Pool Heat Pump recommendation

[rookie177]

I cannot help with the heater, but do have a bit of experience with those pads down here in South Florida. My PB just installed my equipment on a similar premade pad and 95% of HVAC units are installed on those types of pads. Oftentimes they are used for HVAC replacements where the previous unit sat on an existing concrete pad of unknown quality. Every permitted HVAC install requires the equipment to be tied down to an "engineered" pad able to meet the high velocity hurricane zone requirements. Those premade pads are a shortcut to meet the requirements.

 

[ajw22]

One thing is the existing equipment pad is not going to work , so I will need another.
It's a pain to construct ( mainly the 80lbs bags of concrete ) and I came across CladLite Hurricane Pad. Anyone have expierience with this ?

They never last.

With an AC unit they can be replaced every time the AC unit is replaced.

For a pool equipment pad with a pump, filter, and heater on it there is not a easy way to replace the pad.

A concrete pad will last you many years. Do you want the long-term answer or the short-term fix?

there was an existing solar roof heat that is capped off I was going to repurpose to the heater.

What does that mean? How are you repurposing the solar heat for the HP?

What else should I have on my radar ?

Heater Bypass - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Do you have automation?

Also considering Raypak as they are DIY friendly and I have a gas one at home that has been manageable compared to the Jandy we previously had which the company would not support except through very expensive 3rd parties.

Find out what companies repair Raypak HPs in your area.

Without an EPA 608 certification, DIY HP repairs are limited.

 

[pjt]

How is aqua call on service ? Do they only talk to techs ?

In my personal experience, AquaCal service and support has been outstanding. I had a problem with my HP, and after extensive troubleshooting, AquaCal replaced the entire unit with a new one. I've also called them regarding questions and small issues, and their phone support has been excellent.

What else should I have on my radar ?

-Install an external bypass.
-Do you want the ability to also chill your water?
-Think about condensate management. The HP will generate a lot of water when it's operating. Have a plan for where this water will go, such as a drain/pvc pipe.
-Do you have automation?
-Do you have electric surge protection?

 

[evanwellens]

Maybe ask that guy if he'd be willing to acquire parts for you? Talk to several? Having more resources being a good thing!


I hear you! I went so far as to pursue my epa608 cert so I can legally fix a couple old pool heaters and home AC. Even after acquiring all the tools I'm already far ahead of the game in terms of ROI. Time spent - well there is that


I have the same concerns about roof based, whether photovoltaic (PV) or water based systems. The PV folks claim it actually solidifies the roof, not so sure about that and about the water solutions. I did see some water panels torn from roofs in the worst hurricane incidents. And the ROI for all the systems is also questionable, I think. Finding used panels (whether PV or water) is another option to improve ROI for we DIY enthusiasts.

Good luck!

Maybe thanks for the thoughtful insights

 

[evanwellens]

They never last.

With an AC unit they can be replaced every time the AC unit is replaced.

For a pool equipment pad with a pump, filter, and heater on it there is not a easy way to replace the pad.

A concrete pad will last you many years. Do you want the long-term answer or the short-term fix?



What does that mean? How are you repurposing the solar heat for the HP?

Heater Bypass - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Do you have automation?



Find out what companies repair Raypak HPs in your area.

Without an EPA 608 certification, DIY HP repairs are limited.

Re: the solar has been capped near the filter , I was just going to use that as the route for the heat, if it makes sense.
Re Concrete, bummer they don't last , odd you don't have to deal with the frost issue... I find concrete at home has it's issues too.
No Automation.
Understand at home , temp sensors limit switches simple part swaps, basic wiring etc... it's kind of crazy to pay someone hundreds to to swap a simple component. Refrigerant stuff I'm hands off.

 

[evanwellens]

In my personal experience, AquaCal service and support has been outstanding. I had a problem with my HP, and after extensive troubleshooting, AquaCal replaced the entire unit with a new one. I've also called them regarding questions and small issues, and their phone support has been excellent.


-Install an external bypass.
-Do you want the ability to also chill your water?
-Think about condensate management. The HP will generate a lot of water when it's operating. Have a plan for where this water will go, such as a drain/pvc pipe.
-Do you have automation?
-Do you have electric surge protection?

Bypass the heat ? Makes sense.
No need to chill water
Interesting , about the condensate, I don't want to have another line to worry about nature ruining , perhaps some form of diverter.
No to automation
No to surge protection. Is that common ?

 

[evanwellens]

In my personal experience, AquaCal service and support has been outstanding. I had a problem with my HP, and after extensive troubleshooting, AquaCal replaced the entire unit with a new one. I've also called them regarding questions and small issues, and their phone support has been excellent.


-Install an external bypass.
-Do you want the ability to also chill your water?
-Think about condensate management. The HP will generate a lot of water when it's operating. Have a plan for where this water will go, such as a drain/pvc pipe.
-Do you have automation?
-Do you have electric surge protection?

Will have to add AquaCal to the list.

 

[evanwellens]

I cannot help with the heater, but do have a bit of experience with those pads down here in South Florida. My PB just installed my equipment on a similar premade pad and 95% of HVAC units are installed on those types of pads. Oftentimes they are used for HVAC replacements where the previous unit sat on an existing concrete pad of unknown quality. Every permitted HVAC install requires the equipment to be tied down to an "engineered" pad able to meet the high velocity hurricane zone requirements. Those premade pads are a shortcut to meet the requirements.

So do you like or dislike ? I'm not a spring chicken , 10 X 80lb bags of concrete is not going to be fun. The job is too small for a contractor to nor give me the worst price.

 

[ajw22]

Re: the solar has been capped near the filter , I was just going to use that as the route for the heat, if it makes sense.

It all depends on where that pipe leads to the returns.

Re Concrete, bummer they don't last , odd you don't have to deal with the frost issue... I find concrete at home has it's issues too.

Not a problem is the concrete pad is put on a properly prepared gravel surface.

Understand at home , temp sensors limit switches simple part swaps, basic wiring etc... it's kind of crazy to pay someone hundreds to to swap a simple component. Refrigerant stuff I'm hands off.

Few of those in a HP. You can replace the compressor starting capacitor or the temperature sensor. The fan motor if it fails.

 

[ajw22]

No to surge protection. Is that common ?

Yes, in areas that get thunderstorms.

Electrical Surge Protection - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Davegnh]

I did a self install of super quiet aquacal sq145 last fall. My only complaint is that I would not call it super quiet. Pool deck is only a few ft away and when running you cant have a normal conversation.

This is why I got this model
1) it looks to be very quiet as it is located about 8 feet from the pool deck (not super quiet)
2) Has RS-485 that will talk with mt Pentair automation.
3) on the higher side for COP (4.2-7.1).
4) Has a very low PSI increase 2 PSI at 45 GPM other I have seen are 8-10 PSI this will translate to lower pump speeds
5) Available from a local dealer so hopefully support will be good if needed.
6) only needs 6" clearance in rear it needs to fit close to my house (I know more is better but space is tight)

full thread Aquacal SQ145 Heat pump (im swiming on halloween in NH)

 

[pjt]

Bypass the heat ? Makes sense.

It's simple and inexpensive, but it's very useful. All you need is a quality 3-way diverter and check valve (Jandy Never Lube or Pentair).

Interesting , about the condensate, I don't want to have another line to worry about nature ruining , perhaps some form of diverter.

The HP will generate several gallons of water per hour. Mine drains through clear plastic tubing to a yard drain. If you plan ahead, you can have a tidy and elegant solution.

No to surge protection. Is that common ?

Heat pumps are extremely expensive and you want to give it the best protection possible. Surge protectors are inexpensive and relatively simple to install.

 

[rookie177]

So do you like or dislike ? I'm not a spring chicken , 10 X 80lb bags of concrete is not going to be fun. The job is too small for a contractor to nor give me the worst price.

This is completely anecdotal as I'm not a professional and don't install these on a regular basis. However, they seem perfectly fine. I have one under my air conditioner that has been there for 15 years and it looks great. theoretically there could be issues in a climate with hard freezes or if the concrete fails before the mounted equipment, but wouldn't you have those same issues with a true poured slab?

This probably sounds like exaggeration, but 90%+ of HVAC swap outs or new installs use these pre-made pads (including multi-million dollar homes).

 

[ajw22]

This probably sounds like exaggeration, but 90%+ of HVAC swap outs or new installs use these pre-made pads (including multi-million dollar homes).

HVAC does not have multiple devices connected by rigid PVC.

Any shifting of the pad between the devices puts stress on the pipes and can leak to leaks and cracks.

 

[JamesW]

90%+ of HVAC swap outs or new installs use these pre-made pads (including multi-million dollar homes).

Because it is fast and easy.

HVAC people do not plan ahead and they just want to get the job done and get paid.

They also do not want to do the concrete work.

Also, they would have to wait for the concrete to cure, which takes at least 12 hours.

 

[rookie177]

Because it is fast and easy.

HVAC people do not plan ahead and they just want to get the job done and get paid.

They also do not want to do the concrete work.

Also, they would have to wait for the concrete to cure, which takes at least 12 hours.

All fair points! A properly engineered and executed slab would be the optimal solution.