Swimming Pool Heat Pump Comparison Guide

When deciding on the best way to ensure a comfortable swimming temperature, it's important to consider the varying costs of heating a pool. Heaters and heat pumps provide a higher BTU output than their less costly solar-powered alternatives. However, when comparing heat pumps vs. gas or electric heaters, heat pumps come out on top when it comes to saving you money on operating costs. Once you've decided that a heat pump is the right option for your swimming pool, it's time to figure out which model you should get. This guide is here to help you through the process! Below you'll find comparison details on six of our most popular heat pumps, built by some of the most trusted names in the industry.

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What Size Heat Pump Do I Need?

This is probably the most important factor you'll need to determine before buying a new heat pump. If you purchase one that's inadequate for your pool size, you may find yourself running it at full capacity all the time, and for a mediocre pool heating result. On the other hand, "bigger is better," but that also comes at a price. The higher the BTU output, generally the higher the upfront cost. To keep your heat pump purchase within budget, it'll take a bit of math to figure out what you need. We go into greater detail in our other article, An In-Depth Look at Pool Heat Pumps.

To keep it simple, most pools can follow these heat pump BTU guidelines based on water volume:

• 10,000 gallons or less: 60,000 BTU or higher
• 15,000 gallons or less: 90,000 BTU or higher
• 20,000 gallons or less: 120,000 BTU or higher
• 25,000 gallons or more: 140,000 BTU
• Heat pumps top out at 140,000 BTU, so pools larger than 30,000 gallons may take a little longer to heat up

Things to Consider When Comparing Heat Pumps

Before you commit to buying and installing a brand-new heat pump for your swimming pool, there are a few things you'll need to keep in mind. Besides the BTU heat output and the size of your pool, there are a few other points of comparison between different pool heat pump models.

Coefficient of Performance

The Coefficient of Performance, abbreviated as COP, is a measure of efficiency. It looks at the relationship or ratio between energy requirements and total heating or cooling output into the pool. The higher the number, the higher the efficiency of the heat pump. The lower the number, the more energy you'll use to control the temperature in the pool — which translates to higher operational costs per BTU.

Amperage and Voltage

Most heat pumps require a dedicated breaker for either 50 or 60 amps. However, some smaller models, such as the Raypak Crosswind, can use a lower amperage breaker. Almost all heat pumps require 240 volts. Make sure your pool's breaker box is equipped to accommodate the additional energy demands of a heat pump. We highly recommend consulting a qualified electrician when dealing with electrical components.

Flow Rate

Make sure the minimum and maximum flow rates align with your other pool equipment. If your pump isn't moving water faster than the minimum flow, the heat pump won't even turn on. On the other hand, if the flow rate is too high, you may risk damaging the heat pump. If you have a pump that exceeds the maximum flow rate, some plumbing modifications can help reduce the rate of flow passing through the heat pump. Pool owners with a variable speed pump will need to take the time to program their pump accordingly for optimized performance, as lower speeds may not provide ample heating time for the pool.

Heat Exchanger

The materials that make up the heat exchanger inside your heat pump are a major component in its longevity. Most modern pool heat pumps feature a titanium heat exchanger, which offers superior resistance to corrosion. In fact, some manufacturers offer a warranty on their titanium heat exchangers that exceeds the warranty for the unit itself. Cupronickel used to be a common choice, but has lost popularity with the emergence of longer-lasting, high-efficiency titanium heat exchangers that resist corrosion from water chemistry.

Warranty

How long is your unit covered under warranty? What does the warranty cover, and are there varying periods of liability? Take a minute to read the fine print, so you know what is — and is not — covered. If warranty coverage is a big part of your decision, go with a heat pump that offers the longest and most complete coverage.

Dimensions

How big is the footprint of your chosen heat pump? Will it fit on your equipment pad, or will you need to rearrange some things? If you're replacing an existing heater or heat pump, will the new heat pump take up more or less room by comparison?

Heat Only vs. Heat/Cool

Most heat pumps are "heat only." However, some also allow you to cool your pool. This can come in handy in really warm climates, where summer temperatures can make your pool water feel more like a hot tub than a refreshing swimming pool. If you find yourself craving cooler water in the summertime, and you don't want to invest in a secondary pool chiller, a heat/cool heat pump may be just the ticket.

Pool Heat Pumps Comparison

Now that we've got all that out of the way, it's time to look at some heat pumps! The six units featured below are among our most popular. However, there are quite a few more to choose from. Check out our heat pumps category to see what's currently in stock and ready to ship.

Have a few questions about your pool heat pump? Thinking of getting one?

Odds are you’ll find the answers you need in this post

Whether you own a heat pump or are thinking about getting one, you’ve probably had a few questions at one point or another.  “How do they work”, “how long do they last”, and so on.

That said, there are a few questions in particular that seem to pop up often. And those are the questions we’re focusing on.

We’re shedding light on the most common pool heat pump FAQS, and sprinkling in some pool heat pump troubleshooting tips while we’re at it.

So if you have a question about your pool heat pump, this post might just have the answer. If not, you could always ask a pool heat pump specialist.

Top 10 Pool Heat Pump FAQs & Answers

1.) How does a pool heat pump work

A heat pump uses electricity to harvest natural heat. It all starts when the heat pump spins its fan and pulls in warm air. The warm air passes over an evaporator coil and reacts with a refrigerant inside the tubes. This reaction creates a warm gas which gets sent to a compressor. The compressor then compresses the warm gas into a hot gas.

In the last steps of the process, the hot gas travels to the heat exchanger where it heats up an inner titanium tube. As water travels through the outer PVC tubing of the heat exchanger, it’s warmed by the inner heated titanium tubing. From here, the heated water gets pumped into the pool, as more water gets pumped into the heater.

And at that point, the heating process repeats until the pool reaches the target temperature specified on the heat pump.

[Learn more about how heat pumps work]

2.) What size heat pump do I need?

Of all the pool heat pump FAQs, this could be the most important in terms of making a purchase. The size of the heat pump you need for your pool largely depends on two major factors: your location, and the size of your pool.

Usually, the bigger your pool, the bigger your pool heater should be. And depending on where you live, a bigger, or smaller heater may be ideal for maintaining your desired temperature.

You can learn how to size your heat pump in this post, or use our heat pump sizing calculator.

3.) How much does it cost to heat a pool with a heat pump?

The cost of heating a pool with a heat pump ranges from $50-150 per month, the lowest of nearly all pool heating options. And compared to gas and electric resistance at $300+, it’s easy to see why energy efficiency matters.

But, no matter what kind of pool heater you have, using a solar cover can help improve your heating efficiency drastically.

4.) How long do pool heat pumps last?

Even without a lick of maintenance, a pool heat pump easily lasts 10 to 20 years. But, with good maintenance, a pool heat pump can literally last a lifetime.

[Learn 7 ways to extend your pool heat pump’s lifespan]

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Swimming Pool Heat Pump For Sale.

Most problems that affect aged heat pumps can usually be avoided altogether with regular service and maintenance. Think of them like cars.

If you take good care of your car and service it on the regular, it treats you well. But neglect your car and forget your oil changes, and you’re in for loads of costly repairs down the road.

5.) How fast can a heat pump heat my pool? (How long does it take to heat a swimming pool?)

A heat pump can heat a pool by 20 degrees Fahrenheit in 24-72 hours. The precise heating rate depends on the size of the pool, outdoor temperature, and whether or not a solar cover is used.

6.) What’s the coldest temperature a heat pump will function at?

The coldest temperature most heat pumps will function at is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. But heat pumps with certified low-temperature performance, like the Oasis Platinum Ultra Quiet, can function all the way down to the 30s. This feature can be especially helpful for pool owners up north looking to extend their swim season.

Keep in mind that although a heat pump will still heat down to its cutoff temperature, heating effectiveness is often affected.

Pool Heat Pump FAQs (Troubleshooting)

7.) Why is my pool heat pump running but not heating?

A pool heat pump that runs but doesn’t heat can mean a few things. So, here are a few answers to go with your pool heat pump FAQs.

Here’s what to check for:

• Check the air temperature. A pool heat pump requires warm air to operate most effectively. But in cooler temperatures, the heat pump runs longer to compensate.
• Make sure your pool pump is sending enough water your heater. A heat pump needs a steady supply of water to properly handle heat transfer and production.
• Clear any obstructions or debris from the vents. This ensures optimal air flow, which is essential to an air-source heat pump’s heating process.

8.) Why does my pool heater keep shutting off?

When a heat pump keeps shutting off, it usually means one of two things: an electrical, or water pressure issue

If your heat pump is displaying any error codes related to “FLO” or ” LO/HI”, then the issue is related to water pressure. Most of the time, fixing these problems involve troubleshooting your pool pump or a part in the heater. Learn more here

Now, if your pump is running and not displaying error codes, then power it down and inspect the electrical setup.

First, walk over to the heat pump and check the electric terminals for any corrosion or damage. From there, check the wiring leading from the pump to the breaker for any wear. Last, check the breaker and confirm that it’s sending adequate power to the heat pump.

Learn more about troubleshooting your heat pump.

9.) Why is my heat pump leaking?

Among the full collection of pool heat pump FAQs, this one may be the most common, both online and in the real world.

There’s a good chance that what you’re seeing is just natural condensation. Every heat pump will “sweat” and produce a small puddle every now and then. This usually happens when the heat pump is doing a defrost.

That said, it isn’t impossible for a heat pump to spring a leak. And luckily there are plenty of ways to test where the water is coming from, which we explain in this post.

10.) Why does my heat pump say FLO?

In most heat pumps, the “FLO” error code indicates a water pressure issue. It can mean that water flow is being restricted, or that none is being detected at all.

Sometimes, water flow issues can be caused by a blockage in the pool system, originating anywhere from the filter to the pump and skimmer baskets.

So the best course of action is to start small: clear out the skimmer, then the pump basket. From there, check your filter to make sure it’s clean and allowing water flow at the correct pressure.

If everything checks out, and the pump is definitely receiving enough water, then the issue is likely a defective water pressure switch. Luckily this part is fairly inexpensive and simple to replace.

[Find pool heat pump parts here]

*BONUS: Pool Heat Pump FAQs

What’s the difference between heat pumps and gas pool heaters?

Pool heat pumps use small amounts of electricity to harvest and magnify natural heat. Gas pool heaters burn gas or propane to produce heat. Ten guesses which one is more affordable per month.

Learn more about these two heaters in this post: Heat Pumps vs Gas Pool Heaters

What does C.O.P mean?

C.O.P stands for Coefficient of Performance, which is a number used to rank a pool heat pump’s energy efficiency. Specifically, it represents the amount of energy a machine produces per unit of energy that it consumes.

For instance, a heat pump like the Oasis Platinum Ultra Quiet features a COP of 6.5. This means that for every unit of energy the heater consumes, it produces 6.5 units worth of heat. High energy efficiency like that has a major impact on lowering your swimming pool’s energy bill.

Learn more about COP.

Closing Thoughts

We this post offered some helpful answers for your questions on pool heat pumps. Naturally, we couldn’t cover every question ever asked about pool heat pumps. But, that’s because we’ve answered a lot of them in the past already.

If you’re still trying to learn more about heat pumps, start here:

For more Heat Pump Water Heaterinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.