In The Swim Knowledge Pool: Pool Heat Pumps
Heat Your Pool for Half the Cost!
Pool heat pumps are one of the most cost efficient heating options on the market. The start-up costs can be somewhat expensive but they are highly energy efficient while offering advanced heating technology. Pool heat pumps pay for themselves after just a couple of seasons via the savings you'll see on your utility bills.
Pool Heat Pump Benefits
- • Reliable and durable heat pumps require fewer repairs than gas heaters.
- • No emissions and low electrical use make heat pumps the ecofriendly pool heater.
- • Heats for much lower costs, costing 50-75% less than gas heaters to operate.
How Pool Heat Pumps Work: Pool heat pumps leverage a combination of solar energy and electricity to heat your pool water. They use electricity to power a fan and a small compressor, to absorb surrounding solar heat and transfer it into your pool’s water. Pool heat pumps require very little electricity to run which is why they are a favorite accessory for environmentally conscious pool owners. Heat pumps only operate effectively in air temperatures above 50° F; but who is swimming on 50° days anyway?
Pool Heat Pump Installation: Heat pumps can be purchased, placed level and plumbed after the filter by any handy homeowner, but we recommend an electrician to come in for the power hook-up. Although heat pumps operate at costs as low as $1-2 per day, these units require a large, dedicated circuit breaker of 30 to 50 amps, depending on the model. Many inground pools with a 100 amp sub-panel should have available amperage to add a 50 amp breaker, or an electrician can increase the ampacity to the pool sub-panel, or run a dedicated line from the home breaker box.
Pool Heat Pump Operation Cost: The cost to operate a heat pump depends on many factors such as size of pool, size of heat pump and the outside air temperature. When the air temperatures are colder, the fan and compressor must run longer to maintain temperature, but during warmer periods the heat pump may need to run only an hour per day to maintain water temperature. The largest factor however, may be whether or not you use a pool cover, especially to retain heat during cool nights and rainy periods. As compared to gas heaters, pool heat pumps can heat your pool for 50-75% less cost.
