Submit our quick form and get quotes now!
5 min read
5 min read
Exterior renovationsThe Benefits of Installing a Heat Pump for Your Pool
A pool heat pump is economical and particularly effective if installed properly.
To avoid any errors and fully benefit from this appealing technology, learn everything there is about its functioning, installation process, and retail price.
Source: Canva
When it comes to a pool, an air-to-water heat pump is used, which works with a double circuit. A refrigerant (fluid) travels through the first circuit and said fluid is typically a freon gas.
Said gas will clutch the heat found in the ambient air to then restore it to the liquid that must be heated. To do so, it’s compressed in the shape of burning steam that will then be channelled inside a shell-and-tube heat exchanger.
This is where both circuits meet. On one side, the burning freon will flow, and on the other, the cold pool water. The gas will swap with the pool water via heat transfer, while the cold water will liquify the freon.
This very heat exchange will allow the heat pump to warm up the pool water, but also restart the cycle courtesy of a refrigerant fluid that was liquified and transformed into burning gas.
Unlike a household heat pump ensuring overall interior comfort, a pool heat pump isn’t reversible. As such, it’s not fitted with a 4-way valve and the exterior fan functions constantly.
Furthermore, a pool heat pump is designed to withstand the chlorine found in the pool water. On account of this resistance, the heating system has a service life estimated between 12 and 15 years.
Negative on that since a heat pump draws in the heat from ambient air. As such, it can’t effectively work in all temperatures. Most pool heat pumps lose efficiency in temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
In Quebec, a pool heat pump will only ever be effective June through August, maybe a few days in May and September, if you’re lucky.
Therefore, if you want to go for a swim mid-winter, a heat pump is definitely not the best way to heat your pool water.
Source: Canva
Installing a pool heat pump brings two questions to the forefront: Where’s the best spot to install it? And How do you go about it?
Heat pumps must be installed between 3 and 7 metres away from the pool. Positioned less than 3 metres away, the heat pump can present a hazard for the pool, while more than 7 metres away, it loses efficiency.
Warning:
Heat pumps can be rather loud. Remember to install it away from bedroom windows and as far away from neighbouring properties.
Most often, specialized installers will take care of installing your heat pump. However, you can always purchase a heat pump designed for a DIY installation. If so, you can carry out the installation yourself. The device’s installation manual will guide you through the process.
Also, no matter the model purchased, the unit must be cleared of all obstructions, therefore, allowing for specific clearance space around the pool heat pump.
2 feet (60 cm) in front of the evaporator coil
4 feet (120 cm) in front of other surfaces
4 feet (120 cm) in front of the fan
4 feet (120 cm) in front of the service panel
Bear in mind that installing a pool heat pump mandates electricity-related and plumbing knowledge. It’s also important to have the right tools and materials on hand to correctly carry out the installation. Hence the reason why installing a heat pump requires the skills of an industry specialist.
Source: Canva
There are several quality pool heat pumps sold on the market. You can choose to prioritize Quebec-based companies or broaden your search perimeters to include all brands.
The pool heat pump market in Quebec is spread across three brands:
Nirvana
TTI FAB
Solstice
In 2017, Nirvana, located in Trois-Rivière, received over $400,000 in government funding to develop high-end heat pumps fitted with a custom-made condenser.
As a result, the company chose to manufacture thermodynamic, energy-efficient heat pumps. Series FC55 and FC85 (55,000 and 85,000 BTU) from Nirvana, with noise-reducing fan impellers, are perfect if you have neighbours nearby on either side of your property.
In 30 years, this company based out of Longueuil made its mark on the heat pump market. In 2020, the company’s industry success allowed it to invest 10 million dollars into a 65,000 sq. ft. distribution centre in Drummondville.
TTI FAB manufactures a wide range of pool heat pumps, and here are the five models:
Elite
Stratos
Oasis
Hybrid
Ecolo
That would be Be Well Canada Spa, out of Lachute, in the Laurentides region in Quebec. It represents about 60 million dollars in revenue and 400 employees. The company opened its doors in 2012 in Saint-Lin–Laurentides, then moved to Lachute to reduce its employees' commute.
While hot tubs are the company's leading product, it also specializes in all things pool-related, with quality heat pumps sold worldwide courtesy of these three models:
50,000 BTU
65,000 BTU
85,000 BTU
Mitsubishi Electric and Daikin are leaders based on consumer surveys. Both brands are very reliable and have very few irreparable breakages registered to their names, offering a customer satisfaction rating of over 95%.
Japanese brands are solid choices when it comes to pool heat pumps. The only hitch is that there are no manufacturing plants in Quebec.
Heat Capacity | Solstice (3 models) | TTI FAB (Ecolo) | Nirvana (FC55 model) |
50,000 - 55,000 BTU | $1,700 | $1,800 | $2,600 |
65,000 - 70,000 BTU | $2,000 | $2,100 | $3,280 |
80,000 - 85,000 BTU | $2,500 | $2,600 | $3,820 |
The heat capacity of the TTI FAB’s Ecolo brand heat pump can reach 140,000 BTU, coupled with a $5,000 price tag.
The leading brands mentioned above are all sold in Club Piscine Super Fitness retail locations.
RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your air forced-air heating system project. When you submit your project, we’ll then put you in contact with top-rated contractors. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes) and get estimates from trusted professionals.
Last modified 2024-03-29
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
RenoQuotes.com • 23 Feb 2024
For a few years now, Boomerang Paint has been increasingly solicited for interior renovation and decoration projects. The reason being its green characteristics and excellent value for money. If you’re looking for eco-friendly interior paint, opting for recycled paint is the best decision you can make. Learn all about this type of product in the following section.
Amanda Harvey • 07 Nov 2023
When building a new home, air barriers are not always part of the equation. However, air barriers are crucial structures that assist in aiding with energy efficiency as well as maintaining a comfortable and cozy home environment.
RenoQuotes.com • 07 Nov 2023
In Montréal alone, it’s estimated that approximately 300,000 residents are affected by a high level of lead in their water, in particular, due to the pipe connecting their home to the city’s water system. In 2007, the City of Montréal, therefore, committed to changing all of its lead water pipes in the public sector, totalling around 48,000 by 2030, recently investing about $557 million to accelerate the project.
Cynthia Pigeon • 07 Nov 2023
It's the kind of thing that might seem like such a small detail during a major kitchen renovation, but without cabinet door handles, boy are you in trouble! Sure, there are some cabinet doors that don't require any handles to open or close. However, most often, cabinet hardware, either handles, pulls, or knobs is required to open cabinets and drawers.
N/A • 07 Nov 2023
In the middle of winter or even the early days of spring, who doesn't enjoy a long, hot shower to warm up before heading out the door? Even though a hot shower feels great, unfortunately, your bathroom doesn't share the sentiment.