Heat pumps are all of the rage when it comes to modern pool heating equipment. They are more energy efficient than gas heaters and, when correctly maintained, can last a long time with relatively little maintenance. In this article, we will explain how a pool heat pump works and help you determine the right size heat pump for your pool.
How a Pool Heat Pump Works
A pool heat pump system works on the same technology as reverse cycle air conditioning. There are two heat exchanging coils filled with a compressible refrigerant that are connected by a pressure pump and return valve. One of the coils exchanges heat with the outside air, and the other exchanges heat with the pool water. To heat a pool, the external coil is colder than the surrounding air so heat is transferred from the air into the refrigerant. The refrigerant is then pressurised by the pump which pushes it into the water heating coil at an increased temperature due to the increased pressure. The water heating coil then passes heat into the water, and the refrigerant then flows back into the external coil through the return valve.
The interesting thing about pool heat pumps is that they don’t actually create heat like a gas heater does. They simply create differences in pressure to either extract or release heat. They can also still extract heat from air that is colder than the pool it is heating.
Determine your Pool’s Volume and Surface Area
An important factor in deciding the size and power requirements of your pool heater is determining the volume of your pool or how much water you need to heat, and how much of your pool is exposed to the air. Pools will always heat faster if there is a pool blanket to minimize heat loss through evaporation.
Decide How Often You Want to Swim
Because heat pumps depend upon extracting heat from the external environment, the temperature of the surrounding environment plays a role in determining how much heat can be extracted. In cooler months, it is harder to heat your pool with a smaller heat pump that may meet your needs in warmer months. For that reason, it’s important to consider if you will be using your pool in the depths of winter, because it will play a role in your pool heat pump sizing.
Consider Complimentary Heating Options
Solar pool heating is a great complimentary heating option for use in combination with any other heating system because it doesn’t take much energy to run. A solar heater can often take the edge off the amount of work your heat pump will need to do to heat your pool.
Contact Local Pool Heating
Local Pool Heating are experts in designing pool heating solutions in Sydney. We offer a full range of heat pumps and will take the time to understand what you want from your pool so that we can offer the best system at the best price. Call us today on 0425 332 944 or enquire online to find out more.