Categories
- Before buying
- Installation
- Maintenance
- After purchase
Before buying
What capacity should I choose for my pool and is it better to install a stronger model than recommended?
There is no disadvantage to install a larger size than recommended because the heat pump will run for shorter periods of time and the water will warm up faster. In terms of electricity consumption, it’s almost equal because yes, the heat pump will run for less time, but it will consume more energy when running, so ultimately it will be similar. As a general rule, if you have 1.3 certified BTU/litre for an in-ground pool and 1.5 certified BTU/litre for an above-ground pool, you can’t go wrong. It all comes down to budget at the time of purchasing!
How many degrees per hour?
This value can vary a lot. It depends on the water temperature, the outside air temperature, the humidity level, the power of the unit and the volume of water. But with an adequate pool heat pump and in a normal temperature, the average is around 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit per hour.
What is a reversible heat pump and is it necessary?
Heat pumps that have a small evaporator surface (fins similar to a car radiator) tend to frost up quickly, so manufacturers of these models have integrated a hot gas defrost to counteract this. Heat pumps with a large evaporator surface do not really have this issue but will offer a shorter defrosting time in cool weathers.
Which company do I recommend?
Each model has its strengths and weaknesses, and by discussing with you I will be able to recommend the best choice for the size of your pool.
Are pool heat pumps noisy?
A heat pump moves a lot of air, which obviously generates noise. The noise level is similar to a pool pump. The regulations in this matter are quite strict and it must be kept below 55 decibels at a distance of 3 meters (10 feet). Use caution because some manufacturers display the decibels at 10 meters…. over 30 feet!
Is the power consumption the same from one brand to another?
Contrary to what some pool retailers say, some brands and models consume much more electricity than others. For example, a good 75-85,000 BTUs heat pump should consume around 16-17A. On the other hand, some low-end models are close to 24A! 50% more!
Installation
Does the heat pump need to be installed in a sunny spot?
A heat pump uses the heat from the ambient air to transfer it to the pool water. It is true that the air temperature is higher in the sun than in the shade, so it will perform better on sunny days. However, in most cases, the heat pump will be running mainly at night or on cold and cloudy days. Therefore, the choice of location becomes less important in these cases. There is no problem with installing a heat pump in the shade, as long as there is a sufficient supply of air around it.
What is included in the installation?
Each installation is different, but typically all plumbing hardware is provided and included. The base is at the discretion of the customer. The electrical work must be done by a master electrician who will supply the required wire and breaker.
Is it necessary to install a ground-fault circuit breaker (GFI)?
The Electrical Code states that if the heat pump is more than 10 feet from the water, it is not necessary to install one.
Maintenance
What is the life span of a heat pump and what kind of maintenance does it require?
A high-quality heat pump has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. It requires minimal maintenance such as cleaning the evaporator if it is clogged with pollen or leaves, checking the water quality (Ph, Alkalinity,…), adequate draining in the fall in preparation for the cold season.
Should the heat pump be turned off at night?
There are different opinions on this topic and I believe that there is no right or wrong answer. Some prefer to turn it off at night because it is less efficient and they want the silence. Others prefer to leave it on so that it runs mainly at night and very little during the day.
After purchase
What are the advantages of buying from you rather than from a pool retailer?
You will be dealing with a professional specialized in this field. In addition to getting very competitive prices, you can browse at your own pace without being pressured by a salesperson. I am available 7 days a week to answer your questions. Moreover, if any problem occurs, I will be your technician.
Who will honor the warranty in case of breakage?
No matter where you buy your heat pump, it is always the manufacturer who honors the warranty by using their own technicians or subcontractors. If you contact me directly, I can often do the repair before the manufacturer even opens the service call. However, if you buy from a pool supplier, they will contact the manufacturer and they will forward the service call to a person like me….. resulting in much longer delays!