What is a Swimming Pool Heat Pump?
The swimming pool heat pump works by using a small amount of electricity to run a fan that captures outside air and directs it over the evaporator coil radiator. This coil, containing liquid refrigerant, absorbs the air’s heat and turns it into a gas. Passed through a compressor, the gas becomes very hot and the condenser then captures the heat, which is pumped into the cool water of the swimming pool. As the hot gas flows through the condenser coil, it returns to liquid form as it rapidly cools and returns back to the evaporator. Then the whole efficient cycle begins again.
Combined with the pool filtration and pumping system, the heat pump circulates the swimming pool’s water through a sand filter and then through the pump’s heat exchanger to ensure the water is clean and warm.
Swimming pool heat pumps are highly efficient as long as the outside temperature is above 6°C. The colder the air outside, the more power the heat pump will need to heat the pool. If you have an outdoor swimming pool here in the UK, the heat pump will be the most energy efficient for use in warm or mild conditions throughout the year.
Although swimming pool heat pumps cost more to buy than gas or electric pool heaters, their efficiency means that they do have much lower annual running costs. What’s more, with proper maintenance, the heat pumps will last longer than other pool heaters.
When choosing a swimming pool heat pump, it pays to call in the professionals. Blackwood Heating Ltd take into consideration the pool’s surface area, volume and the difference in air and swimming pool temperature to achieve optimum efficiency and the desired temperature. We will ensure that you have the right heat pump to suit your swimming pool and any particular requirements.
How Do They Work?
The swimming pool heat pump uses electricity to capture and intensify the heat, which is then distributed into the pool.
As the pool pump circulates the swimming pool’s water, the water drawn from the pool passes through a filter and the heat pump heater.
The heat pump heater has a fan that pulls in outside air and directs it over the evaporator coil. The heat is absorbed by the liquid refrigerant within the coil and this is transformed into a gas. Passed through a compressor, the gas becomes very hot and the condenser then captures the heat, which is pumped into the swimming pool. As the hot gas flows through the condenser coil, it returns to liquid form as it cools and returns back to the evaporator. This energy efficient cycle then begins again.
Heat pump pool heaters are cost effective and easy to maintain.
Selecting a Heat Pump Pool Heater
Heat pump swimming pool heaters might cost more to purchase than gas pool heaters, but they will save you money in the long run. Typically, they are highly efficient and have much lower running costs. What’s more, with correct maintenance, your heat pump pool heater should last longer than any other, making it a good investment.
When selecting a heat pump pool heater, you should consider:
Sizing a Heat Pump Pool Heater
The experienced team at Blackwood Heating Ltd will conduct a swimming pool analysis to determine the best heat pump pool heater for you.
We take into consideration the pool’s surface area, volume and the difference in air and swimming pool temperature. We also consider other factors such as wind exposure, location and humidity levels. We calculate the size of the heat pump you require for an outdoor swimming pool by determining the average temperature of the coldest period of pool use. Our aim is to ensure we achieve optimum efficiency and the desired temperature. We will ensure that you have the right heat pump to suit your swimming pool and any specific requirements.
Determining Heat Pump Swimming Pool Heater Efficiency
Where energy efficiency is concerned, heat pump swimming pool heaters are measured by Coefficient of Performance (COP). The higher the COP number, the more efficient it is. As there is no standard test for measuring the COP, it’s difficult to gain an accurate comparison when comparing the COP results of different models unless the manufacturers used the same test for each model. For example, the same heat pump will operate at a higher COP when the outside air temperature is higher.
Manufacturers generally measure the COP by testing a heat pump pool heater with an outdoor temperature and pool temperature of 80ºF. COPs usually range from 3.0 to 7.0, which converts to an efficiency of 300%–700%. This means that for every unit of electricity it takes to runs the compressor, you can expect 3–7 units of heat out of the heat pump.
Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation and maintenance of your heat pump pool heater can ensure its efficiency. At Blackwood Heating Ltd, our qualified pool professionals will install the heater and perform proper maintenance. We will provide guidance on how to get the best out of your swimming pool heat pump as well as advise on a maintenance schedule. With correct installation and maintenance, your heat pump pool heater can last for many years.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
