Answers to Pool Heat Pump Questions | Nirvana

The best type of heating for a pool is a heat pump pool heater due to its remarkable energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. By harnessing ambient air, these pool heaters provide consistent warmth, making them a superior choice over conventional heating systems. The same advantage applies to heat-cool pool pumps.

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A key benefit of a pool heat pump is that you can set your desired pool temperature at the beginning of the season and forget it. Although a heat pump may take longer than a gas heater to reach the desired temperature, it does so at a lower cost. Once the pool is up to temperature, the heat pump will maintain a steady temperature continuously, using the same amount of energy as heating the pool on weekends only with natural gas or once every three weeks with propane.

The most cost-efficient pool heaters are pool heat pumps, with an efficiency rate of 300-600% compared to other types of pool heaters, which are 85-99% efficient.

While solar pool heating remains largely unchanged, and gas heating has seen minor improvements, heat pumps have evolved significantly with advancements in technology. They are now more durable, reliable, and cost about one-fifth of what they did 30 years ago.

Pool heat pumps work by extracting heat from the surrounding air and transferring it to the pool water, ensuring minimal energy consumption and maximum heat retention, which leads to substantial long-term savings.

Cost Comparison per Million BTU

Heat Pump: Heater cost: $3,000-$5,000 + Electric Line: $500-$1,000 | Operating Cost: $8-$14

Natural Gas: Heater cost: $2,000-$4,000 + Gas Line: $2,000-$4,000 | Operating Cost: $15

Propane: Heater cost: $2,000-$4,000 + Tank Installation: $1,000-$2,000 + Tank Rental | Operating Cost: $50
Furthermore, NIRVANA, ranked first by AHRI in this category, offers the lowest operating costs in the industry: for every 1 kW consumed, 6 kW are returned.

Pool heat pumps work by extracting heat from the ambient air and transferring it to the pool water. Utilizing a refrigerant and a compressor, they amplify the extracted heat before channeling it to the water, efficiently maintaining the desired pool temperature.

The Heat Pump will take longer to get the pool to temperature than a gas heater, but will do it for a lower cost. 

• Heat Pump = Heat Pump - + Electric Line 500- and Operating Cost is 8$ to 14$ Per million BTU.

• Natural Gas = Heater - + Gas Line $-$ and Operating Cost is around 15$ per Million BTU.

• Propane = Heater - + Tank Install $-$+ Tank Rental and Operating cost is around 50$ per Million BTU.

Set your pool temperature at the beginning of the pool season and once up to temperature, the heat pump will maintain a steady temperature all the time. 

No need to plan to use your pool: Just set it and forget it!

Choosing a pool heat pump is an excellent choice for pool heating systems, as it efficiently utilizes ambient air to regulate your pool’s temperature, ensuring optimal energy conservation.

Nirvana’s pool heat pumps combine eco-friendliness with advanced technology, providing a sustainable and efficient way to keep your pool warm. Once up to temperature, the heat pump will maintain a steady temperature continuously, at the same energy cost as only heating the pool on weekends with natural gas or once every three weeks with propane.

Your pool will always be ready to use: set it once, and that’s it! No need to plan ahead to warm the water.

If you’re looking for rapid heating, a pool heat pump may not be ideal. However, if you’re willing to plan ahead by allowing the heat pump to run for a few days before opening the pool for the season and seek a low-cost, long-term heating solution, a pool heat pump is the best investment.

Gas or propane pool heaters burn fuel to generate heat, providing rapid warming but at a higher operational cost and with increased emissions.

Electric pool heaters directly heat water using electricity, offering quick heating but with lower energy efficiency.

Pool heat pumps, by extracting heat from the ambient air, provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution with consistent heating, though they may warm the pool more gradually initially.

For more information, please visit Commercial Heat Pump.

Pool heat pumps are 300-400% efficient, compared to other types of pool heaters, which operate at 85-95% efficiency. Operating costs for a pool heat pump are around $8 to $14 per million BTU, compared to approximately $15 per million BTU for a natural gas heater and $50 per million BTU for a propane pool heater.

While solar pool heating technology has remained largely unchanged and gas heating has seen minor improvements, heat pumps have evolved significantly. Modern heat pumps are more durable, reliable, and cost nearly one-fifth of what they did 30 years ago.

Absolutely, pool heat pumps are a worthwhile investment.

They provide not only energy-efficient heating but also reliable temperature regulation. Their eco-friendly design and cost-effective operation make them an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy their pools year-round without high expenses.

Here’s an example from one of our clients:

A commercial campground pool was spending $15,000 per year to maintain pool temperatures using a propane heater. They replaced it with two NIRVANA FC120VF heat pumps and were able to keep their pool at the same temperature for the entire season at a cost of only $2,000 in electricity.

The two heat pumps paid for themselves within the first season of operation.

Pool heat pumps are simple and much easier to install than traditional pool heating systems. You only need a larger electrical connection.

Safer for children due to the absence of gas and flames, eliminating any risk of explosion.

High efficiency: Pool heat pumps are 300-400% efficient, compared to 85-95% efficiency for other types of pool heaters.

More heat, less cost.

Set it and forget it!

Your pool stays warm all the time, so there’s no need to plan ahead to use it—it’s always ready.

Better warranty coverage compared to gas heaters.

Easiest option for winterization.

Heating time depends on your pool size and the heat pump model.

It takes 1 BTU to heat 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. To calculate the heating speed, you need to know your pool’s water volume, the heat pump size, and current weather conditions. Unlike other systems, heat pumps don’t make heat—they move it in the most efficient way possible.

The main advantage of a heat pump is that you can set it and forget it: it will maintain your pool’s temperature all season long at a reasonable energy cost.

If you are the proud owner of a pool heat pump, you likely have the opportunity to enjoy your pool long after other people have closed theirs down. Heat pumps are a top choice for many pool owners looking for an efficient, affordable way to heat their pool. But, heat pumps are not immune to problems, and require occasional repairs. Let’s take a look at some pool heat pump troubleshooting tips to keep your pool water nice and warm when the weather begins to cool.

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Unlike gas pool heaters, heat pumps don't actually produce their own heat supply. Instead, they rely solely on the outside air temperature to warm up your pool. As the air enters the heat pump, it's passed through the internal system, where a refrigerant converts it to hot vapor gas, which ultimately heats the water. Since heat pumps derive heat from the air, they are quite eco-friendly and more efficient than gas heaters. However, this characteristic also renders them significantly ineffective in temperatures below 50ºF.

How to Troubleshoot Pool Heat Pumps

Now that you understand the inner workings of heat pumps, let's dive into a few issues they face and how to resolve them. Heat pumps are typically durable and last for many years, but just like any piece of pool equipment, they require occasional troubleshooting.

1. Heat pump is running, but not heating the pool.

• First thing to remember is that a pool heat pump can only effectively work in temperatures over 50ºF. Any temperature below 50ºF, the freon (refrigerant) will begin to freeze and prevent the heat pump from working properly. If your pump is in defrost mode, you will need to wait until the evaporator is free of ice.
• Is your heat pump located under a low roof or close to a wall or fence? Obstructions can inhibit adequate airflow to the heat pump, limiting performance.
• Is your heat pump circulating warm water into the pool, but the water temperature is not rising? The heat may need more time to properly circulate the water, so increase the pool pump run time.

2. Heat pump takes too long to heat the pool.

• Air temperature, the size of your swimming pool, and the heat pumps condition all impact how long the unit will take to heat your water. If your heat pump is in good condition, it may take between 24–72 hours to heat an average-size pool about 20ºF.

3. Heat pump will not turn on or run.

• First, ensure the unit is plugged in and the circuit breaker is not tripped. Flip the switch off and back on before attempting to power up your heat pump again.
• Is the thermostat set too low? If your pool water is actually higher than the setting on your thermostat, it will not need to warm the water. Adjust the temperature setting to above the current pool water temp.
• If your heat pump is on, but not running, make sure all valves are in the correct position to allow proper water flow. Also, ensure the filter and pump basket are clear of debris, and that the filter is running.

4. Heat pump is leaking water.

• Since heat pumps use refrigerant and hot gas to warm your pool water, condensation may form on or around the unit. One way to test for a leak is by turning off your heat pump, while leaving the filtration system running. If the puddle of water evaporates, you should be good to go. Keep in mind that heat pumps naturally create up to 9 gallons of condensation per hour.
• If the puddle remains, or continues to grow while the pool pump is running and the heat pump is off, then there may be a leak. Test the water with a test strip or reagent, looking for any sign of a sanitizer (chlorine or salt). Normal condensation will not test for any chlorine. If chlorine is present, you will need to find and fix the leaking area of your heat pump.

PRO TIP: Did you know Leslie's offers nationwide at-home equipment repair services? That's right! Simply schedule a service appointment online, and an expert Leslie's technician will come to your home to fix any equipment problem. Even a leaky heat pump!

5. Heat pump has poor water flow.

• One of the most important ways to keep your heat pump running strong is to verify that steady water flow is being pushed through the unit. Once the pump loses steady water flow, it will take a lot longer to complete a heating cycle. Only run your heat pump when it has water flowing from the filtration system. Running a dry heat pump can cause irreparable damage to the unit.
• So, how can you increase the water flow? Make sure the working valves are open and all debris is cleared from the filter and filter basket in the pool pump. Once your filtration equipment is unclogged, the heat pump’s performance should drastically increase.