Heat Pumps
Heat
pumps are relatively new to the swimming pool market,
however the technology incorporated in their operation
has been used in the air conditioning and refrigeration
industries for many years.
Heat pumps operate rather like a refrigerator in reverse
- using the air surrounding it in order to gather heat
for transfer.
Heat is gathered from air drawn through the unit, and
transferred to the refrigerant carried in pipes through
the Heat Pump, then the temperature is increased by
compressing the refrigerant. The heat is then transferred
to the pool water contained in adjacent piping.
ADVANTAGES
The major advantage of electric heat pumps is that they
are extremely energy efficient.
In simple terms, the heat pump consumes very little
energy by way of electricity to operate, compared to
the amount of energy it produces in the form of heat.
For example, if a heat pump consumes 2 kW of electricity
it will produce 6 to 10 kW of heat energy. This efficiency
ratio is referred to as a C.O.P. (co-efficient of performance).
SIZING:
Heat Pumps can be obtained in a number of sizes ranging
from 2 kW to 200 kW output. The one to suit your application
will depend on careful consideration of the following
factors;
- Location - local climatic conditions largely influence
selection - Temperature - your choice, however as a
guide:- - exercise and/or fun pool - 24 to 28 degrees
C - therapeutic exercise - 28 to 35 degrees C - spa
pool - 34 to 38 degrees C - Size of Pool - determine
the pool volume by multiplying the surface area in sq.
metres by the average depth (including wading areas
and spa). Select the appropriate unit for the volume
of the pool. - Shading & exposure to wind - these
can effect the heat losses and gains of heated water
- Pool position - indoor or outdoor - Swimming season
- do you want to swim all year round or just extend
the season?
INSTALLATION
Heat Pumps can be installed indoors or outdoors. However,
before deciding on the heaters position, consideration
should be given to air flow and ventilation. The Heat
Pump uses a fan to draw in air across a coil and then
expels it. If positioned indoors, allow for this ventilation.
For
outdoor installation the heater can be positioned at
ground level (50mm plinth preferred), mounted on a wall
or even sat on a roof.
Units can be included as part of the pump/filter network
or plumbed as a separate heating circuit.
Average size domestic installations generally require
a single phase electrical connection. Larger pools may
require three phase power.
Where available off-peak connection is advantageous
to further reduce running costs.
THINGS
TO LOOK FOR:
All heat pumps should have some form of flow control
device to prevent the unit operating without adequate
water flow.
Heat Pumps are all thermostatically controlled. However
these controllers may range from analogue dial type
units to micro-processed digital devices. To the operator,
all these types produce the same result, and that is
to control the pool temperature to your desired setting.
An advantage of the digital type is that the settings
are displayed more clearly.
Naturally not all heat pumps are the same. Some may
have features that others do not. Some manufacturers
provide additional controls including time clock and/or
pump interlock to ensure the most economical operation
of the heat pump/pool pump.
Whatever your choice, make sure you deal with a SPASA
member when the time comes to choose your swimming pool
heat pump.
Warning: When heat pumps are used on
salt chlorinated pools, care should be taken to ensure
the production of chlorine is adjusted to suit either
the spa or pool, as excessive salt and/or chlorine levels
can damage internal components. This is particularly
important when operating for extended periods during
heat-up.
With the vast knowledge base at Preferred Pool
Heating Supplies you can be assured that you will
have a reliable source of information, guaranteed quality
of product supply and ongoing support allowing you to
deliver customers effective, efficient and economical
solutions when it comes to heating applications.
If you are unsure which type of pool
or spa heating best suits you, contact us and we
will be happy to advise you on which
pool heater best suits your requirments & sizing
guides. We have access the largest range of gas
heaters, heat pumps and electric heaters in Australia.
