Should I use a pool cover?

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The most effective way to prevent heat loss is to install a pool cover. An un-blanketed pool loses 2-3 times more heat than a blanketed pool. Pool covers virtually eliminate evaporation and reduce heat loss by insulating the surface of the pool, greatly reducing pool heating costs. As with all pool heaters, it would be advisable to use a pool cover at night, and when the pool is not in use.

 

What is the minimum ambient operating temperature?

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The heat pump will actually operate down to an ambient air temperature of 10°C, but with minimal heat output. Therefore we recommend that the minimum operating temperature should be 10°C. Some of our other heat pumps can go below zero when required.

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What is the best location for a pool heater?

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The location of the pool heater is very important in keeping installation costs to a minimum, while providing for maximum efficiency of operation as well as allowing adequate service and maintenance access.

The unit should be located as close as practically possible to the existing pool pump and filter to minimise water piping. The use of 90 degree bends and short radius elbows in the water piping should be kept to a minimum. The longer the distance from the pool, the higher the heat loss from the piping.

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Can the pool heater be enclosed?

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A pool heater  is designed for outdoor installation and should not be installed in totally enclosed areas such as a shed, garage, etc., unless mechanical ventilation is provided to ensure adequate air exchange for proper operation. Re-circulation of cold discharged air back into the evaporator coil will greatly reduce unit’s heating capacity and efficiency.

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What is electric pool heating performance dependent on?

Performance will fluctuate depending on water and weather temperatures. 5 important factors determine the performance of pool heater:

1. Size of the pool

2. The desired temperature of the pool

3. Ambient air temperature - the warmer the air, the better the performance

4. The presence of a pool cover

5. The size of the heater

 

What is a pool heaters running time?

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Most units should be sized to operate during the pool filtering cycle time of 8 - 12 hours daily, providing a steady flow of heated water. On warmer days the heater will run less because the heat loss will be less.

Electroheat heat pumps have a lower heating capacity on a BTU/hr basis compared to fossil fuel based pool heaters such as gas heaters. Therefore, pool heat pumps require longer operation to accomplish the desired temperature.

Between 10°C to 18°C, it will increase your water temperature by 3°C to 5.5°C a day. Over 21°C you should obtain an increase up to 0.8°C a hour and over 26°C up to 1.1°C an hour depending on the size of the pool, the size of the heat pump, the water temperature, and the ambient air temperature at the moment of operation.

Even though the Electroheat may require longer operation, it will still heat the pool far more economically.

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How does an electric pool heater compare with solar heating and gas heating?

 

Solar

• Fuelled by the power of the sun, solar heating systems are a low-cost method of heating up your pool water.

• As solar heating is reliant on the sun, they are best used to extend the swimming season.

• Virtually no operating costs, just the cost of electricity to pump the pool water through the solar absorber on the roof.

Gas heaters (N/A for Tasmania)

• Gas heaters are the fastest method for heating your pool, providing a comfortable temperature for swimming on demand. Gas is best for heating pools or spas for short periods of time.

• Gas heaters can easily maintain any desired temperature regardless of the weather.

• Gas heaters are effective, but expensive to operate.

  Heat pumps

• Heat pumps may not heat up the swimming pool as fast as gas heaters, but are more energy efficient.

• Heat pumps require a small amount of electricity; its heat energy source is extracted from the ambient air.