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WHAT IS A HEAT PUMP?
Heat pumps are relatively new to the swimming pool market, however
the technology incorporated in their operation has been used
in the air conditioning and refrigeration industries for many
years.
Heat pumps operate rather like a refrigerator in reverse - using
the air surrounding it
in order to gather heat for transfer.
Heat is gathered from air drawn through the unit, and transferred
to the refrigerant carried in pipes through the Heat Pump, then
the temperature is increased by compressing the refrigerant.
The heat is then transferred to the pool water contained in
adjacent piping.
ADVANTAGES
The major advantage of electric heat pumps is that they are
extremely energy efficient.
In simple terms, the heat pump consumes very little energy by
way of electricity to operate,
compared to the amount of energy it produces in the form of
heat. For example, if a heat pump consumes 2 kW of electricity
it will produce 6 to 10 kW of heat energy. This efficiency ratio
is referred to as a C.O.P. (co-efficient of performance).
SIZING:
Heat Pumps can be obtained in a number of sizes ranging from
2 kW to 200 kW output. The one to suit your application will
depend on careful consideration of the following factors;
Location - local climatic conditions largely influence selection
Temperature - your choice, however as a guide:-
exercise and/or fun pool - 24 to 28 degrees C
therapeutic exercise - 28 to 35 degrees C
spa pool - 34 to 38 degrees C
Size of Pool - determine the pool volume by multiplying the
surface area in sq. metres
by the average depth (including wading areas and spa). Select
the appropriate unit for
the volume of the pool.
Shading & exposure to wind - these can effect the heat losses
and gains of heated water.
Pool position - indoor or outdoor
Swimming season - do you want to swim all year round or just
extend the season?
INSTALLATION
Heat Pumps can be installed indoors or outdoors. However, before
deciding on the heaters
position, consideration should be given to air flow and ventilation.
The Heat Pump uses a fan to draw in air across a coil and then
expels it. If positioned indoors, allow for this ventilation.
For outdoor installation the heater can be positioned at ground
level (50mm plinth preferred),
mounted on a wall or even sat on a roof. Units can be included
as part of the pump/filter network or plumbed as a separate
heating circuit.
Average size domestic installations generally require a single
phase electrical connection. Larger pools may require three
phase power.
Where available off-peak connection is advantageous to further
reduce running costs.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR :
All heat pumps should have some form of flow control device
to prevent the unit operating without adequate water flow.
Heat Pumps are all thermostatically controlled. However these
controllers may range from
analogue dial type units to micro-processed digital devices.
To the operator, all these types
produce the same result, and that is to control the pool temperature
to your desired setting. An advantage of the digital type is
that the settings are displayed more clearly.
Naturally not all heat pumps are the same. Some may have features
that others do not. Some
manufacturers provide additional controls including time clock
and/or pump interlock to ensure the
most economical operation of the heat pump/pool pump.
Whatever your choice, make sure you deal with a SPASA member
when the time comes to
choose your swimming pool heat pump.
Warning: When heat pumps are used on salt chlorinated
pools, care should be taken to ensure the production of chlorine
is adjusted to suit either the spa or pool, as excessive salt
and/or chlorine levels can damage internal components. This
is particularly important when operating for extended periods
during heat-up.
If you are unsure which type of Pool or Spa Heating best
suits you, contact
us and we will be happy to advise you. We carry a the
largest range of gas heaters, heat pumps and electric heaters
in Australia.
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