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The Best Heat Pump for Swimming Pools? A UK Guide for 2024
Using a swimming pool heat pump is one of the most effective methods for heating your swimming pool in the UK and will substantially reduce your pool's running costs when compared to using most pool heating alternatives.
Swimming pool heat pumps do not generate heat directly, they use a small amount of electricity to capture the abundant heat in the air and move it efficiently into the water in your swimming pool. The heat pump, combined with the pool filtration and pumping system, circulates the swimming pool's water, cleaning and warming it, through a sand filter and then through the heat pump heat exchanger.
Heat pumps have emerged as a fantastic energy-efficient solution for heating swimming pools in the UK. Allowing swimming pool owners to control the water temperature year round. This article will look at factors such as energy efficiency, cost, environmental impact and user-friendliness.
How does an Air-Source Heat Pump for a Swimming Pool Work?
The air-source heat pump heater contains a fan that draws in outside air and then directs it over the evaporator coil radiator. The evaporator coil contains liquid refrigerant which absorbs the heat from the outside air and turns it into a gas. The warm gas in the coil passes through the compressor. The compressor then increases the heat which creates an extremely hot gas that then passes through the condenser. The condenser will then transfer the heat from the gas to the cooler pool water which is circulating through the heat pump pool heater.
The heated water is then returned to the pool. As the hot gas is flowing through the condenser coil it returns to liquid form as it rapidly cools and returns to the evaporator. The whole process then begins again.
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The high-efficiency swimming pool heat pumps usually use scroll compressors compared to standard heat pump units which use reciprocal compressors. Swimming pool heat pumps work efficiently as long as the outside temperature is above -6°C (20°F - 25°F) so for outside pools this sits well with the majority of the spring, summer, and winter here in the UK. The cooler the outside air the more power the heat pump requires to warm the pool water but since most people use their outside pool in warm or mild conditions this is usually not an issue. This is more of a consideration if you have an indoor pool, maybe in the north of the UK and want to use it the depths of winter.
Swimming pool heat pumps cost more than gas or electric pool heaters to install but will typically have lower annual operating costs because of the greater efficiency that they offer. It is worth noting however, that the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) is not available for heat pumps for swimming pools.
Another benefit that comes with heat pumps in the UK is that with proper maintenance they will typically last much longer than a gas heater which will save you money in the long run.
When selecting a heat pump for your swimming pool you should take into consideration size, efficiency, installation and predicted running costs. When choosing a heat pump, you should have a professional installer perform a sizing analysis for your specific swimming pool to determine the required heater size.
A heat pump is sized by measuring the pools surface area, volume, and the difference in air and swimming pool temperature to achieve the optimal or desired temperature. Other factors should also be considered for outdoor pools such as wind exposure, humidity levels and nighttime temperatures.
It's worth mentioning at this point that for larger, or commercial size pools a ground-source heat pump can be a good option. The principle is the same, the difference is that a GSHP will take heat from the ground rather than the air. due to the fact that the temperature of the ground doesn't change as much as the temperature of the air, a GSHP can offer higher levels of efficiency through the year.
A ground-source heat pump is considerably more expensive to install, mostly due to the required groundwork's. They are generally larger units and often need a plant room or outbuilding to house the necessary components.
Key Considerations for the UK
- Energy efficiency: the coefficient of performance (COP). The higher the COP rating the more efficient the pump, look for around 5
- Heat pumps for swimming pools will generally cost more to install but are cheaper to run than traditional heating systems
- The grants that are currently available for heat pumps do not apply to heat pumps for swimming pools
- Make sure your heat pump is sized and located correctly, get at least three quotes
- Heat pumps are environmentally friendly, which can lower your EPC
- As with all heat pump systems, they may take longer to heat up than traditional systems
- If noise is an issue, make sure to purchase a quiet heat pump, they are all decibel rated and some are advertised as 'whisper quiet'
- Heat pumps may not be the best solution for heating a pool in the depths of winter
- Where you're located in the UK can have a big impact on the COP
- User friendliness, modern heat pumps have Wi-Fi connectivity and programmable controls
Top Air-Source Heat Pumps for Swimming Pools in the UK
Calorex Pro-Pac
Calorex is a well-known brand in the pool heating industry, and the Pro-Pac range is one of the best on the UK market
Efficiency: COP of up to 6.0.
Features: Titanium heat exchanger, digital controls, and quiet operation.
Climate Compatibility: Designed to operate efficiently in temperatures as low as -15°C.
Environmental Impact: Uses R410A refrigerant with low potential global warming impact
Heatseeker Vortex Pro
The Heatseeker Vortex Pro series offers advanced features and high efficiency.
Efficiency: COP of up to 5.8.
Features: Wi-Fi control, soft start technology, and a titanium heat exchanger.
Climate Compatibility: Effective in temperatures down to -10°C.
Environmental Impact: Environmentally friendly refrigerants.
Estimated Costs Table for UK Suppliers
The table below provides estimated prices for the heat pumps for swimming pools available in the UK. All information contained in the table is approximate and quotations can vary considerably. Factors that affect the final figures can include but are not limited to: Complexity of the install, location in the UK, labour costs, and fluctuations of shipping and manufacturer costs.
We recommend you seek-out three quotations from MCS accredited installation companies before signing any contracts.
| Brand | Model | Pool Size (M3) | COP | Heating Capacity | Estimated Cost (£) | Estimated Installation Cost (£) | Total Cost (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calorex | Pro-Pac 8 | Up to 30 | 5.3 | 8 | £3,500 - £4,000 | £1,000 - £1,500 | £4,500 - £5,500 |
| Certikin | Heatseeker 10 | Up to 40 | 4.8 | 10 | £3,000 - £3,500 | £1,000 - £1,500 | £4,000 - £5,000 |
| HeatForm | HF 12 | Up to 50 | 5 | 12 | £3,800 - £4,200 | £1,000 - £1,500 | £4,800 - £5,700 |
| AstralPool | Heat II 13 | Up to 60 | 4.5 | 13 | £4,200 - £4,700 | £1,200 - £1,700 | £5,400 - £6,400 |
| Duratech | Dura+ 14 | Up to 70 | 5.2 | 14 | £4,000 - £4,500 | £1,200 - £1,700 | £5,900 - £6,900 |
| Waterco | ElectroHeat Ultra 15 | Up to 80 | 4.9 | 15 | £4,500 - £5,000 | £1,200 - £1,700 | £5,700 - £6,700 |
| Heat Perfector | HP 17 | Up to 90 | 5.1 | 17 | £4,700 - £5.200 | £1,200 - £1,700 | £5,900 - £6,900 |
| Calorex | Pro-Pac 20 | Up to 100 | 5 | 20 | £5,000 - £5,500 | £1,500 - £2,000 | £6,700 - £7,800 |
| Certikin | Heatseeker 24 | Up to 120 | 4.7 | 24 | £5,200 - £5,800 | £1,500 - £2,000 | £6,700 - £7,800 |
| Astralpool | Heat II 28 | Up to 140 | 4.6 | 28 | £5,500 - £6,000 | £1,500 - £2,000 | £7,000 - £8,000 |
Installation of an ASHP
The installation of an ASHP for a swimming pool should take no more than 1-2 days, depending on how much work needs to be done. It will need to be located near to the pool and have a good air flow. Make sure to check the decibel rating of the heat pump being offered. Some are considerably louder than others.
Always get three quotes for the work to ensure you have the right company for the job. The Renewable Energy Hub has a directory of installation companies that can help you choose the right company.
Maintenance
As with all mechanical devices, it's worth having an annual check carried out by a professional. That said, heat pumps are low-maintenance and there's some stuff you can do yourself.
- Checking the refrigerant levels: Make sure they always within the recommended range. This should be fairly self explanatory and easy to see.
- Cleaning filters: Cleaning and replacing the filters ensures the heat pump is working it's highest efficiency and prolongs the lifespan of the device.
- Inspect electrical connections: Check the connections and controls for wear and tear.
Are Heat Pumps for Swimming Pools Worth it?
Heat pumps offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for maintaining the perfect swimming temperature in your pool. Their energy-efficient operation not only saves you money on utility bills but also reduces your carbon footprint. Heat pumps are versatile and suitable for various pool sizes and climates, ensuring year-round enjoyment. Their low maintenance requirements and long lifespan make them a reliable choice for pool owners.
Investing in a heat pump in 2024 not only extends your swimming season but also lowers your carbon footprint and saves you money. Embracing this technology is a win-win, providing both heating and sustainability for your swimming pool.
How Does a Heat Pump Work? UK Guide 2024
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