Top 10 Concerns About Pool Heat Pumps (and Chillers*)

A heat pump or combination heat pump/chiller is not a casual purchase for the average person. They can represent a significant further investment in your pool. An investment that pays dividends in the form of a longer swimming season and a more comfortable swimming experience. Of course, while things like filtering and sanitizing the water are non-negotiable, controlling water temperature is more of a luxury. So as you read, talk, and think about taking control of your pool’s water temperature, concerns will naturally arise as to whether or not a pool heat pump is a good idea for your pool.

So, we will explore the top 10 concerns about pool heat pumps and chillers - putting them into their proper context, and debunking or confirming their relevance. It’s far better that you understand the capabilities, limitations, and requirements of heat pumps and get the right equipment or choose to pass on purchasing anything, instead of purchasing a system that is ill-suited to your needs or that fails to meet your expectations.

Heat Pumps & Savings - Is It Only Marketing Hype?

You have to admit that in a world where everything seems to be presented to us as the best thing since sliced bread, you have plenty of reason to be skeptical or suspicious. Heat pumps are not casual, inexpensive purchases. Can they save you as much money as they say? Can they save you money and still perform well enough to get the job done?

Well, we’re pleased to tell you “Yes.” If you read about how heat pumps actually work, you know that they don’t convert power (or fuel) to heat like traditional heaters, rather they harness naturally occurring temperature differences and transfer (“pump”) the heat from the warmer location to the cooler location. Compared to gas heaters, heat pumps can provide consistent temperature control while providing savings over their lifespan that can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars for some people.

Bottom Line: You should research and compare systems carefully and venture down the path to a heat pump with realistic expectations of what it can do for you, since heat pumps differ in the exact way that they operate compared to gas heaters.

Are Heat Pumps Difficult and/or Expensive To Service?

This kind of concern is not uncommon with current and former owners of traditional pool heaters, but in general heat pumps have shown themselves to be simpler, easier to repair, and significantly more reliable than their energy-guzzling predecessors. While gas heaters are notorious for needing regular maintenance, heat pumps are able to operate with much less wear-and-tear or safety concerns.

As new as they might be to us, the basic principles to heat pump operation are familiar and straightforward to technicians, very similar to the condenser unit outside on home air conditioners. Related, research and compare manufacturer warranties and review their history and reputation; heat pump manufacturers commonly help get you connected with local service if needed.

Do Heat Pumps Work Poorly in Cold Areas?

Heat pumps are used across the country to provide more months of comfortable swimming. Heat pumps are not meant to be used like gas heaters, however, providing total control of water temperature at any time, no matter how cold it is outside.

Actually, the location is less the issue than what you are trying to achieve in relation to your region’s climate.

To put it another way, if you are looking for a cost-effective way to extend your swimming season, keeping consistently enjoyable water temperatures within that swimming season - a heat pump is a great way to achieve that, and you can even use the calculator tools many heat pump manufacturers make available to get a fairly precise expectation of what that extended season might look like for your particular area. However, if you want to set high water temperatures - even in deep winter - then a gas heater is needed to achieve that (assuming you are willing to pay the resulting utility bill).

For those interested in why that is, heat pumps rely on the air temperature to “shift” the water temperature warmer (or cooler, for heat pump / chiller models), there is a limit to how far the unit can “shift” the water temperature (similar to how a home air conditioner system works).

Bottom line: it’s all about expectations. For most of our country, expect to keep the pool heated and have enjoyable swimming for more of the year. However, you need to understand the limitations and have a clear idea of when during the year a heat pump will or will not be able to operate in your climate.

Will Heat Pumps Add To The Noise Of My Pool System?

This can be a concern not only to pool owners, but also their immediate neighbours, depending on where you installed the device. No one wants noisy pool equipment.

Heat pumps themselves are actually pretty quiet, even though they function similarly to a home air conditioner system. But check the manufacturer’s specifications for the decibel (dB) level when comparing systems. Sound level is also one of the benefits of heat pump models with variable-speed compressors (also called inverter heat pumps) due to their more advanced motor and adaptive operating levels, which make them amongst the quietest heat pumps.

An important note here - since pool heat pumps can require long run times depending on the weather and your pool temperature setting, if you are still using a traditional single-speed pump, you will be adding to the noise and power consumption by running that old noisy pool pump longer. If you still use a single speed pool pump, take the opportunity to upgrade your circulation pump to a variable-speed pool pump. Not only will you get whisper-quiet operation, you’ll also greatly save on energy usage.

Mis-Sizing Your Pool Heat Pump

The required size - BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating - for a heat pump has to take into account your pool volume (gallons), surface area, average depth, ambient temperatures month by month, average humidity, wind, and your target pool temperature. If that sounds complex, it can be! Fortunately, most heat pump manufacturers have online calculators or tables that can take your specific information into consideration and recommend one or more models.

Manufacturers’ Sizing Calculator Examples

• AquaCal
• PAL
• RayPak

This makes it easy to get a tailored sizing recommendation directly from the manufacturer, based on your unique setup.

Many people ask, “Is bigger better?” In many cases, yes - selecting one size larger than the base recommendation can provide a number of benefits. You’ll get better cold weather performance, extending your swim season even further into the cold months. Top of the line models with variable-speed compressors (“inverters”) can also then help maximize energy savings - reaching the desired temperature more quickly and then throttling down their capacity to maintain water temp with an absolute minimum of energy use.

Bear in mind that you need to ensure you have, or will be able to add, the required breaker size at your power source if you choose a larger model. The initial price for a larger model will be higher, of course, but especially with inverter models, they can deliver a lot of ongoing value and efficiency.

Complicated Installation

While the plumbing can be fairly straightforward, it's very important that a qualified individual ensures proper electrical hookup. Heat pumps use 220V and can require a larger amperage breaker; it's critical for both safety and operation that they are correctly powered.

You’ll also want to cover all the bases when it comes to some logistics. Some models of heat pumps can be large and heavy. You’ll want to plan ahead all the way up to the moment of receiving the heat pump so you’ll have help to move the unit back to your pool equipment pad.

At the pad, you’ll want to have enough space for both the unit, and the clearances that your chosen model requires for proper ventilation. Absent the appropriate skills or aptitude for installing the unit yourself - frankly, that’s the majority of us - seek professional help to handle the electric hookup and, if need be, the minor plumbing.

Longevity, Durability, & Corrosion Resistance

Pool heat pumps simply shine when it comes to this: the typical pool heat pump can last as much as 2-3 times longer than a traditional pool heater - often 10-20 years. If you’ve ever had to deal with the rust, corrosion, sensor issues, and regular maintenance that a gas heater often requires - you can ease your worries if you’re considering a heat pump.

Typical heat pumps use titanium heat exchangers, which are virtually immune to corrosion that occurs in typical heaters due to imbalanced pH and chlorine. In addition to titanium, since heat pumps typically use plastic and coated metal cabinets, you shouldn’t expect a rusty-looking heater like what often occurs with the painted sheet metal often used on gas heaters.

Best of all, since the mechanical components of the heat pump - like their capacitor, fan motor, and compressor - are standard HVAC parts, they use tried-and-true technology that is widely available and serviceable.

Brand (Un)Familiarity and Warranty

Between equipment brands you’ve never heard of, and perhaps prior experience with finicky and “reliability-challenged” gas heaters, it’s no surprise that potential buyers approach these devices with wariness.

However, the reality is that pool heat pumps have demonstrated themselves to be more reliable than gas heaters. In addition, the operating principles are shared with home systems as well as air conditioners of all varieties so “rocket technicians” are not required.

A manufacturer’s warranty provides considerable further reassurance in this regard, but check carefully for exclusions and for any installation requirements to be certain you don’t void your coverage. It's common for manufacturers to have service networks with the HVAC expertise needed to get a heat pump back up and running easily if a repair is ever needed.

Compatibility

Compatibility with traditional pool equipment is generally a non-issue, and it’s very common to have a variety of brands in use between the pool’s pump, filter, salt chlorine generator, and heat pump.

However, there can be more considerations if you have a pool automation system and/or if you intend to use the heat pump simultaneously with a gas heater. Remember that heat pumps are generally intended to be given long run times so they can maintain a consistent target temperature, unlike the sporadic use that can occur with a gas heater.

Some models do come with the capability of being connected to an automation system’s interface, so that you can use your automation controller to make changes to the heat pump’s settings. Other heat pump models even have onboard controllers that can manage an external backup gas heater.

Expense - Cost To Purchase, Install, and Operate

Heat Pumps, Chillers, and combination heat pump / chiller units are not inexpensive items, even for pool equipment. So, is it really worth it?

• Hookup (existing breaker) $300-500
• Hookup (complex installations*) $800-2,000
• Operating expense for Heat Pump (monthly) $50-100
• Operating expense for Gas Heater (monthly) $300-500

(Monthly savings up to $250-450 for regular heatings!)

Since a heat pump’s lifespan can be 10-20 years on average, compared to 5-10 years on average for a gas heater, the total lifetime savings could mean a 30-50% overall cost reduction.

Value and worth are very personal decisions, but getting as much as 50% more use out of one of your largest investments - which is designed to provide enjoyment, exercise, socializing and togetherness - is a pretty attractive outcome.

Addressing Heat Pump Concerns

A pool heat pump is a major purchase, and it’s natural to approach it with a list of concerns. However, the hesitations—from upfront cost and cold-weather limits to noise and installation—should be balanced against the significant long-term benefits.

The most compelling case for a heat pump is its value. It allows you to get much more enjoyment out of your pool, and provides a luxurious swimming experience every single time.

Do your research, ensure you size the unit correctly, and hire a professional as needed for any logistics, plumbing, or electrical work. These simple steps will help you confidently move past any lingering doubts, allowing you to maximize the use and enjoyment of your largest backyard investment.

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