temperature for all the swimming you want to do.
5. Easy to repair
Heat pumps tend to require fewer repairs than their gas counterparts, and over the years this can save you both money and headaches. That being said, there are some things you can look out for that may indicate your pump needs repair.
If you see water in or around the heat pump, don’t panic. This could be due to condensation forming and then dripping from the unit, or it could mean that you have a clogged drain. Try using a chlorine test strip to confirm, but in any case it’s best to call in a professional right away.
Unlike gas heaters that require combustion to produce heat, heat pumps pull the energy they need from the air without creating any harmful by-products. As such, they produce zero C02 emissions and are highly eco-friendly. For this reason, it’s important to check the thermostat and make sure it is set to the correct temperature for your pool. You should also regularly backwash your pool filter to ensure that the flow rate is adequate. You can check this by purchasing a pool water flow meter that will show you exactly what’s happening in your pipes.