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Heat Pump Installation
Using a heat pump is the most efficient way of heating your pool and many pool owners are renewing their old pool oil or gas boilers to the more energy efficient and cheaper to run heat pumps. This guide will explain how to install a heat pump and what things to consider.
The heat pump should be installed outdoors in a location where there is good air flow. The pool heat pump needs to have at least 2 feet of free space on all sides so air can be easily draw in by the fans for optimum efficiency. So for example the heat pump should not be placed in a shed or have any obstructions which would disrupt the air flow either on top or to the sides of the pump. The warmer the air the more efficient the heat pump will be so ideally the heat pump would be better installed in a area which gets direct sunlight throughout the day.
When choosing your heat pump you need to consider the flow rate too see if its high enough as most heat pumps require a minimum flow rate to operate. The flow rate is determined by the power of your pool pump and most heat pumps nowadays have an integrated flow switch which will sense the water flow and then automatically start when the pump starts or stops when the flow rate reduces. Also ensure you pool filter is regularly backwashed as this can reduce the flow rate.
The heat pump will need an adequate electrical supply and normally it is recommended a qualified electrician install a dedicated cable and breaker (MCB) for the heat pump. The electrical requirements for each heat pump are different but the type/size of the MCB required depends on the output of the heat pump. The heat pump must also be properly earthed as well.
Pool Heat pumps require either a 1.5 or 2 diameter pipes but some european pumps use a 50mm sized connection. The heat pump specification will tell you which size is required. There are two connections on the heat pump, a flow where water enters the unit and a return where the heated water exits. A bypass kit allows you to control the water flow through the heat pump and completely stop it. This is useful when you are winterising your pool as you need to drain your heat pump to prevent damage from freezing water in the unit and is its normal practice to install a bypass kit on all pool heat pump installations.
If you are upgrading your pool heating system from an old pool heater either oil or gas it is recommended you leave this in place and plumb the heat pump in line with the existing boiler as this will ensure you to use both if you need your pool heated up quickly and could enable you to extend your swimming season by keeping the pool water warmer when the weather gets colder.
The heat pump should also be the last unit to be installed before the water returns to the pool so in a normal system after the pool filter meaning clean water will only enter the heat pump.
To heat larger pools bigger than 20ft x 40ft it is recommended using multiple heat pumps which should be plumbed into a separate line with individual isolation valves so water flow can be managed and you can have either both or just one running depending on your pool temperature requirements.
Give us a call if you require any more advice on installing your heat pump.
