Heat pumps comparable to Pentair UltrTemp 70?

[brian113]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to add a heater to my 12x24, 10,000-gallon pool in Pittsburgh. For my needs, the Pentair online calculator suggests the UltraTemp 70, which a quick search shows would cost me about $2,500 after tax and shipping.

Seeing how others in here rely on/recommend the Pentair calculator, I'm confident this model would do the job. But before I commit to it, I'd like to compare it to models from other reliable brands in the $2,000-3,000 range.

One local pool shop suggested an Aqua Pro 50K BTU ($1,700); another installer recommended the 120K-BTU Heat Siphone Z575HP ($4,200 unit, $250 install; I see that unit online for $3,800).

Thanks!

 

[ajw22]

There are lots of private brand HPs out there since it is basically an AC system running in reverse. So many companies can take AC parts and slap their label on it.

Gulfstream and AquaCal are popular HPs. I suggest you buy one that will be supported locally. Buying an unknown name HP online that no one will repair does not turn out well.

The more BTUs the better.

 

[brian113]

Thanks, AJW. I just read one of your responses in another thread that recommended a heater bypass valve.

I have a friend who is a commercial plumber but has never done pool work, but he's up for helping me with the install.

Is the best configuration: pool -> pump -> filter -> (bypass valve ->) heat pump -> pool?

 

[ajw22]

Is the best configuration: pool -> pump -> filter -> (bypass valve ->) heat pump -> pool?

Is there another configuration?

Yes, filter -> heater -> SWG (if installed) -> returns

Bypass valve does exactly that, bypass the heater.

Heaters may have a maximum GPM flow rate and need a bypass for part of the water to keep within specs.

Heater Bypass - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[p1zaul]

I just bought a gulf stream 110, I would def recommend. Installed myself, was pretty simple, had the pool up to 92 yesterday.

 

[BMK]

My PB recommended the Heatsiphon. It spec'd out favorably to any other brand for efficiency, was priced about right, is totally compatable with our (Pentair) automation, and i think they're manufactured locally over in Latrobe. We got the Z700 for our size pool, and have been very happy with it.

Our previous pool, which we inherited when we bought the house, also had a Heatsiphon. In the 7 years we used it, we never had even a minor issue with it. That also factored into the decision. Going on year 3 with the new pool / heater and so far so good. We keep our water temp at a constant 88 (pump runs 24/7 during the season) and the heater has performed very well.
I'm sure the other heaters will serve you well, but based solely on my personal experience, I can confidently recommend the Heatsiphon.

 

[p1zaul]

Gulf stream has 2 inch plumbing though out, no need for by pass valve, also better flow, made in USA 10 year warranty even if installed yourself. Look into that two inch plumbing and if you get a warranty if you self install, that was the settling point to me. Also titanium exchanger no need for check valve.

 

[JW1]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to add a heater to my 12x24, 10,000-gallon pool in Pittsburgh. For my needs, the Pentair online calculator suggests the UltraTemp 70, which a quick search shows would cost me about $2,500 after tax and shipping.

Seeing how others in here rely on/recommend the Pentair calculator, I'm confident this model would do the job. But before I commit to it, I'd like to compare it to models from other reliable brands in the $2,000-3,000 range.

One local pool shop suggested an Aqua Pro 50K BTU ($1,700); another installer recommended the 120K-BTU Heat Siphone Z575HP ($4,200 unit, $250 install; I see that unit online for $3,800).

Thanks!

Looks like a wide range of heat pump BTU recommendations. I had a pool shop offer me a discount on a 50k BTU they had in stock. I’m not ready yet to go the heat pump route and not positive it would be big enough. My PB initially said I should look to the the 75k-85k BTU range.

 

[ajw22]

Looks like a wide range of heat pump BTU recommendations. I had a pool shop offer me a discount on a 50k BTU they had in stock. I’m not ready yet to go the heat pump route and not positive it would be big enough. My PB initially said I should look to the the 75k-85k BTU range.

Use the Pentair 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.

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.

You can not have a HP too big.