Heat pumps for your inground pool have many advantages compared to conventional pool heaters. They’re much more environmentally friendly and can help save a significant amount of money on energy bills. And these advantages can be even more noteworthy with just a few simple steps.
Your pool heat pump can be even more efficient and powerful through small tasks like keeping up with pool maintenance, adjusting the pool water temperature to reasonable levels, and using a pool cover. In time, you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxing heated pool at as low a cost as possible to you as a pool owner. Let’s get started exploring energy efficiency with heat pumps for pool heating!
How Heat Pumps Work for Pool Heating
Unlike pool heaters, swimming pool heat pumps don’t directly generate heat to warm up a pool. Instead, heat pumps draw in warm air from the outdoors and cool water from the pool so that the two can be brought into contact and the heat can be passed from the air to the pool water.
The internal mechanisms are slightly more complex, making the pool heat pump more effective and energy-efficient. The warm air is first brought into contact with an evaporator coil that contains liquid refrigerant.
When heated, the liquid refrigerant transforms into a gas and passes through a condenser. As the warm refrigerant comes into indirect contact with the cool water in the condenser, it transfers its heat, turns it back into a liquid, and pours back down into the evaporator.
Heat pumps and certain swimming pool heaters are powered by electricity. Electric pool heaters have a few advantages: they’re cheaper to power, more environmentally friendly, and easier to install. They’re considerably more popular than gas heaters as a result.
Gas pool heaters are popular with some pool owners, however. Many like that a gas pool heater can be run without access to electricity, so they’re usually inexpensive to purchase and warm up much faster than electric pool heaters.
Advantages of Heat Pumps for Pool Heating
There’s much to love about heat pumps compared to conventional gas and electric pool heaters. First and foremost, they consume much less energy than traditional heaters. They’re an excellent option for anyone who wants to keep an eco-friendly pool, as they have a considerably smaller carbon footprint.
Heat pumps are also much more cost effective than traditional heating systems. Homeowners who use heat pumps to warm their pools can expect to save significantly on their energy bills. Heat pumps can cost as little as 30 to 60 cents per hour to run, while a comparable pool heater might cost several dollars for the same time.
With proper maintenance, heat pumps also last much longer than other pool heating options. The average lifespan of a pool heater is often estimated to be between 5 and 10 years, while heat pumps can reliably last well over ten years with the proper care.
Best of all, many of the most recent heat pumps can even be integrated with smart home technology. Many models connect directly with WiFi so homeowners can monitor and adjust the pool temperature with a convenient smartphone app - making it easier to save money and have the pool ready to swim in right when needed.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are an excellent option for keeping any pool comfortable, but you should consider a few factors before purchasing one. Pool size, usage, climate, and temperature are all vital for selecting the right model - and budget, installation, and maintenance requirements should all be considered so that you can be happy with your new purchase in the long term.
You should start by considering your pool size and how often it is used. You should use a pool heater size calculator to determine how many BTUs your new pool heat pump will need to keep your swimming pool at the right temperature. Consider purchasing a more powerful heat pump if your pool is frequently used because it can warm up faster.
You should also consider your local climate and temperature because it is an essential factor in how powerful your new heat pump will need to be. If you want a warm pool in a very cold climate, you must find a swimming pool heat pump with the right amount of power. You should find a pool water heater size calculator that uses your local and desired pool temperatures as parts of the equation.
Budget and installation costs should also be considered when selecting a heat pump. You should choose a heat pump that fits your heating needs and your budget, also factoring in that you may need help to keep up with maintenance over time. While less powerful heat pumps may not perform similarly, many can still warm and comfortable a swimming pool.
Finally, read about the maintenance requirements of any heat pump you’re considering before purchasing it. Some heat pumps are much more expensive to maintain than others. You should select a heat pump from a company that offers replacement parts at an affordable cost.
Tips for Maximizing Energy Efficiency with Heat Pumps
While heat pumps are already very energy efficient, you’re not alone if you want to take them to the next level and maximize their effectiveness. Aside from selecting a properly-sized heat pump and setting it to a proper temperature, you can maximize energy efficiency by regularly maintaining it and using a pool cover whenever possible.
You should ensure your heat pump is appropriately sized for your pool if you want it to run efficiently. If there’s too much pool water for the heat pump to process or your desired temperature is too high, it may struggle to keep up. You should calculate what size heat pump your pool will need in advance and purchase a more powerful option if possible.
You should also ensure your heat pump is installed correctly, maintained, and cleaned. A good installation will ensure that the heat pump runs precisely as intended. By frequently maintaining and cleaning the heat pump, you can keep track of its performance and intervene if anything goes wrong.
You should also use a pool cover to maximize your heat pump's energy efficiency. People who use a pool cover for their outdoor pool can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars in energy costs over just a few months.
Finally, make sure to set the temperature and settings properly. When set efficiently, your heat pump should consume only minimal energy. Consider setting your heat pump to a lower temperature or speed. Compromising just a few degrees in temperature will allow you to enjoy a comfortable swim at a much lower cost.
Purchase An Energy-Efficient Heat Pump Today
Heat pumps make an incredible addition to any backyard pool. Much like conventional pool heaters, they allow you to enjoy a swim at any temperature your heart desires -- but they can do so at a fraction of the cost. Heat pumps are energy-efficient, luxurious, and affordable.
Keeping up with regular maintenance and cleaning can make your investment in a heat pump worthwhile over the long term. However, initially, the best way to save money and maximize energy efficiency is to purchase the right heat pump. If you’re ready to find the perfect heat pump for your swimming pool, we’re ready to help today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Lifespan of a Heat Pump for Pool Heating?
The lifespan of a heat pump for pool heating can be as long as ten years or more. A heat pump’s lifespan will depend on whether it was installed correctly and frequently maintained. You should work with a licensed technician for installation and keep up with all maintenance routines recommended by the manufacturer.
Can Heat Pumps Be Used in All Climates?
Heat pumps can be used in all climates, but not all will work effectively in cold weather. If you want to use a heat pump for your pool in a cold environment, you should look for one that is specifically marketed for use in cold weather. Some models operate at temperatures as low as 10℃. You should purchase an inverter heat pump with a variable-speed system because it will be particularly effective in all weather.
How Much Can I Expect To Save on Energy Costs With a Heat Pump for Pool Heating?
You can save as much as $400 for every $1,000 spent on a comparable gas or electric pool heater. Of course, your savings will depend on a few factors, including how efficient your pool heater is, what kind of climate you live in, and whether you use energy-efficient practices when running your heat pump.