Pool heating appliances come in many different types with different working mechanisms, making choosing one challenge.
It is common for Australian pool owners to use heat pumps. So, if you’re looking for the ideal option to heat your pool and wish to know how this appliance works, give this guide a quick read.
How Do Pool Heat Pumps Work?
First, know that pool heat pumps don’t produce the heat on their own, unlike most conventional pool heaters. They draw the heat from the surroundings and transfer it to the pool, giving rise to a warmer pool water temperature.
Now, let’s look at the steps involved in the heating process:
Step 1
It begins with the pump absorbing naturally heated air via a fan. This air then passes through a coiled evaporator containing a refrigerant in liquid form.
Step 2
Next, the refrigerant converts into gas when the heated air passes through it. It’s then drawn through a compressor, which intensifies its temperature by up to 93℃ since the gas is concentrated.
Step 3
On the other hand, filtered cold water from your pool is pumped into a condenser coil tank. The compressed, heated air (from the previous step) now flows through the condenser, transferring the heat to the cold water in the tank.
Step 4
At this point, the swimming pool water in the tank has a higher temperature and is pumped back into your pool.
Step 5
The process ends with the gas cooling to its liquid form inside the condenser coil, which is cycled back into the coiled evaporator for a new heat pump cycle.
Choosing The Right Pool Heat Pump
Pool heat pump models can be different from one another, so you should consider the following factors while buying one:
1. Check The COP Rating
The coefficient of performance (COP) is a standard grade that gauges the performance of air conditioners, heat pumps, and refrigerators. It tells you their heat transfer efficiency when analysed against conventional resistance heating.
Do note that you’ll want a heat pump pool heater with a higher COP rating, as it will deliver a more energy-efficient performance.
2. Cheap vs. Costly
When it comes to the cost of heat pumps, remember that a cheap option may not always be the best.
In this regard, a common observation is that cheaper units don’t come with inverters, increasing energy costs. The models with inverters will adjust the pump output automatically per the water temperature. As such, the output will be consistent with the set temperature.
3. Incorporate Solar Power
Combining the heat pump with solar technology will help bring down energy costs further. After all, solar power systems use the sun’s energy during the day.
Installing a smaller heat pump with a solar power system of reasonable size will also not consume much space.
4. Check The Size
As in most technologies, swimming pool heat pumps come in a variety of sizes. That’s why you’ll want to choose the right-sized pool heat pump to match your pool.
Remember that small heat pumps won’t be able to heat large pools adequately. At the same time, you wouldn’t want to spend extra by using an oversized pump for a small pool.
Some Tips For Maintenance
Here are some simple ways to make the most of a heat pump for your pool:
- Use a blanket or cover for the pool when it’s cold or at night.
- Lower the heating temperature for the pump when you’re not using it.
- Choose a location where the pump will get good airflow.
Let’s Get The Heat On!
Pool heat pumps stand out from other heating appliances since they use fewer resources to generate heat, resulting in higher energy efficiency.
So, make your pool cozier by tapping into their benefits today. We’d suggest going through some reliable review guides before making a choice. Also, if you’re still unsure about your needs, it’s best to reach out to a company dealing in heat pump pool heaters, as they can offer quality advice. If you are in Sydney, contact our professional pool builders and heating specialists at The Pool Co.
