P O O L HEATER BUYERS GUIDEGET ALL YOUR POOL HEAT PUMP QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

What Is A Pool Heat Pump?

How Does A Heat Pump Work?

Does It Work In Cold Weather?

What Are The Operating Costs?

What Is The Installation Process?

What Are The Benefits Of A Pool Heat Pump?

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Things to Keep in Mind About Pool Heat Pumps

There are a couple of things to keep in mind about pool heat pumps, however:

• EnergyCosts:Like any other appliance, pool heat pumps consume energy. That’s why you should make sure to install a pump that’s energy-efficient. Also, the higher you set the water temperature, the more energy the pump consumes. So choose a temperature setting wisely before your next energy bill is exorbitantly high.

• Wintertime: Because heat pumps draw heat from the air, they don’t work in lower temperatures. There are a number of pumps that can work at low temperatures, but not when it’s freezing outside.

Investing in a pool heat pump can make your pool much more enjoyable.

What Does a Pool Heat Pump Do?

A pool heat pump does exactly what its name says it does: it heats the water in your swimming pool. It takes water much longer than ground or other dry materials to heat up from the sun’s rays, which means that even if it’s a pleasant 80 degrees outside, your pool water could still be a very cold 50 degrees. And that’s not only uncomfortably cold; it can also be unhealthy for children and people with specific health conditions like cardiac disease, lung problems and arthritis.

According to Energy.gov, the American Red Cross recommends a pool water temperature of 78 degrees for competitive swimming, but one of 80 degrees or higher for children, seniors and people with health conditions. A pool heat pump brings the water in your pool up to the desired temperature so you can use it whenever you like—even at night!

WHAT IS A POOL HEAT PUMP?If you really want to enjoy your backyard pool, then you need to make sure your pool heat pump is in good working order. Let’s face it: you had your pool installed because you want to feel good, not because you want to take a Spartan dip to wake yourself up every morning. Of course, you might be one of those rare souls who enjoys a New Year’s Dip in the Atlantic Ocean each year—in which case, you might prefer to shiver than to read on. But if you’re like most of us, you want your pool water to be a reasonably comfortable temperature throughout the year!

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How Does a Pool Heat Pump Work?

A pool heat pump doesn’t actually generate heat like an indoor heater does. Here’s how it works:

• The fan in the heater draws air into the pump and over the evaporator coil.

• The evaporator coil is filled with liquid refrigerant that absorbs the heat from the air.

• The heat then becomes a gas, which is forced into the compressor.

• The compressor increases the heat and passes the resulting hot gas through the condenser coil.

• The water passing through the heater absorbs the heat and flows back into the pool.

• The gas becomes liquid again and returns to the evaporator.

A pool heat pump is a complicated appliance. It needs to be installed properly and well maintained in order to run efficiently. Speak to your local pool specialist to determine the right kind of pool heat pump for your pool.

The Function of a Pool Heat Pump

A pool heat pump is what warms your pool water from, “Yikes! Get me out of here!” to a pleasant, “Mmmmm… I think I’ll just relax here for a while.”

Even on the warmest summer days in Florida, water still takes much longer to heat than land. The reason is simple: land absorbs more solar radiation because it’s dark and dense; plus, vegetation absorbs the radiation for energy. Water reflects a good portion of the solar radiation that reaches its surface (which is why you get sunburnt faster when you’re on the water).

Because water takes longer to heat, you can’t rely on solar energy to heat your pool. That’s where a pool heat pump comes in. It heats the pool water to the desired temperature, which usually ranges from 78 degrees for competition swimming to 80 degrees or higher for recreational swimming for children, seniors and people with certain health conditions such as cardiac problems and respiratory issues.

HOW DOES A POOL HEAT PUMP WORK?If you’re thinking of installing your own pool in your backyard, then one of the things you need to know about is a pool heat pump.

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Do You Need a Reversible Heat Pump?

Before automatically deciding to install a reversible heat pump, it’s advisable to ask yourself a number of questions to determine if you really need one:

• Do you swim most days of the week?

• Will you continue to swim through the winter?

• Can you maintain your pool and the heat pump during the winter?

• Are you aware of the costs associated with using the heat pump during the winter?

Of course, if swimming is something you do every day to keep yourself healthy, then a reversible heat pump is absolutely worth considering. But if you’re more likely to spend the cold months working out at the gym or doing some other indoor sport, then you’re probably best advised to choose a standard pump.

Pool Heat Pumps and Cold Weather

Standard pool heat pumps function when the air temperature is 52 degrees or higher. Anything lower, and they begin to shut down. At that point, if temperatures aren’t likely to rise again until spring, then you’re best advised to carefully winterize your heat pump—or have your pool technician do it for you.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. There are heat pumps that are designed specifically to work in colder temperatures. Some can operate at temperatures in the low 40s.

How is this possible? Well, basically, these types of heat pumps—which are usually referred to as reversible heat pumps or icebreakers—reverse the flow of coolant through the pump. This defrosts the evaporator coil, which in turn allows the pump to keep working.

DOES A POOL HEAT PUMP WORK IN COLD WEATHER?If you don’t live in a subtropical or tropical region, then you might want to know if your pool heat pump will work in the winter. After all, since the appliance pulls heat from the air to warm the pool water, it stands to reason that the colder the air, the less heat there is to warm the water. Right?

Well, yes and no. Let’s take a closer look.

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• Cover:Pools that are covered at night lose far less heat than ones that aren’t.

• EnergyProvider:Depending on the costs of your local energy provider, the actual operating costs can very considerably.

Pool Heat Pump Operating Costs: What to Expect

Now you know what factors influence the energy consumption of a pump, it’s time to get an indication of pool heat pump operating costs.

According to Energy.gov, pool heat pump operating costs for a pool heated to 78 degrees Fahrenheit and covered when not in use are about $1 a day, no matter where you are in the U.S. You can check out a full list of estimated operating costs www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-swimming-pool-heaters.

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that the better your pool heat pump is maintained, the more energy efficient it will be.

Factors That Influence Pool Heat Pump Operating Costs

Exactly how much energy your pool heat pump consumes and, correspondingly, how high your energy bill is, depends on a number of factors, including:

• SizeOfThePoolAndThePump: The larger the pool, the more capacity the heat pump has to have in order to heat the water to the desired temperature.

• TemperatureSetting: A setting of 78 degrees Fahrenheit consumes less energy than a setting of 80 degrees or higher.

• IndoorsOrOutdoors:The indoor temperature is usually higher and more constant than the outdoor temperature, which means the pool heat pump doesn’t have to work as hard as it would outside.

• Location: The warmer and dryer the location, the less energy the pool heat pump consumes. For example, a pool heat pump in Arizona uses less energy than the same model in the exact same size pool in Florida, which in turn uses less energy than the same model and pool in New England.

HEAT PUMP OPERATING COSTS – LESS THAN $2 PER DAYIf enjoying your pool is a top priority, then it’s important to know what your pool heat pump operating costs are going to be. After all, where’s the enjoyment if, after taking a dip every morning and having pool parties on the weekend, your energy bill is so high you need to take out a second mortgage?

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• MakeSureThere’sALevel,SturdyBaseForThePoolHeatPump.Consider having a concrete or tiled area constructed to support the heater.

• EnsureAllFittingsAreTheRightSize. The plumbing needs to be watertight, so ensure all tubes are the right size.

• ChooseCorrectPlacement.Place the heat pump after all pool filters and pumps and before all chemical pumps and chlorinators.

Call the Professionals to Take Care of the Pool Heater Installation Process!

As we mentioned above, it’s imperative that you contract fully licensed professionals to install your pool heater for you. They’ll make sure everything is in full compliance with local codes, plus, you’ll have the peace of mind that your heater is installed correctly and safely.

The Pool Heater Installation Process Explained

It’s critical to understand that you should never try to install your pool heater yourself. You need to contract a licensed electrician and a license pool technician to do it for you. However, it’s helpful to have an overview of the steps involved in the installation process so you know how to prepare for it.

• CheckThatYourElectricalSupplyCanSupportTheHeatPump.This is best done by a certified electrician, who can check to see if your electrical system is equipped to provide the necessary energy supply to the heater. If it isn’t, have your system upgraded before installing the heat pump.

• SelectAnOpenPlaceToInstallTheHeater.The pump should never be in an enclosed area; close to other units; or near foliage. It needs to be able to draw in enough air to function, so avoid anything that compromises that airflow.

• ChooseASpotCloseToYourPool. The closer the heater is to the pool, the less energy you’ll lose when the water flows from the pump to the pool.

POOL HEATER INSTALLATION PROCESSThe pool heater installation process is complicated—but absolutely necessary if you want to fully enjoy your pool. After all, without a pool heat pump, the pool water is likely to be uncomfortably cold. And that’s not only unpleasant; it can also be dangerous for young children, seniors and people with cardiac or respiratory problems.

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• Compact: A pool heat pump is a compact appliance that can easily be installed close to the pool without taking up too much room.

• ExtendedLifespan:When properly operated and regularly maintained, a pool heat pump can last between 10 and 15 years. That means you’ll definitely get your money’s worth from your investment!

• ImprovePropertyValue: Just like a pool adds value to your property, having a reputable brand pool heater that’s well-maintained will add even more value. This can be extremely beneficial in the event you’re looking to sell your home at any point in the future.

Ask Your Pool Technician About Heat Pump Benefits

To find out more about pool heat pump benefits, call your local pool technician. He or she will be up to date on all of the latest developments, which makes this professional the best person to inform you about your options. So don’t wait: if you want a comfortable and safe pool, find out about pool heat pump benefits today!

Are You Aware of Pool Heat Pump Benefits?

Many people who have a pool installed don’t give much thought to the mechanisms and appliances involved in keeping the pool clean, safe, and comfortable. But if you really want to get the most out of your investment, you’re best advised to know what the different parts are and what they do.

A pool heat pump heats the pool water to a preset temperature by drawing warmth from the air through the evaporator coil. The refrigerant, which passes through the coil gets warmed up then passes through the compressor, which super heats it then transfers the heat via the heat exchanger into the water.

Here are the main benefits of a pool heat pump:

• EnvironmentallyFriendly:Because it doesn’t generate heat, but instead, draws heat from the air, it consumes less energy than a heat-generating appliance would.

• LowOperatingCosts:Even if the appliance is set to heat the pool water to a temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit, so long as you cover the pool at night, you can operate the pump for $2 a day or less.

POOL HEAT PUMP BENEFITSIf you’re a smart and responsible homeowner about to invest in your own swimming pool, then it’s useful to be aware of pool heat pump benefits.

AllFloridaPoolandSpaCenter|11720 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33181(305) 893-4036|service@allfloridapool.com

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These issues can be avoided when you schedule regular maintenance by a licensed pool technician. He or she will carefully clean the entire appliance and inspect the parts for worn or broken elements. Most pool technicians are able to take care of maintaining pool heaters; however, in the event electrical work needs to be done, then a licensed electrician needs to be called in. Your pool technician will probably be able to recommend someone he or she regularly works with. However, if this isn’t the case, then make sure to do your research and select someone with proven experience in maintaining and repairing pool heaters.

Don’t Do It Yourself!

Just like you shouldn’t install your pool heater yourself, you shouldn’t maintain it yourself, either. Sure, you probably have a user’s manual telling you what to do, and there are probably hundreds of articles and videos on the Internet with step-by-step instructions. However, because a pool heat pump combines electricity and plumbing, it’s simply not smart to try to maintain your heat pump yourself. So do the right thing, and find a local pool technician you trust.

Why You Need Pool Heater Maintenance

A pool heater is traditionally one of those things you don’t

think about… until it’s not working anymore. Then all sorts

of problems can occur; the most unpleasant being cold pool

water and exorbitant energy bills. So how can you avoid this?

The answer is simple: you need regular pool heater maintenance. Pool heaters, like any other appliance, need to be maintained properly or else they’ll malfunction and/or consume more energy than necessary. And when that happens, it’s not just inconvenient; you’ll also likely spending more on repairs or even a replacement than you would on regular tune-ups. Moreover, you’ll probably not be able to use the pool until the heater is fixed or replaced.

Common Pool Heater Issues

Since most pool heaters run for anywhere between 10 and 24 hours a day, depending on your use of your pool, they’re very prone to wear and tear. Common pool heater issues include:

POOL HEATER MAINTENANCESo you’ve invested in a beautiful pool surrounded by amazing landscaping—but have you given any thought to pool heater maintenance?

• Clogged lines

• Leaking lines or joints

• Broken sensors

• Broken thermostat

• Malfunctioning electrical ignition

• Burnt out wires

• Broken electrical connections