Swimming Pool Heat Pumps: A Buyer's Guide (2024)

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.

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

Swimming Pool Heat Pumps: A Buyer's Guide (1)

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:

Pool VolumeHeat Output
10,000 gal.50,000 BTU
15,000 gal.90,000 BTU
20,000 gal.120,000 BTU
25,000 gal.140,000 BTU

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

Swimming Pool Heat Pumps: A Buyer's Guide (2)

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 2003, 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.

Swimming Pool Heat Pumps: A Buyer's Guide (2024)

FAQs

Who makes the best heat pump for pools? ›

More
  • Best Overall: Hayward Universal H-Series Natural Gas Pool Heater » ...
  • Best Budget: EcoSmart Smart Pool Tankless Electric Pool Heater » ...
  • Best Natural Gas: Raypak ASME Digital Natural Gas Pool Heater » ...
  • Best Electric: Hayward HeatPro Electric Heat Pump Pool Heater » ...
  • Best Propane: Pentair MasterTemp Propane Pool Heater »
May 3, 2024

What are the cons of a heat pump pool? ›

Cons of Heat Pumps for Pools

These units are less effective at temperatures below 50º F. Another drawback is that larger pools will take longer to heat up than they would with a gas heat pump. Owners will also need to consider that they will need to install a dedicated 50–60 amp breaker to operate a heat pump.

Is a pool heat pump worth the money? ›

Heat pump pool heaters cost more than gas pool heaters, but they typically have much lower annual operating costs because of their higher efficiencies. With proper maintenance, heat pump pool heaters typically last longer than gas pool heaters. Therefore, you'll save more money in the long run.

What is the lifespan of a pool heat pump? ›

Generally speaking, the lifespan of an air source swimming pool heat pump can be as long as ten years. If you use your pool heat pump properly, keep it well maintained, and ensure your pool's water chemistry is balanced, your pool heat pump can last longer than expected - up to a decade or more.

Who should not get a heat pump? ›

Heat pumps might struggle in drafty, poorly insulated homes. You might need to upgrade your electrical service to support whole-house electric heating. And it's possible that you'll want to keep (or add) a backup heating system just in case the weather gets so unusually cold that your heat pump can't keep up.

What is the main disadvantage of a heat pump? ›

Reduced efficiency in cold weather: Effectively extracting thermal energy from outdoor air becomes increasingly difficult as the temperature drops. To overcome this, heat pumps feature a far less efficient backup electric heating element.

Do pool heat pumps use a lot of electricity? ›

Heat pumps will use around 5,000 watts or 5 kilowatts per hour per 100,000 BTU's. For a typical size 100,000 BTU heat pump, that's 5 kilowatts per hour. The average for electricity in our area runs $. 16 cents per kilowatt hour.

How many degrees will a heat pump heat a pool? ›

A heat Pump, when properly sized, can maintain any desired pool temperature between 80 and 90 degrees, regardless of outside weather conditions. A Heat Pump will work when the outside air temperature is above 45 degrees.

Should I leave my pool heat pump on all the time? ›

Keeping your pool heat pump running continuously can offer significant advantages. Steady temperatures are not only inviting but they also prevent the thermal shock to the system that can occur with intermittent use.

What to look for in a pool heat pump? ›

How to Choose A Pool Heat Pump Fit for Your Swimming Pool?
  • Coefficient of Performance (COP) Coefficient of Performance, also known as COP, is a ratio of heating capacity to power consumption. ...
  • The Size of A Pool. ...
  • Heating Capacity of swimming pool heat pump. ...
  • The Use of Pool Cover.

Should you oversize a pool heat pump? ›

For a larger pool, you might need a unit that heats water faster. If your pool heater cannot replace heat lost through evaporative cooling, it can be undersized and needs replacement. Also, do not worry about oversizing. The larger the output is, the faster your unit can heat water.

Can I install a pool heat pump myself? ›

We recommend having a qualified pool professional or electrician install the heater. Especially for electrical wiring and hookups. Heat pumps need plenty of air circulation and work best outside with plenty of clearance surrounding the unit with no obstructions.

How do I choose the right size heat pump for my pool? ›

To calculate this, divide your pool volume by a conversion factor of 2500. Using the example above, this would be 36,000 L /2,500 = 14 kW. If you can't find a heat pump that matches this size exactly, choose one that's closest to that figure – but round up instead of down. More power is better than less!

What is the highest rated pool pump? ›

The Hayward Tristar and Pentair pool pumps are among the most popular and highly rated– the best variable speed pumps on the market. In addition to energy efficiency, these newer models offer quiet operation and increased durability, making them an excellent choice for any pool owner looking to save on energy costs.

What is the most efficient pool heating system? ›

Pool heat pumps are your most energy efficient option, in most cases. Use energy-efficient outdoor lighting.

Which is better Hayward or AquaCal heat pump? ›

AquaCal stands out with its higher coefficient of performance (COP) and lower kW usage for a higher BTU output than Hayward. This results in significantly lower energy usage for greater heat output, leading to energy savings and long-term cost efficiency.

How to choose a heat pump for a pool? ›

Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
  1. Pool Size and Heat Output. Ensure that the heat pump you choose is correctly sized for your pool. ...
  2. Energy Efficiency. Search for heat pumps with a reputation for their energy-efficient capabilities. ...
  3. Climate Considerations. ...
  4. Installation and Maintenance.
6 days ago

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