If you reside in an area that experiences pronounced seasonal changes, then a pool heat pump is an absolute necessity. Notably, you will get to enjoy some relaxation time in your backyard pool throughout the year, without worrying about the weather!
Unfortunately, finding the right pool heat system is not as easy as most people think. With plenty of products in the market claiming to provide the best pool heating solutions, it can be a lot of hassle, narrowing down to the best option. Luckily for you, we have taken the time to explore different heat pumps available in the market today, to help you make the right pick.
In this article, we are going to review four of the best pool heat pumps designed to work efficiently in cold climates. Hopefully, after these pool heat pump reviews, you will have found the perfect pool heating solution for your needs.
COMPARISON OF 4 Best Pool Heat Pump ( Updated )
Name | Manufacturer | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Hayward HP21404T | Hayward - Distribution | ||
FibroPool FH120 | FibroPool | ||
Hayward HP50TA | Hayward - Distribution | ||
Fibropool FH 220 | FibroPool |
1. Hayward HP21404T HeatPro Titanium 140,000 BTU Heat Pump, Square
When it comes to pool heating systems, the Hayward HP21404 HeatPro packs a punch to give any rival a run for their money. This impressive pool heat pump incorporates titanium counter heat exchangers to provide maximum heat transfer and performance, even in the harshest weather. The unit is equipped with an acoustic compression cover and profiled fan blades to ensure peak performance without any operational noise.
Moreover, the pump is also fitted with an Ultra-gold corrosion-resistant fin to enhance its durability and longevity. It is also built from rust-resistant, UV-resistant body panels that can withstand the most extreme weather conditions.
Thanks to its ergonomic round design, this pool heat pump can be comfortably installed on any pool equipment pad, without taking up too much space.
Some of the specifications and features of the Hayward HP21404 HeatPro pool heat pump include:
- Dimensions – 30.5” W * 34” D * 44lso ” H
- Net Weight - 250 lbs
- BTU Heating performance – 140,000
- Kw Input - 7.2
- Water Flow Rate (Min/Max) – 30/75 GPM
- Minimum Overload Protection – 50
2. FibroPool FH120 above Ground Swimming Pool Heat Pump
If you are the kind of person who enjoys swimming all-year-round, then the FibroPool FH120 is undoubtedly the most ideal pool heat pump for you. This high-performance pool heat pump comes fitted with a high-pressure scroll compressor and a titanium heat exchanger, to ensure maximum energy output. The full-metal enamel-coated casing of this heat pump is also highly resistant to corrosion and rust, which allows it to withstand extreme weather conditions.
In addition to this, the FibroPool FH120 is powered by clean energy (electricity) which helps reduce the harmful effects of traditional gas-powered pumps on the environment. This is a feature which the environmentally-conscious will definitely love.
The FibroPool FH120 also features a sleek design with a slim profile, which allows for compatibility with a wide variety of placement options. This ultra-light heat pump also has a user-friendly digital control panel which allows for easy navigation and setting.
One of the most remarkable things about the FibroPool FH120 pool heat pump is its quick installation time. The pump can be set up very quickly in under 30 minutes, without the need to hire an electrician.
Here are some of the other features and specifications of this modern pool heat pump by FibroPool:
- Dimensions - 16” W * 36”D * 24”H
- Net Weight - 74 lbs
- BTU Heating Performance - 20,000
- Input - 120V
- Output – 4.81x of heat
3. Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Titanium 45,000 BTU Heat Pump
The Hayward HP50TA is one of the most energy efficient pool heat pumps in the pool heating industry. This high-performance gadget from Hayward’s HeatPro series packs plenty of amazing features to ensure all your pool heating needs are met to your satisfaction.
Like most of its siblings in the HeatPro series, the Hayward HP50TA features the exclusive Ultra Gold corrosion resistant evaporator fin. The fin makes it very adaptable in coastal climates and other extreme weather conditions. This powerful pool heat pump also features an acoustic compressor and profiled fan blade for quiet operation and peak performance. In addition to this, the Hayward HP50TA HeatPro contains a titanium heat exchanger that ensures maximum heat transfer and reliability.
Another great feature which makes the Hayward HP50TA one of the best electric pool heat pumps is its UV-resistant body panels that ensure durability and longevity. This pump also has a rounded design which allows for it to be conveniently set up in swimming pool equipment pads which have limited space.
The unit comes with the following specifications:
- Dimensions – 31”W * 40”D * 35”H
- Net Weight – 190 lbs
- BTU Heating Performance – 45,000
- Kw Input – 3.8
- Water Flow Rate (Min/Max) – 30/75 GPM
- Maximum Water Temperature – 104 degrees Fahrenheit
4. Fibropool FH 220 Swimming Pool Heater Heat Pump
The Fibropool FH220 is a compact and lightweight pool heat pump. It is especially suited for small swimming pools with a capacity of up to 7500 gallons, as well as hot tubs and spas. This impressive pool heat pump boasts the highest efficiency in the industry, with a coefficient of performance (COP) of 6.20.
Moreover, the pool heating system is compatible with a three-prong cable of 220V, which offers more options for heating and cooling. In addition to this, the FibroPool FH220 features a sleek design which allows for easy mounting on any equipment pad. This is also made possible by its 1 ½ union connectors which makes it possible to install the device without the need for assistance from an electrician.
Some of the specifications of this highly versatile pool heat pump include:
- Dimensions – 35” W * 14” D * 22” H
- Net Weight – 78 lbs
- BTU Heating Performance – 20,000
- Input – 240 V
What to Look for When Buying a Best Swimming Pool Heat Pump
There are plenty of reasons why you may want to purchase and install a pool heat pump. Perhaps you want to keep your pool open and running all year round, without disruptions during the cold season. Or maybe your family members just won’t swim in your pool because it is too cold. Regardless of your reason, the goal is to make sure you get the most value out of your money.
There are several factors that you need to take into consideration when looking for the ideal pool heat pump for sale. These include:
Image Source: Astralpool.com
Types of Pool Heating Pumps
Although all pool heating systems are designed to serve the same function, their principles of operation differ according to the type of pump. There are three types of pool heating pumps which you can choose from, depending on your needs, tastes, and preferences:
- Heat Pool Pumps
- Solar Pool Heaters
- Gas Pool Heaters
Most heat pool pumps run on electricity, but do not require electricity to generate heat. Instead, they use warm air to heat water passed through the pump.
Solar pool heaters use thermal energy from the sun to warm pool water. They typically consist of solar collectors, filters, pumps, and control valves. These types of pool heaters mostly work by pumping pool water through a filter which then sends the water to a collector. Once the water is collected, it gets heated and then re-pumped into the pool.
Notably, there are two types of solar pool heater collectors. These include glazed and unglazed collectors. Glazed solar collectors are typically made of copper tubing on an aluminum plate, with an iron-tempered glass covering. They are most convenient for use in cold weather since they capture solar heat much more efficiently than solar pool heaters with unglazed collectors. Unglazed solar collectors are made from heavy duty rubber or plastic. They are cheaper than glazed solar pool heaters, although they do not capture as much heat. Unglazed solar pool heaters are ideal for indoor swimming pools although they can still be used outdoors.
Most people generally prefer solar pool heaters because of their capacity to heat the pool faster compared to other heaters. They are also very eco-friendly since they use clean energy from the sun to heat the pool water. This makes them very popular with environmentally-conscious people.
Gas pool heaters, on the other hand, are designed to run on propane or gas. These pool heaters operate by passing pool water through a heating chamber, which burns the gas and warms the upper coils. The water is then passed through these coils for heating, before being redirected into the pool. Gas pool heaters are desired for their affordability, low maintenance cost, and ease of installation. However, they tend to be less efficient than solar pool heaters.
The Size of Your Pool
The size of your pool also determines the ideal kind of pool heat pump for you. As a rule of thumb, the larger your pool size, the larger your pool heat pump needs to be. If you intend to use solar pool heat pumps, you may also need to take into account the amount of sunshine you experience daily. Notably, smaller panels that receive adequate sunlight can keep a medium-sized pool moderately warm throughout the day.
Budget
This is one of the most important considerations to keep in mind when purchasing the best electric pool heat pump. Gas pool heating pumps are usually very cheap to buy. However, the cost of maintenance and operation can be high, considering the rising cost of gas. Solar pool heat pumps, on the other hand, are typically the most expensive to purchase. The cost of operation is, however, cheaper since they depend on sunshine, which is a freely available natural resource.
Climate
Another critical factor to keep in mind when looking for the ideal pool heat pump for sale, is the climate of the area you live in. If you live in a warm environment with plenty of sunshine, a solar-powered pool heating system is the best option for you. On the other hand, if you reside in an area which experiences extreme drops in temperature, a gas pool heat pump would serve you best.
How to Install a Pool Heat Pump
Once you’ve purchased the pool heat pump, the next thing you need to do is install it on your swimming pool equipment pad. While most pool heat pumps can be installed easily without the assistance of an electrician, it is always recommended to enlist the services of a qualified and certified professional. This ensures that the system is correctly installed and per the safety regulations.
Here is a step by step guide on how to properly install a pool heat pump:
Find a Suitable Location
The first thing you need to do when installing a pool heat pump is to select an appropriate location. Heat pumps should ideally be installed outdoors, where there is a constant supply of air from which to generate heat. Installing a pump in an area with insufficient air supply can significantly hinder the efficiency of the pump since there isn’t enough air to generate heat.
Set up the Pump on a Level Base
The next step is to ensure that the unit is installed on level ground, preferably, a concrete slab.
Check the existing Pipework
It is essential to check the existing pipework in your swimming pool system before installing a pool heat pump. This allows you to find the connecting pipes which are compatible, to successfully set up the pool heating unit.
Check the Water Flow Rate
The water flow rate of your swimming pool heat pump determines its efficiency. If the water flow rate is too low, the unit will overheat and switch off. On the other hand, if it is too high, the pool water will not be heated sufficiently.
Ensure you have Enough electricity Supply
Since pool heat pumps run on electricity, you need to ensure that you have ample electricity when setting up the unit. If your electricity supply is insufficient, you may need to enlist the services of a qualified electrician to install a dedicated electricity supply for your pool heating system.
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How does a Pool Heat Pump Work?
While a pool heat pump runs on electricity, it doesn’t need electricity to generate heat. It uses warm air instead to heat the pool water. Here is how the mechanism works:
- A fan draws in air and passes it through the evaporator coil. This causes the refrigerant in the pump to heat up, then turn to gas.
- The heated refrigerant gas is then passed through a compressor, which further increases its pressure and temperature.
- The hot and pressurized gas then passes through the condenser heat exchanger. At this section, the heat is transferred to the pool water, hence raising its temperature.
- Notably, once the refrigerant gas is passed over the water, it loses some of its heat and reverts to its former liquid state. It then exits the condenser and enters the thermal expansion valve. At this point, the refrigerant liquid expands, thereby losing more heat.
- The cycle is repeated several times until there is a uniform circulation of warm water in the pool.
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What Size Of Pool Heat Pump do I Need?
Size matters a lot when it comes to selecting the best pool heat pump for your swimming pool. If the unit is undersized, it may need to operate for longer, to heat the pool sufficiently. It is, therefore, crucial to ensure that your pool heat pump is just the right size.
Notably, all pool heat pumps are categorized according to British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour. You, therefore, need to correctly calculate the BTU of your pump to determine whether it will work effectively for your pool.
Here are the parameters you need to determine when approximating the BTU of your pool heat pump:
- Your desired temperature of water in degrees Fahrenheit
- The average temperature of the coldest month when you intend to use the pool
- The required temperature rise (subtract the average air temperature from your desired temperature
- The surface area of the pool in ft
- Required BTU output per hour (surface area × temperature × 12)
Conclusion – So what is the best pick?
A pool heat pump is a valuable asset, especially if you live in a cold climate, with unpredictable temperature drops. Having a reliable pool heating system allows you to extend your swimming activities throughout the year, without disruptions.
Finding the right pool heat pump for sale, however, can be very exhausting, given the thousands of products currently selling in the market. With the right information and a little patience, however, you can find the best swimming pool heating unit to cater to your needs as well as those of your family. We hope that this pool heat pump review of the best electric pool heat pump will help you make the right choice and get maximum value for your money.
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