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Do I Need a Heat Pump for My Swimming Pool?
If you have a swimming pool or are thinking of getting one installed at your home, then you probably have a few questions about how the pool should be run and maintained.
One of the biggest questions from pool owners is “do I need a swimming pool heat pump?”
A swimming pool heat pump is one of the best ways to heat swimming pools. Heat pumps are used for outdoor pools and work by extracting heat from the air and converting this into heat for the pool through refrigeration technology.
A heat exchanger then transfers this heat into the pool through the pool’s pump and filtration system, which helps to warm the pool equally throughout.
The heat exchanger is typically made from titanium, so that they do not suffer from the corrosive nature of pool chemicals, such as chlorine, that would normally damage other metals. Here at 1st Direct Pools, we offer a range of inverter heat pumps, which are the best for heating your outdoor pool while keeping costs low!
Inverter heat pumps are the latest in swimming pool heat pump technology. The inverter heat pump performs better as it allows the fan and compressor in the heat pump to run at variable speeds.
By running at variable speeds, the inverter heat pump can automatically adjust to match the demands of the pool, and can also adjust depending on weather conditions. For example, once the pool reaches the desired level of heating, the inverter hear pump will reduce its output.
Because of this, the inverter heat pump is very efficient and can help to reduce the cost of running your swimming pool.
Unless you’re happy swimming around in freezing cold water, you’ll want a way to add some warmth to your pool.
There are three main ways to heat a swimming pool; through gas heating, solar heating or a heat pump.
A heat pump is by far the most efficient way of heating your pool and can cut bills massively.
A COP comparison of each different heating system can reveal the efficieny of the inverter heat pump.
- Element Electric Heater - £1 in = approx. £1 worth of heat out.- Condensing Boiler - £1 in = approx. 90p worth of heat out.- Standard Gas Boiler - £1 in = approx. 80p worth of heat out. - Heat Pump - £1 in = approx. £5 worth of heat out. - Inverter Heat Pump - £1 in = approx. £6-10 worth of heat out.
As you can see, per pound spent, the amount of heat you gain from an invertor heat pump is far greater than that from a gas boiler or electric heater.
As with anything, there are some pros and cons to weigh up when it comes to installing a heat pump. While heat pumps are very efficient, most will only work best during the warmer summer months, as the pump needs warm air to convert into pool heat.
While some units may still be able to run during the winter, running costs for the pump during the winter would be a lot higher. However, this issue largely depends on whether or not you would even use your outdoor pool during the winter months.
Another minor downside of the pump is that they require a fan to discharge the waste cold air, and this fan can make a noise – around 35 decibels – so the placement of your heat pump is something to consider.
If you have decided to switch to an inverter heat pump, or choose one for a new pool installation, then there are a few things to consider first.
The most important thing is the size of the heat pump you choose. The inverter heat pump you select must be the right size.
The size needed is based on the pool’s surface area, volume and the conditions in which you plan to use your pool.
Pool Size (ft)
M(sq)
Gallons
Litres
Summer
May-Sept
Extended Season
April-Oct
18 x 8
13.4
3,500
15,250
4.5kw
6kw
20 x 10
19.0
5,000
22,500
7kw
24 x 12
27.0
7,000
31,500
8kw
9kw
26 x 12
29.0
8,000
36,000
11.5kw
28 x 14
36.0
10,000
45,000
11kw
15kw
30 x 14
39.0
11,000
49,500
19kw
30 x 15
42.0
12,500
56,250
18kw
21kw
32 x 16
47.0
14,500
65,250
22kw
36 x 18
60.0
18,000
81,000
26kw
40 x 20
74.0
101,250
28kw
30kw
While you’d be forgiven for thinking a bigger heat pump would heat your pool quicker than one an appropriate size, this isn’t the case at all, and so it is important to select one that’s the perfect size for your pool.
If you need more assistance with selecting the right heating pump for your swimming pool, then please feel free to get in touch with our expert team who will be happy to help you!
