Everything You Need to Know Before Buying an Above Ground Pool Heat Pump
Heat pumps are one of the three most popular types of heaters for both above-ground and in-ground pools. They have become a top choice for pool owners who want to extend their swimming season while maintaining comfortable water temperatures. Heat pumps strike a great balance between performance and energy efficiency, making them an eco-friendly option. They don’t take as long to heat up as solar heaters, and they’re more cost-effective to run than propane or natural gas heaters.
In this article, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about choosing, installing, and maintaining a heat pump for your above-ground pool.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Above Ground Pool Heat Pump
Cost and Brand
First off, the price of an Above Ground Pool Heater depends on factors like brand, capacity, and features. Typically, they range from $700 to $4,000.
When comparing costs, heat pumps are almost equivalent to propane/natural gas heaters in terms of upfront price, but at the same capacity, heat pumps tend to be more expensive.
However, heat pumps are much more cost-effective to run, saving you 50 to 80% on operating costs compared to gas heaters over a year. Plus, since electricity prices are generally more stable than gas prices, you can expect more predictable heating costs with a heat pump year after year.
Additionally, some models, like the Raypak Crosswind 65-I, offer dual functions—they can heat your pool and even cool it during hot summer days, providing extra value and flexibility.
Here are some well-known heat pump brands for above-ground pools that are popular in the market today:
- Hayward – Hayward offers a range of heat pumps designed specifically for residential pools. Their models are known for being user-friendly, energy-efficient, and reliable, making them a popular choice for homeowners.
- Pentair – Pentair’s residential heat pumps are built for efficiency and long-term durability, with models that are easy to operate and maintain, ideal for family pools.
- Raypak – While Raypak offers a range of models, their residential heat pumps like the Crosswind series are especially popular for home pools, providing both heating and cooling options.
- FibroPool – is a trusted brand in the pool industry, known for its efficient and durable heat pumps. FibroPool heat pumps are valued for their energy efficiency, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness, making them a popular choice for extending the swimming season
BTU Ratings
You’ve probably come across the term BTU (British Thermal Unit). You don’t need to get into the technical details, but it’s important to know that BTU output tells you how quickly and effectively a heat pump can warm up your pool water.
To figure out the right BTU rating for your pool, consider its size, how much you want to raise the temperature, and your local climate.
As a general guideline, you’ll need about 4 to 6 BTUs per gallon of water. For simplicity, let’s use 5 BTUs per gallon as an average. So, for a 10,000-gallon pool, you’d need a heat pump with a 50,000 BTU rating.
Above ground pools are typically smaller than in-ground pools. For example, an 18-foot round pool that’s 52 inches deep holds about 8,000 gallons of water, so you’d want a heat pump with around 40,000 BTUs.
Keep in mind that factors like wind, humidity, and nighttime temperature drops can affect this calculation.
For most above ground pools, which usually hold between 5,000 and 18,000 gallons, a heat pump with a BTU rating between 25,000 and 90,000 should do the job. It’s always a good idea to choose a heat pump with a slightly higher BTU rating, especially if you live in a cooler climate, to ensure your pool stays warm and inviting.
Coefficient of Performance (COP)
The Coefficient of Performance (COP) measures how efficient a heat pump is. It shows the ratio of heat produced to the energy used. A higher COP means the heat pump is more efficient and costs less to run.
When choosing a heat pump, aim for models with a COP of 5.0 or higher. This means the pump generates at least 5 units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses.
Some top-tier models have COPs of 6.0 or more, leading to even greater energy savings over time, but they tend to be pricey. So, I think a COP above 5 is already an excellent choice.
For those who aren’t familiar, there are heat pumps with extremely high COPs, like the AstroMax H35 Turbo, which can reach COPs up to 20. However, these are designed for commercial or competition pools where high efficiency is crucial.
Remember, the COP can change depending on the air and water temperatures. Manufacturers usually list the COP based on specific conditions, often 80°F for both air and water. So, make sure to consider these factors before making your decision.
Heat Pump Size and Installation Space
Even though today’s heat pumps are quite compact, typically measuring around 24-36 inches wide and 30-45 inches high, you still need to ensure your yard has enough space for proper air circulation. For optimal performance and easy maintenance, make sure there’s at least 12 inches of clearance on all sides of the unit.
Keep in mind that heat pumps are heavy, usually weighing over 200 lbs, with larger ones exceeding 300 lbs. So i recommend placing it on a concrete pad or a sturdy piece of hardwood to ensure stability
Noise Levels
I see many people tend to overlook noise levels when buying a heater, but if you’re sensitive to sound or prefer a quieter environment, it’s something to consider.
Heat pumps generally have a lower noise level compared to propane/natural gas heaters. They typically produce between 40 to 60 decibels (dB), with some high-end models as quiet as 40 dB.
On the other hand, propane/natural gas heaters are noisier, with noise levels ranging from 50 to 70 dB, primarily due to the cooling fan and burner.
If you’re curious about how a heat pump sounds, it’s similar to standing next to the condenser of an air conditioner—it’s noticeable, but not overly loud
Flow rate
Another important factor to consider is the Flow Rate of your pool heater. This refers to the amount of water that passes through the heat pump each minute, usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
- If your pool pump’s GPM is too low while the heat pump’s required GPM is higher, the heat pump might shut off to avoid overheating, as it depends on proper water flow to operate effectively.
- Conversely, if your pump’s GPM is too high compared to what the heat pump can handle, it can result in inefficient heating and may even overload and damage the heat pump.
For example, if you’re using the Hayward HeatPro with a capacity of 100,000 BTU, it requires a flow rate between 30 to 75 GPM. Assuming an average of 50 GPM, you’d need a pool pump that matches this rate. In this case, a pump with an output capacity of 1 HP should be sufficient.
Don’t worry too much—if you have a 100k BTU heat pump, it’s likely your above ground pool is at least 27 feet in diameter. If your pool is smaller, adjust the pump capacity accordingly.
It’s best to aim for an average flow rate, as running your equipment at full capacity all the time can cause it to wear out faster. Manufacturers often advertise the maximum capacity, so it’s wise to aim for a moderate level to ensure longevity.
Climate and Weather Conditions
The working principle of heat pumps is quite simple—they operate like air conditioners but in reverse. They draw in air from the surrounding environment, heat it up, and then transfer that heat into the water to warm your pool.
This makes heat pumps an excellent choice in climates with mild winters and moderate humidity. However, they become less effective in extremely cold or harsh conditions (below 50°F). In such environments, there isn’t enough “heat” in the air for the pump to extract, and if the humidity is too low, it can disrupt air convection.
So, if you live in a very cold area, like the North or Midwest, a propane/natural gas heater might be a better option as it can efficiently heat your pool even in colder temperatures.
Electrical Requirements
A small note: Most of today’s popular heat pumps run on 220-240V electricity, though some smaller models can operate on 120V, so keep this in mind and make sure you have a dedicated circuit to handle the electrical load.
Heat Exchanger Material
Finally, there’s the heat exchanger—an important part of your heat pump, as it’s responsible for transferring heat from the refrigerant to your pool water.
Titanium heat exchangers are considered the gold standard for pool heat pumps. They excel in corrosion resistance, which is essential given the harsh chemical environment of pool water. Titanium’s durability ensures that it can withstand constant exposure to both chlorinated and saltwater, lasting for many years with minimal issues.
On the other hand, some budget-friendly models may use copper or cupronickel heat exchangers. While these materials can perform adequately, they generally don’t match titanium in terms of durability and corrosion resistance.
This explains why high-end models like those from Hayward can cost up to $4,000—you’re paying for the longevity and reliability that comes with top-quality materials like titanium.
Install Tips
Most heat pumps have a similar structure and installation process, so I won’t go into too much detail here. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions; the piping and electrical setup are pretty much the same as when you install a pool pump. However, I do have a little tip for you:
If you’re using a saltwater or chlorinator system, it’s best to install the heater (whether it’s a heat pump or a propane/natural gas heater) before the saltwater or chlorinator system.
This setup helps protect the heater from the corrosive effects of chlorine. Additionally, it’s a good idea to install a check valve to prevent water from the saltwater system from flowing back into the heater, which can further prevent damage.
Conclusion
We’ve covered the main specs to help you choose a best heat pump that fits your needs. If you’re interested or have any questions, I’m here to help and will do my best to provide you with the answers you need. Feel free to ask
Cheer !
