Looking for advice for heat pump

[Michael J]

Hi,

I bought a house 3 years ago and it has an above ground pool. This Spring I am considering adding a heat pump to warm the water more and extend the season a little. I have been trying to research, but a lot of the info I find is outdated and I can't find certain brands/models that were reviewed. So I guess I would like any advice on some things or what to look for. The pool is an oval at approx.12,000-15,000 gallons and the wife and kids would probably like it 85-90 degrees.

1. Suggestions for brands/models and sizing. I have been looking in the 100,000 BTU range, is that about right? I have been looking away from Hayward due to cost and leaning towards this one Raypak
2. I live in Wisconsin so do I need to consider anything that warmer climates don't have to think about?
3. Any other things I should look at as a 1st time buyer?


Thanks for any advice!

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Raypack are very well recommended here, I think more use the Raypack gas heaters though? Do you have access to gas that might be an option for you?

Have you read this yet? --> Pool Heaters Explained - Trouble Free Pool

Heater Bypass - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Maddie

 

[ajw22]

The more BTUs the better. Get the most BTUs that fit your budget.

Aquacal and Gulfstream are popular Florida based HP manufacturers.

Most important is getting a HP where local service is available to you. You will find many pool companies know how to repair gas heater s but don't know their way around Heat Pumps. Working on a HP with refrigerant requires an EPA licensed technician. And many AC repair companies will not touch pool HPs. So determine who will service your HP when selecting a manufacturer,

 

[swimcmp]

100,000 btus is not going to cut it in Wisconsin. Get a 400,000 btu gas heater and move on. You will not see any bump in temp on a heat pump. I have a customer with a 15,000 gallon pool and a 200,000 btu gas heater and it gains her nothing in Missouri.

 

[Michael J]

Raypack are very well recommended here, I think more use the Raypack gas heaters though? Do you have access to gas that might be an option for you?

Have you read this yet? --> Pool Heaters Explained - Trouble Free Pool

Heater Bypass - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Maddie

I don't have easy access to gas, so that would probably be a big cost to make that happen. Thanks for those links.

 

[Michael J]

100,000 btus is not going to cut it in Wisconsin. Get a 400,000 btu gas heater and move on. You will not see any bump in temp on a heat pump. I have a customer with a 15,000 gallon pool and a 200,000 btu gas heater and it gains her nothing in Missouri.

Interesting. I was leaning towards the heat pump because I have the electrical already in place and also solar panels on my house, so operating and install costs would be minimal. So you don't think I would be able to maintain a 10 degree temp raise during summer months using a HP?

 

[ajw22]

Pentair has a Heat Pump Calculator to determine the appropriate size Heat Pump for your location. Pentair seems to do honest calculations based on the physics and efficiencies of each type of pump and energy source.

Raypak also has a Heat Pump Heater Sizing App.

To get the most accurate cost comparison you should change the default electric kwh, natural gas price, and propane price to actual prices in your area.