A heat pump is a device that efficiently transfers heat from one location to another using a small amount of energy. In the context of heating pools, these devices extract heat from the outdoor environment and transfer it into the water. Unlike gas heaters, which rely on natural gas or propane, heat pumps utilize existing heat and simply move it around, operating with cleaner electricity and emitting no carbon monoxide.
Why Use a Heat Pump for Water Heating?
Reason 1: Year-Round Pool Usage
Heat pumps are particularly well-suited for warmer climates. They operate at their peak efficiency when heating outdoor air above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. While their efficiency diminishes below this temperature, heat pumps remain effective and efficient, with performance improving as the air temperature rises.
Reason 2: Heat Pumps Yield Better Energy Savings
For those looking to trim down their energy expenses, heat pumps offer a compelling solution.
Picture a gas heater as a powerful muscle car and a heat pump as a nimble bicycle. While a gas heater can rapidly heat your pool, the subsequent energy costs can be steep. Conversely, a heat pump delivers consistent heating once it reaches the desired temperature, operating with greater efficiency. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, running an average heat pump year-round at 85 degrees can result in up to $400 in annual energy savings.
Reason 3: Dual Functionality – Cooling Capability
For individuals invested in optimizing their pool experience, some high-end heat pump models offer more than just heating benefits.
These premium models not only warm your pool but also have the ability to cool the water when temperatures soar outside. Going the extra mile, they contribute to a more enjoyable pool environment, ensuring comfort in various weather conditions.
How a Heat Pump Pool Heater Works
As the pool water circulates through the pool pump, it undergoes filtration and passes through the heat pump heater. The heat pump heater incorporates a fan that pulls in outside air and directs it over the evaporator coil. Within the evaporator coil, liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the external air, transforming into a gas. This warm gas then moves through the compressor, where its temperature is elevated, creating a highly heated gas that proceeds to the condenser. The condenser transfers the heat from the hot gas to the cooler pool water circulating through the heater. The heated water is then returned to the pool. The hot gas, flowing through the condenser coil, reverts to a liquid state and cycles back to the evaporator, restarting the entire process.
Higher efficiency heat pump pool heaters typically utilize scroll compressors, in contrast to the reciprocal compressors found in standard units.
Heat pump pool heaters demonstrate optimal efficiency when the outside temperature stays above the 45ºF–50ºF range. The cooler the external air they draw in, the lower their efficiency, leading to increased energy costs. However, given that most people use outdoor pools during warm and mild weather, this is generally not a significant concern.
Selecting a Heat Pump Pool Heater
Swimming pool heat pumps 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.
When selecting a heat pump pool heater, you should consider its:
Size.
Efficiency.
Costs.
Evaluating Heat Pump Pool Heater Efficiency
The energy efficiency of heat pump pool heaters is quantified using the coefficient of performance (COP). A higher COP indicates greater efficiency. The federal test procedure for heat pump pool heaters establishes test conditions at 80ºF ambient dry bulb, 63% relative humidity, and 80ºF pool water. COP values typically range from 3.0 to 7.0, corresponding to an efficiency range of 300%–700%. This implies that for every unit of electricity used to operate the compressor, the heat pump yields 3–7 units of heat.
Assessing Heat Pump Pool Heater Costs and Savings
For outdoor pools, refer to the following tables to estimate annual pool heat pump costs and potential savings compared to using an electric resistance or gas pool heater.
Installation and Care
Optimizing the efficiency of your heat pump pool heater requires proper installation and maintenance. It is advisable to enlist the services of a qualified pool professional for the installation, particularly for tasks like the electric hookup, as well as for any intricate maintenance or repair needs.
Refer to your owner's manual for a maintenance schedule and recommendations. Typically, an annual tune-up is necessary for your pool heater. Given the numerous moving parts and electrical components of a heat pump pool heater, periodic servicing by an air conditioning technician may be required.
With diligent installation and maintenance practices, heat pump pool heaters can often endure for 10 years or more.
