Out of all the methods of swimming pool heating, heat pumps are the most economical. In terms of effectiveness, they are up to 700% efficient when compared to electric, gas or oil heating, which at best achieve 98% efficiency.
The following guide will look at the ins and outs of swimming pool heat pumps, so you can make the right choice when shopping around.
How They Work
The newest generation of swimming pool heat pumps can harness the free heat in the air in the same way as refrigeration and air conditioning technology. Thus they don’t rely on solar energy � they take the warmth out of the air by compressing a gas which results in an increase in the temperature heating the water as it passes through the exchanger. Some models will even extract free heat from the outside air which has a temperature as low as -15 degrees C.
Benefits of Swimming Pool Heat Pumps
Value for Money
Most heat pumps can provide up to 5 units of energy to a pool for every 1 unit paid for. Even with the outside temperature at 10 degrees C, they will still deliver 5 free units of energy for every 2 you pay for.
Depending on your household’s energy costs, a heat pump can save you up to 80% over propane gas and 50%-70% over natural gas or electrical resistance heaters. Needless to say, this amounts to a massive saving
Fuss-Free
One of the main benefits of heat pumps over other pool heating methods is that they don’t necessitate complicated gas supply issues, oil tanks or flues as with other heating options. Their main power supply will simply operate from small capacity electrical units. What’s more, they don’t require constant monitoring as with other types of heating - most systems are totally automatic and need only one control, which is the pool water thermostat. Last but not least, heat pumps are easy to install and inherently reliable against break-down because they’re so simple. They also operate quietly.
Environmental
Because heat pumps save on energy, they also act to lower your carbon footprint compared to other pool heating methods.
Top Buyers Tips
- Make sure you choose a heat pump that is equipped with Titanium heat exchangers, since these are currently the most resistant and reliable material used in pool heat exchanger applications. These are so robust that they often carry a 15 year warranty.
- Always opt for a heat pump with a decent length of warranty on the heat exchanger, as this can be pricey to replace.
- The most economical heat pumps feature Scroll compressors; they are a better option than their piston counterparts.
- You can opt for a Full Flow or ByPass system � while both operate to the same effectiveness, the Full Flow system makes plumbing the unit easier.
- You can also choose either a 3 phase, Single Phase or Inverter � your choice here will depend on the particular electrical supply capacities at your property.
- It’s very important that you make sure the heat pump you select is the right model to match the size of your pool so that it can be as effective as it’s meant to be. Pool heaters are generally sized to a certain cubic volume of water. If your budget allows, it’s always a good idea to go one size bigger as this will warm up the water faster.
- Take care to choose a heat pump that is suitable for your country and electrical requirements. Be aware that European pipe sizes are different to American ones � since the fittings have to be glued together and no adaptors are available to convert them, it’s crucial that they’re the right size. When it comes to electricity, heater pumps now supplied throughout Europe need to be CE marked, which means they comply with safety legislation and have the right specifications. For this reason, European heat pump models are more expensive than those bought in the US.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, swimming pool heat pumps are the best solution when it comes to keeping your pool water warm without breaking your bank balance. Apart from being economical in the long run, they are also simpler to operate. By following the top buying tips listed above, you���ll be sure to find the right model.
