subject: How Do Pool Heat Pump Systems Work? [print this page] Pool heat pumps are efficient machines for retaining a pleasant temperature all throughout the year, but how do they do it? This article will explain in easy to understand language the inner workings of those magic machines.
Heat pump technology has been around for over 100 years. Actually, they use very similar principles to an ordinary home air conditioner when operated in reverse cycle (e.g. when run over winter as a heater).
They use two systems, like an air conditioner, cooling and heating, to transfer heat to the water.
This is a process in several stages:
A refrigerant gas at a very low temperature (usually lower than 20C) is used in the evaporator coil to absorb heat from air passed through the coil by a fan.
The refrigerant gas is progressively warmed until it becomes a hot gas, which is then passed through an expansion valve to a condenser, which further increases the heat of the gas up to 100C, boiling point.
The heat exchanger coil transfers heat to cool water circulating around it, heating the water.
The refrigerant returns to a liquid state as it loses heat, and is circulated back to the expansion valve to repeat the process.
The economics of heat pumps
Pool heat pumps are extremely efficient, even at low ambient temperatures below 10C. They can produce heat on a ratio of 1kw of energy consumed to 5kw of heat generated. In effect, 80% of the heat transferred to the pool is free. This level of energy efficiency makes heat pumps very inexpensive in terms of power consumption. The amount of money they save is literally 4 times what they cost, in real terms.
It's worth considering the possibilities of your pool heating, because you can get a lot of value out of the heat pump savings, as well as having more fun with your pool in the cold months. The practical benefits also extend to health and exercise. If you do regular pool training, you don't have to reinvent your training regime and commute to a gym to do it. If you compare the cost of a gym to the cost of your own heated pool, it's no contest.
If you're looking at upgrading or buying a new pool, and need to do your figures, the economics of heat pumps also mean a heated pool is a real option, not an extravagance. You can have the joy of your pool all year round, and a heated pool is the great way of relaxing after a hard day's work.
Important: Finding out what heating you need for your pool is easy. Talk to your pool heating experts about your needs, and get a clear idea of your options. They can also give you ideas and alternatives to match your pool and your budget. You'll save money and time, and better still get accurate quotes for systems and installation costs up front. All you need to do is find a reason to get in the pool.
