What Size Pool Heat Pump Should I Choose?

A heat pump is one of the most cost effective ways to heat your pool! Its energy efficiency is unmatched and the benefits of utilizing a heat pump are countless. So how should you choose the right size pool heat pump​? We've summarized the following three considerations to help you choose the right size pool heat pump.

Pool Size

When choosing a pool heater, the size of the pool is one of the most important considerations. This is because the amount of water a heat pump needs to heat (the size of the pool) is directly related to the amount of power it needs.

The correct size heat pump pool heater will ensure that you maintain the desired comfortable temperature, which for most people is ideally around 29 degrees Celsius.

The main problem with heating a swimming pool is the heat loss, not the volume of water. The pool water loses heat through evaporative cooling that occurs naturally through solar radiation. Supplemental heat when cooling occurs is the job of the heat pump.

Therefore, the heat loss rate of the pool should also be considered when choosing the right size pool heat pump.

For example, to calculate the estimated heat loss for a 6 mx 9 m pool with a water temperature of 24 C and a temperature of 18 C.

        Temperature difference: 24 - 18 = 6
        Pool size times temperature difference: 6 x 6 mx 9 m = 324
       The result is multiplied by the constant 0.027 = 8.75
Therefore, the heat loss rate of the pool is 8.75 kW

For round pools (including oval pools), use the radius to calculate the surface area. Using the pool heat pump sizing calculator, multiply the radius (r) by itself and multiply by the constant pi (3.14).

That is, R x R x 3.14. For a circular pool with a radius of 4.6 m, the surface area is 4.6 x 4.6 x 3.14 = 66.44 m 2 for the same temperature conditions.

Then multiply by 66.44 x 6 x 0.027. The heat loss rate for this particular pool is 10.76 .

How many BTUs are needed for a 38,000 liter pool?
Another way to determine the correct pool heater size without using a pool heat pump calculator is to determine it based on the volume of the pool.

This is a much simpler method of estimation because you only need to look at the heat pump sizing charts available online. Some charts even specify the BTU's required for a specific swimming season.

Your heat pump should be able to heat your pool at a rate of at least 0.11 degrees per hour. In other words, the pool heater should be able to raise the water temperature by at least 0.56 0 C per hour for a volume of 862 liters. this is the minimum requirement.

 

Climate

Just as important as the size of your pool is where you live. Specifically, the climate.

If you live in a warmer climate all year round, then in most cases your pool heat pump will not have to work as hard. For people with medium-sized pools, a smaller to standard-sized pool heat pump is ideal.

On the other hand, for pool owners who live in the north or in more diverse climates, the situation is a little different. If your pool must endure all 4 seasons, it's important to know how cold it is during the swimming season.

This is because of the way pool heat pumps work. Because they collect natural heat from the air, they tend to perform best in warmer climates.

But even in cold weather, a heat pump can still work. It just needs less starting heat to work, so to compensate, it will work harder.

 

Your Swimming Habits

If you go to the pool almost every other day, then the speed of heating may be important to you.

A more powerful pool heat pump will result in more heating capacity. So even if you're already in a fairly warm climate, if you're in the pool a lot and have extra room in your budget, sometimes it makes sense to go with a more powerful unit.

Of course, pool heat pumps are designed to provide resilient, reliable heating in a variety of climates. So even with a standard-sized heat pump, you can't go wrong.

 

If you have additional questions about swimming pool heat pumps, please contact us for answers.