Performance Heat Pump: Pool Heating Solutions in NZ
Having a swimming pool in your own home means you can enjoy a refreshing dip or a splash party any time you want. But that’s only during the warmer months. When the temperatures dip, that’s when you realize you need a pool heating system to extend your swim season. In fact, maintaining the ideal pool temperature is a must because it keeps harmful bacteria from growing in the water and prevents limescale buildup in your water filtration system.
As far as pool heating goes, there is one for every budget, lifestyle and location. Your three main choices are gas, solar and heat pumps.
Gas pool heaters are best if you use your pool occasionally, because it heats the water quickly up to 40oC no matter how cold the weather is. These are a popular option in chilly and snowy areas. Solar pool heaters are also reliable and relatively low-cost, considering it has virtually no operating costs. Naturally, it’s the best option if you live in a location that receives lots of sunshine year-round like many parts in New Zealand. However, the high initial setup costs can be discouraging. Hence, many Kiwis prefer to use heat pumps which are a great heating method if you use your pool more often and live in warmer climates. They are reliable, highly efficient and generally more economical to run compared to gas and electric heaters.
For optimum efficiency, a heat pump must be suitably located outdoors where it can receive a good air flow to operate and extract heat from. Minimum clearance requirements must also be followed to ensure the expelled air does not recirculate back into the unit, as this will cause a drop in efficiency. If the unit has horizontal fans, it must not sit too close to a wall or other obstruction. If the unit has vertical fans, there must be no roof, low hanging trees, etc. Below is an example of suboptimal location for a pool heat pump.
Long water pipes must also be avoided to ensure sufficient water flow rate through the heat pump.
Heat pump repair
Your heat pump will take some strain when heating your swimming pool season after season, so you can expect some problems to arise. Some of the common issues you might run into include:
- Unit is running without heat output – Usually caused by obstructions around the unit or ambient temperatures below 50o
- Unit is taking too long to heat the pool water – The heat pump may not be sized properly or may be in bad condition.
- Unit stopped running – There might be a problem with the circuit breaker, positioning of the valves or the thermostat setting.
- Unit is leaking water – This may simply be condensation forming and dripping from th unit due to a clogged drain. .
- Unit has poor water flow – Usually caused by debris blocking the filter, or the valves may be closed.
If all else fails or if some parts are broken, it’s best to call in professionals. This may also be the perfect time to upgrade your pool heating system to a performance heat pump.
Performance heat pumps
Because they rely on ambient temperature, traditional heat pumps tend to suffer a drop in efficiency when the weather gets colder. They are also susceptible to icing during winter season. This is where performance heat pumps enter.
This modern type of heat pump automatically maintains a set temperature in your swimming pool regardless of external weather conditions, which means they perform reliably all year-round – even in New Zealand’s harshest weather. It provides around 10kW of heat for every 2kW of electric input.
When sized properly, they also prove to be more energy efficient so you can enjoy a heated pool at an extremely low cost of operation.
Our performance heat pumps provide the best in terms of efficiency, cost and durability. If you look at its features, you’ll see why:
- Heavy gauge galvanized steel cabinetry with polyester powder coat finish for superior corrosion protection
- Epoxy-coated aluminium fins for extra rust resistance in coastal areas
- Coil fins on rifled copper tubes ensure faster heat transfer
- Built-in refrigeration safety switches
- TX valve for more efficient low-ambient operation
- Compressors with built-in internal and external overload
- Electronic reverse cycle de-ice control
- Ozone-friendly refrigerants
- Electronic controller with digital display
Getting a new performance heat pump installed will cost you around NZD$12,000, including the removal of old units, modification of existing pipework, labour and Master Plumber guarantee. It’s a sizeable investment but the long-term savings are far greater. It’s typically more practical than repairing and dealing with an older, less efficient heat pump.
To get the best value, your performance heat pump must be properly sized and installed.
Here at Pool Heating NZ, you will be dealing with people who understand your needs and concerns as a pool owner. With energy efficiency and economy in mind, our solutions are designed and manufactured in New Zealand for New Zealand. Our partnership with reputable product providers and established industry organisations allow us to provide professionally engineered products that are fit for purpose, compliant with the Standards, and made to the highest quality.
Want to learn more about your pool heating options? Call us on 0800 POOLHEAT (766 543).
