Living in Western Australia comes with the privilege of enjoying warm, dry outdoor weather for most of the year. A swimming pool—whether in your backyard or at a local facility—offers the perfect way to cool off, relax, and make the most of the sunshine. However, as the cooler months approach, many pool owners wonder how to maximise their pool's use before winter truly sets in. The answer lies in the efficiency of a pool heat pump.
This blog will answer the question of ‘how does a pool heat pump work’, explaining why they’re a smart investment, and resolve a few persistent myths surrounding their use.
What is a Pool Heat Pump?
A pool heat pump is an energy-efficient device that transfers heat from the air to your pool water. Unlike traditional gas or electric heaters, which burn fuel or consume large amounts of electricity to generate heat, heat pumps utilise the ambient warmth in the air. This process requires significantly less energy, making heat pumps a more sustainable and cost-effective heating solution for your pool.
How Does a Pool Heat Pump Work?
To better understand the mechanics of a pool heat pump, let's break it down step by step:
- Air Intake: The heat pump uses a fan to draw in air from the surrounding environment.
- Heat Absorption: As the air passes over the evaporator coil filled with refrigerant, it absorbs the heat and turns the refrigerant into gas.
- Compression: The system compresses the gas, significantly increasing its temperature.
- Heat Exchange: The heated gas then moves through a heat exchanger, transferring its warmth to the pool water and gradually raising its temperature.
Cooling Cycle: After transferring the heat, the refrigerant cools and returns to its liquid state, ready to repeat the cycle.
The Benefits of a Pool Heat Pump
Though the initial installation cost of a pool heat pump may seem like a considerable drawback, the long-term benefits far outweigh the expense:
How To Get The Most of Your Pool Heat Pump
To get the most out of your system, we recommend that you schedule a service with a professional pool technician. Engaging an expert to means they can:
- Clean the evaporator coil to prevent debris build-up.
- Inspect the fan for blockages that could impact airflow.
- Check refrigerant levels and ensure the compressor and other key components are functioning properly.
At Pool Assist, our team of licensed technicians can conduct regular maintenance for your pool and its system, taking the complexities of pool care out of your hands, and letting you enjoy it.
Pool Heat Pump Myths Debunked
As pool heat pumps have gained popularity, several misconceptions continue to mislead potential buyers. At Pool Assist, we want to address these myths and provide accurate information to help you make the best decision for your pool system.
Myth: Pool heat pumps will heat water instantly.
Fact: Heat pumps gradually warm the pool water, maintaining a consistent temperature rather than delivering rapid heating.
Myth: Heat pumps are only suitable for large pools.
Fact: Pool heat pumps come in various sizes, making them effective for small to medium pools when properly sized for the pool’s volume.
Myth: Heat pumps only work during the summer.
Fact: Pool heat pumps can extend your swimming season into spring and autumn. They draw heat from the air, even in cooler temperatures, due to the use of refrigerant gases and compressors.
Enjoy Your Pool For Longer with Pool Assist
Now you know how exactly a pool heat pump works, experience it for yourself with our team at Pool Assist. We’re lucky to be stockists for some of Australia’s leading pool equipment brands such as Astral, Evoheat, Genesis and Zodiac and can easily set you up properly.
Get the most out of your pool system and extend your swimming season with Pool Assist. Contact us today or come in-store for a more personalised experience, where we can answer any questions you may have and give you a demonstration of how a pool heat pump works.