A heat pump is a device that uses a small amount of energy to move heat from one location to another. Heat pumps used for heating pools transfer heat from the outdoors into the water. Unlike gas heaters that require natural gas or propane, they use heat that is already available and just move it from one place to another, thereby using a cleaner heat via electricity, producing no carbon monoxide.
Heat pumps are perfect for use in warmer climates! Heat pumps are most efficient when they’re heating outdoor air that’s above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything below 50 and a heat pump does start to lose efficiency. In fact, heat pumps work more efficiently the warmer the air temperature gets.
If you want to save on your energy bill, heat pumps provide great value.
Think of a gas heater as a muscle car and a heat pump as a bike. A gas heater will definitely heat your pool faster, but you’ll pay a price for it when the energy bill comes. On the other hand, a heat pump will provide an even and consistent heat once it reaches your ideal temperature, operating with much less effort. The U.S. Department of Energy confirms that if you run an average heat pump year-round at 85 degrees, you’ll experience up to $400 a year in energy savings.
If you’re in the market for a heater, you’re probably already invested in your pool, and making it an enjoyable experience. Why not go the extra mile?
A premium heat pump model won’t just heat your pool, but also keep the water cooler when the weather is too hot outside.
As the pool water circulates through the pool pump, it passes through a filter and the heat pump heater. The heat pump heater has a fan that draws in the outside air and directs it over the evaporator coil. Liquid refrigerant within the evaporator coil absorbs the heat from the outside air and becomes a gas. The warm gas in the coil then passes through the compressor. The compressor increases the heat, creating a very hot gas that then passes through the condenser. The condenser transfers the heat from the hot gas to the cooler pool water circulating through the heater. The heated water then returns to the pool. The hot gas, as it flows through the condenser coil, returns to liquid form and back to the evaporator, where the whole process begins again.
Higher efficiency heat pump pool heaters usually use scroll compressors versus the reciprocal compressors of standard units.
Heat pump pool heaters work efficiently as long as the outside temperature remains above the 45ºF–50ºF range. The cooler the outside air they draw in, the less efficient they are, resulting in higher energy bills. However, since most people use outdoor pools during warm and mild weather, this usually isn't an issue.
You should have a trained pool professional perform a proper sizing analysis for your specific pool to determine pool heater size.
Sizing a heat pump pool heater involves many factors. Basically, a heater is sized according to the surface area of the pool and the difference between the pool and the average air temperatures. Other factors also affect the heating load for outdoor pools, such as wind exposure, humidity levels, and cool night temperatures. Therefore, pools located in areas with higher average wind speeds at the pool surface, lower humidity, and cool nights will require a larger heater.
Heat pump pool heaters are rated by Btu output and horsepower (hp). Standard sizes include 3.5 hp/75,000 Btu, 5 hp/100,000 Btu, and 6 hp/125,000 Btu.
To calculate an approximate heater size for an outdoor swimming pool, follow these steps:
Pool Area x Temperature Rise x 12
This formula is based on 1º to 1-1/4ºF temperature rise per hour and a 3-1/2 mile per hour average wind at the pool surface. For a 1-1/2ºF rise multiply by 1.5. For a 2ºF rise multiply by 2.0.
For an outdoor pool, use the following tables to help estimate your annual heat pump pool heater costs and savings compared to using an electric resistance or a gas pool heater.
Table 1 estimates annual heat pump pool heating costs by location, by water temperature, and with or without using a pool cover.
Table 1. Costs by Location of Heating Outdoor Pools with a Heat Pump*
LOCATION SEASON TEMPERATURE 78° 80° 82° Miami 1/1–12/31 $ $ $ w/ cover 1/1–12/31 $293 $409 $559 Phoenix 3/1–10/31 $927 $ $ w/ cover 3/1–10/31 $49 $116 $158 Dallas 4/1–10/31 $491 $ $ w/ cover 4/1–10/31 $123 $191 $279 Atlanta 4/1–10/31 $ $ $ w/ cover 4/1–10/31 $211 $279 $395 Los Angeles 5/1–10/31 $ $ $ w/ cover 5/1–10/31 $116 $211 $327 Kansas City 5/1–10/31 $974 $ $ w/ cover 5/1–10/31 $198 $279 $368 New York 5/1–9/30 $ $ $ w/ cover 5/1–9/30 $143 $204 $273 Chicago 5/1–9/30 $ $ $ w/ cover 5/1–9/30 $143 $204 $266 Denver 5/1–8/31 $ $ $ w/ cover 5/1–8/31 $95 $136 $204 Boston 5/1–8/31 $ $ $ w/ cover 5/1–8/31 $164 $225 $320 Minneapolis 6/1–9/30 $899 $ $ w/ cover 6/1–9/30 $136 $170 $259 San Fran 6/1–8/31 $ $ $ w/ cover 6/1–8/31 $129 $225 $327 Seattle 6/1–8/31 $ $ $ w/ cover 6/1–8/31 $204 $293 $382*Figures based on a 1,000 square foot, outdoor pool heated with an air to water heat pump with an average COP of 5.0 at $./kwh.
Table 2 estimates the savings for every $ in annual pool heating costs using a heat pump pool heater compared to using an electric resistance or gas pool heater with an efficiency of 55% (baseline).
Table 2. Annual Savings Comparisons of
Gas and Electric Pool Heaters*
*Based on an electric resistance heated pool, which costs $1,000 per year at an electric cost of $./kwh, and using a gas pool heater with a 55% efficiency (baseline) at a cost of $1.09/therm. A seasonal average COP of 5.0 was used to determine heat pump savings.
Source: iStock
One of the best ways to heat your backward pool is with a pool heat pump. It’s durable, energy-efficient and easy to maintain. But with so many pool heat pumps out there, how do you know which one is right for your pool? In this guide, we’ll show you what to look for in a pool heat pump, including size, temperature range and energy rating, and explain how three pool heat pumps compare. We also answer some frequently asked questions, such as how long they take to heat your pool and whether you should run them all day.
Like other pool equipment, it’s important to choose the right pool heat pump for your pool, climate, lifestyle and needs. Here are 9 factors you need to consider:
When buying a pool heat pump, there are two types to choose from: fixed output (also known as on/off) and inverter. While they work along the same lines – both draw warm air from the atmosphere to heat your pool – the biggest difference is how they transfer heat. For example, while a fixed output heat pump operates at 100 per cent capacity all the time, an inverter heat pump adjusts its speed to match the heat demand of the pool.
The result? An inverter pool heat pump is quieter and more energy-efficient than a fixed-output pool heat pump. So if you want to minimise noise and running costs, opt for an inverter heat pump. While they’re more expensive to buy, ongoing savings will offset purchase and installation costs.
A heat pump’s efficiency is measured by its coefficient of performance (COP). This is a ratio of the amount of energy produced against the amount of energy consumed. In general, the higher the COP rating, the lower the running costs. So when you’re choosing a heat pump, go for one with a high COP rating, like the Viron Inverter. With a COP of upto 13.57 (varies by model), it can reduce your energy consumption by 15–30 per cent, keeping operating costs low.
Top tip: The heat pump’s refrigerant (a fluid used for heat transfer) can also affect the COP rating. If available, choose a pool heat pump with R32 refrigerant. Not only does it speed up heating times compared to standard R410A refrigerant, but it can also lower carbon emissions and reduce your energy bills by an extra 10 per cent.
Size matters when it comes to pool heat pumps. If your pool is large or you live in a cold climate, bigger is usually better. However, if you have a small pool or garden space is limited, or you use a pool cover, a slim-line model like the Top Discharger Inverter may suit your needs. While it’s not as powerful as other AstralPool models, it provides quiet and efficient heating, and the vertical exhaust makes it perfect for tight spaces. However, to accurately size your pool heat pump, it’s best to use our online heat pump calculator or chat with your local pool shop.
Pool heat pumps are often exposed to extreme weather conditions, not to mention chlorine and other pool chemicals. That’s why it’s important to find a unit that can withstand these conditions. First, look for a pool heat pump with a reinforced plastic or aluminium alloy casing. This will ensure your heater lasts longer and continues to look good over the years.
Second, make sure it’s got a titanium heat exchanger. In addition to preventing corrosion from chlorine and other pool chemicals, titanium heat exchangers are almost indestructible. It’s why they have a long warranty that often outlasts the heat pump itself!
Pool heat pumps have a reputation for being noisy, which can be disruptive for young families or neighbours. Some can be as loud as 60 decibels (i.e. the sound of an air conditioner) or as quiet as 39 decibels (i.e. the hum of a refrigerator). Ultimately, the volume of your unit will depend on your brand, size, fan blades, motor and compressor. To keep noise to a minimum, choose a heat pump with levels between 40 and 50, such as the Eco Inverter Heat Pump.
Top tip: If your heater is louder than expected or near a bedroom window, reduce noise levels by using a sound-absorbing pad or planting a hedge to dampen the noise (with proper clearance, of course).
Check the temperature range of your unit to make sure it can handle cold temperatures in winter. If you live in a cold climate (hello, Tasmania!) and your pool heat pump isn’t designed to operate in freezing temperatures (e.g. minus 10°C), it might not activate, or worse, ice and frost may damage the unit.
Conversely, if you live in a hot climate, you may find that your water temperature is too warm for comfortable swimming. If that’s the case, choose a heat pump with both heating and cooling (much like a reverse-cycle air conditioner). This will help you turn your pool into a cool oasis in summer and a steamy sauna in winter.
Before splashing out on a pool heat pump, make sure it’s within your budget. Pool heat pumps can costs can vary depending on the brand, size and features. Comparatively, running costs are low compared to gas pool heaters. For example, a heat pump can cost $250–$750 to run per year, while gas heating can cost $500–$1,500 per year – that’s a saving of roughly 50 per cent!
Plus, pool heat pumps have a lifespan of about 15–20 years (with proper use and maintenance), compared to 5–10 years for gas heaters. So while you pay more upfront, you could save thousands in replacement costs over the life of your pool.
When buying a pool heat pump, look for a recognised brand with a long warranty period – and don’t forget to read the fine print. Some brands may have a 25-year warranty on the heat exchanger and a 3-year warranty on the compressor. Others may have 5 years on both. Make sure the warranty period is long so you’re not out of pocket if something goes wrong. And don’t forget to check out online reviews to see how products and customer service compare across brands.
Some pool heat pumps come with additional features, like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can monitor water temperature or turn the heat pump off with your – even when you’re not at home. Another feature to look out for is automation capability. This allows you to sync your unit to an automation system like Viron Connect – so you never come home to a cold pool!
Now that you know what to look for, let’s compare three AstralPool pool heat pumps: the Eco Inverter, Viron Inverter and Top Discharger Inverter. While these heat pumps are all environmentally friendly, built for the Australian environment, whisper-quiet and Wi-Fi compatible, some differences set them apart. Here’s a quick comparison guide:
Eco Inverter
Viron Inverter
Top Discharge Inverter
COP
10
12.43–13.57
4.55–5.66
Refrigerant
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R32
R32
R410A
Heat exchanger
Titanium
Titanium
Titanium
Noise
39–53 dB
40–58 dB
44–60 dB
Temperature Range (ambient)
-5–43°C
-15–43°C
-15–43°C
Wi-Fi
Optional
Included
Included
Exhaust
Horizontal
Horizontal
Vertical
Size (min.)
x 403 x 603 mm
950 x 400 x 620 mm
723 x 835 x 865 mm
Viron Connect Compatible
No
No – iHP90, iHP120, iHP170
Yes – iHP195, iHP242, iHP283
Yes
Warranty
5 yrs – compressor
5 yrs – heat exchanger
5 yrs – compressor
5 yrs – heat exchanger
5 yrs – compressor
5 yrs – heat exchanger
FAQs
Unlike a gas or electric pool heater, a pool heat pump doesn’t actually generate heat. Instead, a fan draws warm air into the unit’s evaporator coils, heating up the liquid refrigerant and turning it into a gas. The gas then passes through a compressor, where it gets heated up further before moving to the heat exchanger and heating up your pool water. As the water returns to your pool, the gas inside the compressor reverts to a liquid and starts the process all over again. For more, see our Ultimate Guide to Pool Heat Pumps.
When you first install a pool heat pump, it can take 24–72 hours to heat your pool water, depending on the dimensions of your pool, heat pump size, climate, water temperature (both starting and final) and whether you use a pool cover. Make sure you allow plenty of heating time if you’re entertaining friends or the kids are going to be on school holidays.
In general, pool heat pumps have a thermostat that shuts off when the target temperature is reached, then turns on again when the temperature drops. This helps the heat pump conserve energy without allowing the temperature to drop too dramatically. If you’re not planning to swim for a few weeks, you can turn off the heat pump and continue running your pump as normal.
However, if you swim often, it’s better to run the heat pump at a lower temperature even when you’re not in the pool. If you normally heat your pool to 28°C, bring it down to 23–25°C. This means you’ll be able to raise the temperature quickly if you want to take a dip.
Top tip: It’s faster and more energy-efficient to increase the water temperature than to heat up a cold pool.
A pool heat pump is one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat your pool. But before you splash, consider factors like COP rating, size, durability, noise levels, operating temperatures, price, warranty and additional features. This will ensure your pool heat pump works optimally and matches your lifestyle and needs. If you’re still not sure which AstralPool heat pump is right for you, here’s a quick guide:
Choose an Eco Inverter Heat Pump if:
Choose a Viron Inverter Heat Pump if:
Choose a Top Discharge Inverter Heat Pump if:
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Swimming Pool Heat Pump. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.