Extending heat pump life?

[VinceL]

I have a question about wear and tear on heat pumps.

When running the pool pump overnight on low speed to filter and chlorinate the water (using SWG), the water flow would be:

Pump ==> Filter ==> Heat Pump ==> SWG ==> Pool Returns

The heat pump would not be running overnight, but water would still be flowing through it. Does this water flow cause wear and tear on the heat pump? In other words, does the water flow through the heat pump the same way whether the heat pump is operating or not?

I am wondering if it is worth the investment to install a bypass valve and actuator around the heat pump to divert the water when the heat pump is not being used to heat the water. Assuming you already own the automation equipment, is the cost of a valve and actuator (plus some PVC pipe) worth the saving of wear and tear and hopefully extended life of the heat pump?

 

[duraleigh]

There will be no savings of wear and tear.

However, what would be a good idea in your planning is some unions so the heat pump is easily removeable for whatever reason might come up and then a bypass (not actuated) that would allow you to run the system without the heat pump in the loop.

 

[VinceL]

Dave,

Thanks for your reply here and to my other question about whether I need to close the pool for winter.