I'm a new pool owner and am trying to figure out the most efficient way to keep my pool heated to around 81. My family typically uses the pool in the afternoons and evenings. I have an Aquacal T115 Heat pump. I also have variable electric use rates, with costs being $0.115/kwh from 7am - 11pm, and $0.032/kwh from 11pm-7am. On the flip side, I know that a heat pump is more efficient when the ambient temperature is higher, during the day. But I haven't been able to find any information as to the power consumption vs BTU output of the heat pump to determine if the better heat pump efficiency out weighs the more expensive electricity.
So far, I've been running my pump and heater from 9pm-7am. I always have the solar cover on the pool when we're not using it. Last night the air temp got down to around 52, and I noticed that when the heat pump came on the pool was at 78, and in the morning at 7am the heat pump was still on and the water was still at 78. So I think it ran all night and just was able to maintain the temperature. Does it seem I'd be better off to flip my schedule and run during the day?
So far, I've been running my pump and heater from 9pm-7am. I always have the solar cover on the pool when we're not using it. Last night the air temp got down to around 52, and I noticed that when the heat pump came on the pool was at 78, and in the morning at 7am the heat pump was still on and the water was still at 78. So I think it ran all night and just was able to maintain the temperature. Does it seem I'd be better off to flip my schedule and run during the day?