Pentair UltraTemp Heat Pump
The Pentair UltraTemp is a Heat Pump with models having 70,000 to 140,000 BTUs of heating capacity. Some models include a chiller capability.
The Pentair UltraTemp integrates with Pentair Automation Systems though a RS-485 data communication cable. When connected by the data connection the automation can raise an IntelliFlo pump speed when the UltraTemp is on and lower the pump speed when the UltraTemp is turned off.
Pentair gives a ten-year warranty on compressor parts and labor, plus lifetime warranty on the titanium heat exchanger. Check the Pentair website for warranty details.[1]
Heat Pump Operation
Heat pumps operate by taking heat from the surrounding air and transferring it into the water. The warmer the air and the more humidity in the air, the more latent heat is available for heating your pool. With a properly sized heat pump for your pool, the heat pump should raise your pool on average 1° F per hour depending on air temperature, humidity, and water temperature. The ideal or rated condition for the heat pump is 80° F air temperature, 80% relative humidity, and 80° F water temperature. As conditions decrease from 80/80/80, the heat pump performance will decrease slightly.[2]
Heat Pumps are best utilized to maintain a set water temperature; they are not intended to provide instant or fast heating. It is not reasonable to expect a heat pump to perform like a gas heater which has a much higher BTU output and faster response. Additionally, gas heaters are not dependent on environmental conditions. Swimming pool heat pumps are very similar to home heating and air conditioning heat pumps and therefore should be treated similarly.
Proper operation and use of the heat pump is to set it at your desired temperature and leave it. Your heat pump will turn on and off automatically to maintain your desired temperature much like your home HVAC unit. To take advantage of the sun’s energy, operate your heat pump during the heat of the day.
Your heat pump will still operate when the temperature drops at night, but the output will be decreased. It is acceptable to shut the heat pump off and not use it for extended periods of time. When you have a need to heat your pool, please plan accordingly since it may take the heat pump days to heat your pool back to your desired temperature, depending on your pool temperature and environmental conditions.
It is important to note that an UltraTemp® Heat Pumpwill not heat a pool as fast as a large gas or electric pool heater. If the pool water is allowed to cool significantly, it may take several days to return to the desired swimming temperature.
For weekend use, it is more economical to maintain the water temperature at or near the desired temperature. For extended non-use, turn the heat pump completely off or decrease the temperature setting of the control several degrees to minimize energy consumption.
Installation Notes
The Pentair Installation manual[3] recommends the UltraTemp pad be placed at the same level or slightly higher than the filter system equipment pad.
It also recommends the heat pump be placed on a flat slightly pitched surface for proper drainage of condensation and rain water.
Avoid any lawn sprinklers near the heater. Note the wind may blow water from sprinklers towards the heater. Any water blowing on the heater from a sprinkler system can cause mineral build up on the evaporator coils and electronics. Salt water can also be an issue if located near the coast. Keep all plants and shrubs trimmed and away from the heat pump.
The heat pump will not heat above 104°F or cool below 45°F (40°C - 7.2°C)
To maintain maximum performance and efficiency, keep the air coil clean from dirt and debris. It is recommended to clean your air coil once a year by flushing the coil with compressed air or hosing off the coil with a garden hose. Do not use a pressure cleaner on the heat pump.
UltraTemp Power Requirements
All models require 230V AC power and except for the 70,000 BTUs, which requires a 40A circuit breaker, other models require a 50A circuit breaker.
Pentair Heat Pump Calculator
Pentair has a Heat Pump Calculator to determine the appropriate size Heat Pump for your location.
Automation Control
The UltraTemp Heat Pump can be controlled by Pentair Automation Systems - IntelliCenter, IntelliTouch, Easy Touch.
When you connect the UltraTemp to Pentair automation using the RS-485 data connection you need to add a solar temperature sensor in addition to the air and water temperature sensors.[4] Solar temperature sensor could be left loose in load center. The automation system does not use the temperature reading but just looks for resistance.
When connected using the RS-485 data connection the automation can increase pump speed when the UltraTemp is on.
Remote connection via the RS-485 connector is only available on IntelliTouch and EasyTouch software version 1.11 or higher or the IntelliCenter. All other automation systems must connect using the Relay Remote “Spade” terminals.
IntelliConnect does not support controlling the UltraTemp using the RS-485 data connection. You have to use the Relay Remote “Spade” terminals on the UltraTemp connected with a 2 wire cable to the heater connection terminal on the IntelliConnect.
Heater Bypass
Pentair requires a Heater Bypass when your circulation pump is over 2 HP or if the total flow exceeds 120 gpm (456 lpm). Even if not required a heater bypass is good to have so you can take your heater out of the water loop and continue running the pool should the heater require maintenance.
Multple Heaters
The Pentair heat pump may be used in conjunction with a gas or electric heater or any combination of heat sources including solar. All heat sources must be plumbed in series to work correctly and efficiently.
Multiple heat pumps can be installed in parallel with each heat pump getting an equal flow of water. Conform that your plumbing system can provide the minimum flow of 30 gpm (110 lpm) to each heat pump.
UltraTemp and MasterTemp Heaters Together
You can have both a Pentair MasterTemp gas heater and a UltraTemp Heat Pump on a pool. They are plumbed in line and hooked up to the IntelliCenter via RS-485 cable. In the programming you have a choice of heaters for your spa and/or pool.
The automation is supposed to regulate temperature via the heat pump 1st - if it can not maintain temp it reverts to the gas heater. But after that it does not go back to the heat pump to maintain. You have to switch it manually.[5]
UltraTemp Chiller Mode
When in chiller mode Pentair forgot to link the temperature differential up to the chiller portion. So if you have a chiller set point of 87 degrees, and your temperature bounces back and forth between 88 and 87 degrees - your fan will cycle on/off, on/off, on/off until the temperature is a constant 87 degrees. That will eventually burn the fan motor up.[6]
- ↑ https://www.pentair.com/en/knowledge-base/pool-spa-equipment/warranty.html
- ↑ https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/aquatics/residential-pool/owners-manuals/heaters/ultratemp/ultratemp-heat-pump-installation-and-users-guide-en-fr-sp.pdf
- ↑ https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/aquatics/residential-pool/owners-manuals/heaters/ultratemp/ultratemp-heat-pump-installation-and-users-guide-en-fr-sp.pdf
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/intellicenter-quick-reference-information-guide.198056/post-1777329
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/gas-heater-heat-pump-chiller.193934/post-1724624
- ↑ https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/gas-heater-heat-pump-chiller.193934/post-1724624
