Swimming Pool Heat Pump FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Pool heat pumps generally fall into two types:-

Please visit our website for more information on this topic.

1. Inverter driven
2. On-Off

Inverter driven heat pumps are a newer generation of heat pumps. They are variable speed which allows the fan and compressor to run at different speeds according to the demand from the pool.

On/Off heat pumps can only run at 100% or turn off. They are not variable speed.

The advantage of inverter heat pumps over on/off models is:-

1. More efficient = lower running costs: When inverter heat pumps run at reduced speed their efficiency (COP) rises drastically. Inverter driven heat pumps can have efficiencies (COPs) of up to 14.

This means that for every 1kw of power used, they can return up to 14kw of heat to the pool. The maximum COP for on/off heat pumps is around 5 to 6

2. They are generally much quieter as they do not need to always run at 100%. Once the pool reaches the desired temperature, the inverter driven heat pump can slow itself down and run at a reduced speed eg 30%. When running at a reduced speed, the noise is significantly reduced.

3. Built in “soft-start”. When inverter heat pumps start, they gradually increase their speed from zero up to the required running speed. This gentle start up avoids the power “spike” that can be encountered with on-off type heat pumps.

This “soft-start” feature of inverter driven heat pumps prevents issues such as the house lights flickering when the heat pump starts or electrical breakers tripping on the consumer unit.

At the moment, both on/off and inverter driven heat pumps are available.

Yes our prices include VAT and are the total amount payable including free UK delivery.

Our VAT registration number is 114 61

Yes, however if you are planning to heat your pond through the winter months, then we recommend the Thermotec Inverter Pro range of heat pumps as they work down to -15c.

See our Koi Page for more information on using heat pumps on koi ponds.

No, all of our pool heat pumps have titanium heat exchangers which are resistant to damage from salt, chlorine or bromine used in pools.

In fact salt pools generate chlorine from the salt water and so are effectively the same as chlorine based pools. Only the method of generation of the chlorine is different.

At present, pool heat pumps use either R410a or R32 refrigerant gas to operate.

The refrigerant gas is contained inside the heat pump in a pressurised and sealed circuit. The compressor pumps the refrigerant gas around the refrigerant circuit in the heat pump so that the refrigerant gas can absorb heat from the air and transfer this heat to the heat exchanger in the heat pump to heat your pool water.

Both R410a and R32 gases are environmentally friendly

They are also very efficient and there is virtually no difference in the operating efficiency of the two gases.

R32 is slightly more environmentally friendly than R410a gas and has a lower GWP rating (global warming potential). This is only relevant if the refrigerant gas were to leak into the atmosphere. Under normal operation, the refigerant gas remains in the sealed refrigerant circuit – like your fridge and should never leak.

The disadvantage of R32 gas is that is is highly flammable and also runs at a higher pressure than R410a. Many airlines therefore will not carry heat pumps that contain R32 gas whereas they will carry those with R410a gas.

Both gases are well serviced and maintained by engineers.

As there is no operating difference between the two gases and they are both well supported, we believe that it should not be a major factor in selecting a pool heat pump.

Mini heat pumps (eg Hot Splash) can be plugged into a standard 13A socket.

For larger models, we recommend that armoured cable is used to run the electrical supply to the heat pump.

Armoured cable provides protection from the cable being accidentally damaged and is therefore safer than standard electrical flex cable.

The heat pump should be connected to an RCD device for safety reasons.

Larger heat pumps will draw more than 13A and so a dedicated electrical supply may be required.

It is best to get a qualified electrician to connect your heat pump to the electirical supply. The electrician will also ensure that the heat pump has a proper earth

No, all of our heat pumps are designed to go outdoors and are weatherproof.

They will operate perfectly well in all weather conditions including heavy rain and wind etc. 

We recommend that you cover your heat pump with one of our specially designed winter covers during winter when the heat pump is not in use. This will give your heat pump some additional protection against the weather.

For indoor pools, it is possible to put a heat pump inside the pool enclosure or in a plant room.

In order to do this, the air expelled from the heat pump is blown out of the building by using a through the wall vent kit. (this is only available for some models of heat pump)

A grille, preferably at the other end of the building would allow fresh air to enter the building to replace the air being blown out.

This method will blow the moist pool air out of the building helping to dehumidify the air. The heat pump will gain some benefit from using the warmer pool room air.

The disadvantage of this method is that the air in the pool room will soon be the same temperature as the outside air.

This is not normally desirable for an indoor pool, particularly in winter !

For this reason, it is normally best to put the heat pump outdoors and use seperate dehumidifiers to dry and warm the pool room air.

We sell “all-in-one” type units (eg the Heatstar Gemini) that can provide pool water heating, dehumidification and air heating.

Please contact us for more information.

You can put a heat pump under a tree as long as the tree is more than 2-3 meters above the heat pump.

This is so that the air coming out of the heat pump (on vertical fan models) does not hit the leaves of the tree and then recirculate back into the heat pump. This would cause reduced efficiency.

While the heat pump is operating, the fan will prevent leaves from entering the heat pump.

In the winter, we recommend that you cover the heat pump using one of our specially designed winter covers.

This will prevent leaves from entering the heat pump in Autumn.

Absolutely ! It is almost compulsory to use a solar cover when using a heat pump to heat your pool.

A solar cover provides several benefits:-

• It can heat the pool on its own by up to 8 degrees C
• It reduces water evaporation by 98%
• It acts as an insulation layer and greatly reduces heat loss
• It reduces pool chemical consumption by up to 30%
• It prevents leaves etc from entering the pool
• It saves you money by reducing your heating costs
• Reducing your heating costs will also reduce your carbon footprint

Not using a solar cover is like not insulating the loft in your house. As your heat pump puts heat into the pool, it will be lost into the air when a solar cover is not used.

An uncovered pool will lose about 2-3 times more heat than a covered pool.

Covering the pool is particularly important at night as the air temperature will drop causing a temperature difference between the pool water and the air.

The temperature difference will cause your pool to lose heat at a greater rate than during the day.

We recommend that you keep a solar cover on the pool at all times when the pool is not in use.

The solar cover will work in conjunction with your heat pump to make an efficient combination for heating your pool and minimising energy requirements.

We sell good quality solar covers and rollers

see Solar-Covers

Just like the boiler in your house, the heat pump will run for different amounts of time each day depending on the weather.

On warm summer days when the pool is up to temperature, the heat pump may not need to run at all. Whereas on cooler days, the heat pump may run for a few hours.

In extremely cold weather (eg below +5c) the heat pump may need to run for 12 hours a day or more.

When you keep a solar cover on your pool, this will give the pool some heat gain on warm days and will supplement the heat pump.

As the weather gets colder the heat pump will need to run for longer.

You can control how long the heat pump runs for each day by using a time-clock on your pool pump.

Other factors that affect how long the heat pump will run for each day include:-

• The power of the heat pump – a more powerful heat pump will heat the pool more quickly and so will switch off sooner than a smaller heat pump
• How well insulated your pool is
• If you have a high water table around your pool, then this will drain away the pool heat and cause your heat pump to run for longer to replace the lost heat
• The pool water temperature that you require – a higher pool water temperature will need the heat pump to run for longer to maintain the temperature
• Pool cover – an uncovered pool will lose 2-3 times as much heat as a covered pool

As a guide, on warm summer days the heat pump would typically run for between 0-3 hours

On cooler days between 3-8 hours should be sufficient but this depends on the factors mentioned above

This refers to the type of electrical supply that the heat pump needs.

Most properties in the UK have a stamdard 100A single phase power supply (ie a live and neutral wire) .

Some larger properties or commercial properties in the UK may have a 3-phase power supply

Smaller heat pumps are normally single phase and 3-phase is generally used for larger models, Single phase heat pumps are available up to around 35kw. Over this all heat pumps will be 3-phase models

Single phase power is 220v to 240v and uses one live wire and one neutral wire.

3-Phase power supplies are 380v to 415v and use three live wires (and sometimes also a neutral wire)

If you are not sure what electrical supply you have, ask your electrician to check this before ordering your heat pump.

3-Phase power is more common in mainland Europe eg Portugal, France and Spain than in the UK and is fitted as standard to most new properties in some parts of mainland Europe.

As a guide, for larger heat pumps (eg over 24kw), then if 3-phase power is available in the pool room, it is better to use a 3-phase pool heat pump.

If in doubt, please call us for more advice.

LAILEY & COATES supply professional and honest service.

Our prices are some of the cheapest on the internet and we always aim to provide highly competitive prices.

However if you see the same product cheaper elsewhere, then please let us know and we will always try to match or beat any pricing you have seen

Most of our heat pumps (apart from mini heat pumps like the Hot Splash and Sunspring models) include a water flow switch. This means that they will only operate when your pool pump is turned on and water is flowing through the heat pump.

You can therefore control when your heat pump operates simply by using a time clock on your water pump.

Some heat pump models also have a timer built into the digital control panel. This allows you to turn the heat pump on and off at set times independently from the pool pump. Note that the pool pump always needs to be operating for the heat pump to work.

If you have an existing heater (eg gas, oil, electric etc), then we recommend that you install the heat pump alongside your existing heater.

This will allow you to run both the heat pump and the existing heater if required for a rapid pool heat up, or to provide a backup heater in case the heat pump develops a fault (unlikely). You can also switch to your existing heater when the air temperature becomes too cold for the heat pump to operate efficiently eg right at the end of the season.

If you want to install the heat pump alongside your existing heater, then the water should flow through the heat pump and then the existing heater before returning to the pool for maximum efficiency

We recommend that you cover your heat pump during the winter. However, you must use a suitable cover. The cover must allow the heat pump to breathe so that mositure and condensation can escape, otherwise corrosion can occur to the components in your heat pump causing permanent damage.

We sell a special range of heat pump winter covers that are custom made for each heat pump model and incorporate ventilation mesh panels to allow air circulation.

Heat Pump Winter Covers

Smaller heat pumps can be disconnected and carried into a garage or shed for the winter.

Generally not. We would not advise installing a heat pump in a greenhouse.

Whilst this may seem like a good idea, the benefits are minimal.

This is because heat pumps have quite powerful fan motors and transfer a lot of air.

Within a few minutes of operating, the heat pump will have extracted all of the air in the greenhouse.

You also need a vent to allow fresh air to enter the green house to replace the expelled air.

Within a couple of minutes the temperature of the air in the greenhouse will be the same as the external air.

The air is not in the greenhouse for long enough to warm sufficiently to provide much benefit.

If the air flow to the heat pump is restricted, it may in fact cause lower performance.

Heat pumps normally work best outdoors with a good supply of fresh air.

Most heat pumps should be installed outdoors as they require a good flow of fresh air to operate properly. Some models can however be installed in a pump-house or plant room using the through the wall ducting kit or by cutting a hole through the wall of the plant room to allow the air to be blown outside

A permanent grille must then be installed in the opposite wall of the plant room to allow fresh air to enter the plant room at the same rate as it is leaving.

Generally there is no advantage to putting a heat pump inside a plant room other than to protect it from the weather and possibly for aesthetic reasons.

There are not normally any performance advantages from putting a heat pump inside a plant room. Any surplus heat in the plant room will be expelled within a couple of minutes of the heat pump being turned on and fresh air drawn in from the outside. This causes the temperature inside the plant room to become the same as the outside air temperature negating any performance benefit

Feel free to call us for more advice on this topic

Please see our Installation Tips page for more information

The COP is the Coefficient of Performance. It is the ratio of energy input to output. Eg a unit with a COP of 5 would provide 5 units of heat for every one consumed.

For example a heat pump with a COP of 5 would use about 4kw of electricity and output 20kw of heat (ie 5 x 4kw =20kw).

Bear in mind though that there is no international standard for stating COPs and therefore each manufacturer will state the maximum COP obtainable for their units under optimum temperature and humidity conditions. In reality you may not therefore always acheive the COP rating stated.

This is another reason why you should always oversize your heat pump

The units are delivered on a lorry with a tail lift. The units are on a pallet and will only be delivered to your driveway. You must arrange to carry the unit to where you require your pump to be located. Note that the units are heavy and will require two or three people to move them safely.

Yes, we can ship to anywhere in UK, mainland Europe  and beyond.

We regularly send heat pumps to France, Spain, Portugal, Czech, Netherlands etc

We have sent units as far as  Egypt and Zimbabwe

Please us with your required heat pump model and address and we will get a competitive shipping quote for you.

Each product listing states the physical sizes of each model.

There are many factors that should be considered when sizing a heat pump for your swimming pool.

At HeatPumps4Pools we gather the information on how you wish to use your pool and take into account a wide range of factors so that we can give you a heat pump that will meet and exceed your requirements.

If you would like us to recommend suitable heat pumps for your pool, then  please complete our Heat Pump Sizing Form

this will capture a wide range of information about your pool including:-

1. Pool Dimensions (length, width, average depth in feet or metres)
2. Swimming season (eg May – Sept, or all year round etc)
3. Desired water temperature (28c is typical)
4. If the pool is kept covered when not in use (ie with a solar cover or thermal blanket)
5. The number of hours per day that the pool is uncovered
6. If the pool has a single or 3-phase electrical supply
7. Indoor or outdoor pool
8. Pool location (eg UK, France, Spain etc please provide address if you would like a shipping quote)
9. Existing pool heating system
10. Domestic or Commercial use
11. If the property is rented or a holiday home
12. Above ground or in-ground pool

We will then give you our recommened pool heat pumps.

Of course you can always call us if you prefer to run through this by !

We can provide our expertise to consider all of these factors and help you choose the best size unit for your pool.

We therefore recommend that you contact us to discuss the size of heat pump that you require before making a purchase.

Each of our product listings has a sizing chart that shows the maximum number of cubic metres (m3) of water that each heat pump model supports.

As a start, compare the volume of your pool in m3 to the sizing chart. If your pool volume is near the maximum size supported, then choose the next model up.

Always allow some “headroom” with the power of your heat pump. This will ensure that the heat pump can still produce enough heat to maintain your required pool temperature on colder days.

Inverter heat pumps should also be sized larger than “on-off” heat pumps so that the unit can run at a reduced power output to give the maximum efficiency of an inverter driven pool heat pump

For rented properties or holiday homes, it is advisable to oversize the heat pump to allow a faster heat up time before guests arrive. We also have heat pumps with lockable keypads to prevent guests from adjusting the pool temperature.

Feel free to call us and we are more than happy to run through the sizing of your pool heater.

Not at all, the heat pump needs a solid concrete base or can be laid on paving slabs. The unit then needs an electrical supply and it is best to get a qualified electrician to install this.

The plumbing is straightforward and the pipes are glued together. The heat pump only needs a flow and a return pipe.

You should install 3-valves to create a “bypass”.

The heat pump should be installed after the filter and as the last item before the water returns to the pool.

If you want to install the heat pump alongside your existing heater, then the water should flow through the heat pump and then through the existing heater before returning to the pool

See our Installation section for lots more tips on installing your heat pump

Each product listing states the warranty offered.

Most of our new heat pumps include an on-site parts and labour warranty.

All heat pumps shipped outside the UK are supplied with a parts-only warranty. Outside the UK you will need to employ a local contractor if required and we will courier any necessary spare parts to you

Most units have 50mm pipe outlets. They are normally also supplied with 50mm to 1.5″ adaptors as 1.5″ is the most common size of pipe in the UK.

In Europe, 50mm is the most common size of pipe.

Each heat pump listing states the pipe outlet size

We can supply adaptors to go to different pipe sizes if required.

Most units have 50mm pipe outlets. They are normally also supplied with 50mm to 1.5″ adaptors as 1.5″ is the most common size of pipe in the UK.

In Europe, 50mm is the most common size of pipe.

Each heat pump listing states the pipe outlet size

We can supply adaptors to go to different pipe sizes if required.

See our Savings page.

There is also a calculation on the savings page showing how a large 32kw heat pump costs only £3.33 per day to run !

Smaller heat pumps will cost less than this to run.

Top 10 questions to ask when selecting the right pool heating option for you and your pool: 

When it comes to enjoying your pool year-round, selecting a reliable and efficient pool heater is crucial.

Finding the best pool heater for you requires research, knowing the  right questions to ask and considering specific factors relevant to your pool set up and needs. Considerations include; your pool's environment, use of a pool cover, equipment access, swimming habits and average temperatures. In addition, choosing a reputable brand will provide you with confidence that support and service is ‘at-the-ready’. It is important to do your research and ask the right questions. Let's explore these points further.

If you want to fast forward to the answer and have an instant online heating evaluation generated, skip to the online calculator:

Madimack's Heating Evaluation and Pool Heater Sizing Calculator here.

1. Understanding Your Pool's Environment: Assess whether your pool is shaded or exposed to natural sunlight. Shaded pools typically require more heating power, while sunnier pools may benefit from lower-output heaters. Additionally, consider other environmental elements such as wind exposure, as they can impact heat retention.
2. Let your Pool Cover help: Using a pool cover significantly reduces heat loss and saves energy. Ensure compatibility between your chosen pool heater and a pool cover. Some heaters are specifically designed to work efficiently with covers, maximising heat retention and minimising energy consumption.
3. Will your pool heat pump have adequate ventilation to operate effectively and efficiently: Ensure your pool heating equipment allows for adequate ventilation. Sufficient airflow is necessary with heat pump to prevent overheating and ensure optimal, energy-efficient, performance. Consider the placement of the heater and verify that there is enough space and ventilation available in that location with your installer.
4. Ensure that your pool heater model and size matches your required swimming habits: Consider your swimming habits to determine the appropriate pool heating solution. If you swim occasionally or in warmer weather only, a heater with lower output or on-demand heating capability, might suffice. However, if you desire year-round pool usage, to ensure you’re still heating your pool effectively and efficiently you will need a larger sized heater (per kW).
5. Consider the impact of the Local Average Temperature: The average temperature in your area is a key factor to consider. Colder regions require more powerful heaters to maintain comfortable swimming temperatures, while warmer areas may need less heating capacity or even the ability to cool. Evaluate the local climate and temperature fluctuations throughout the year to select a pool heater that suits your specific requirements.
6. Stick with a Reputable Brand with Market Leading Product Warranties :  Selecting an established brand for your pool heater will save you a lot of angst.  They will typically offer the best warranties along with local service and support. Reputable brands have a track record of providing reliable, high-quality products, they invest in the research and development to deliver innovative solutions and adhere to strict industry standard. DOWNLOAD BROCHURE NOW!
   Choosing a reputable brand usually ensures that you receive a durable and efficient pool heater that will provide years of reliable performance. Check out excellent product reviews of Madimack here.
7. Complete Madimack's Consolidated Heating Evaluation and Pool Heater Sizing Calculator: To make an informed decision and choose the best pool heater for your needs, we recommend using Madimack's Heating Evaluation and Pool Heater Sizing Calculator. This comprehensive tool considers various factors unique to your pool and provides tailored recommendations. Madimack's calculator allows you to input specific details such as pool dimensions, environment, climate, and usage patterns. By analysing the data, the calculator offers a heating audit that helps determine the most suitable heating solution for your pool. Access Madimack's Heating Evaluation and Pool Heater Sizing Calculator here.
8. Choose a local dealer with experience in Pool Heating:  To further assist you in finding the best pool heating solution, Madimack's Local Dealer Network connects you with authorized dealers who can provide expert advice, recommend suitable heating solutions, and assist with installation. Access Madimack's Local Dealer Network here.
9. Enviro-Friendly: has conducted research on pool heating solutions based on the criteria discussed. Their website offers valuable insights and a curated list of pool heat pumps that excel in energy efficiency, user features, and benefits. Explore Enviro-Friendly's research on pool heating solutions here.
10. Look for InverMAC Technology: Madimack's comprehensive range of pool heaters is powered by InverMAC Technology. This technology enhances energy efficiency and offers various user features and benefits.
    
    From precise temperature control to advanced energy-saving modes, Madimack's pool heaters equipped with provide an exceptional heating experience.
    
    

Choosing the right pool heater requires thorough research and consideration of various factors such as your pool's environment, pool cover usage, equipment access, swimming habits, and local average temperature. Utilize tools like Madimack's Heating Evaluation and Pool Heater Sizing Calculator to make an informed decision. Additionally, consider Madimack's Local Dealer Network and refer to Enviro-Friendly's research for further assistance. By combining these resources and knowledge, you can find the best pool heater for your specific needs, ensuring year-round comfort and enjoyment.

Use Madimack’s pool heater sizing calculator to generate a personalised report on the best pool heating options for you:

Pool Heat Pump Calculator

Fill in the details below and a detailed pool heating evaluation will be emailed instantly.
Note: You can use this calculator as many times as you need for different pool volumes if you are unsure.

The company is the world’s best commercial swimming pool heat pump supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.