Are Pool Heat Pumps Worth It? How Do They Work?

Temperatures in swimming pools vary in line with the environment. In the cold months, swimming pools' palatability changes to unsavory. But, all you crave is that swim even if the pool is cold. While you may get what you want, it won't come without any discomforts. And worse enough, you may decide not to step into the pool. All swimming pools need upkeeps to run safely and clean all year round. Even so, there is the season that inhibits their usability. 

However, you can still get around this with the aid of a pool heat pump. Heat pumps are costly investments to start with. However, they work efficiently to help you get the most out of the swim seasons. I’ll explain why pool heat pumps are worth it and how they work, but first, 

What Are Pool Heat Pumps?

Heat pumps are appliances that you can hook up on your swimming pool circulation system. They mesh metals and have shapes like columns. On their sides, they feature programmable choices with fun-like blades on top. 

The Department of Energy lists gas pool heaters, solar pool heaters, and heat pumps as efficient ways of heating your pool. However, let not the word energy-efficient fool. These tools are not equal, to be exact. 

Solar heaters and heat pumps, unlike gas heaters, do not produce heat transfer. The two have similar designs and are the most efficient heaters in the current market.  

The Mechanisms and Processes of a Heat Pump at Work 

A heat pump uses electricity to drain warm air in its setting. It then transfers the heat extracted from the warm air into the pool. But that's a black and white explanation, right? Here is a colored step-by-step detail!

Step 1 

A heat pump takes in water from your swimming pool. The suction process, however, does not mean that Freon interacts with the pool water.

Step 2 

The pool heat pump repeatedly compresses its Freon until it attains a temperature of 93 degrees Celsius. 

Step 3 

The Freon moves into the low-pressure region of the heat pump. As soon as its pressure is released, hot gases start to form. On the other hand, the heat pump fan sucks in warm air from the environment. The air flows over evaporator coils. Should the temperatures of this air be greater, evaporator coils will absorb much Freon in the next step. 

Step 4 

The Freon gas flows in the evaporator coils to cool the gas. While in this process, the gas transfers its heat to the water in step 1. Thereon, it goes back into the pool. 

Once the pool gets enough heat, the freon used in the process transitions back to liquid state. Also, the cycle repeats itself until the pool is getting heat sufficiently. The Freon gas will also not contact your pool's water, thanks to the evaporation coils. 

So, Are Pool Heat Pumps Worth Having? Let's See 

Now that you know how a pool heat pump function, what do you get from them? 

Clearly, it seems that you are never to worry about chilly temperatures when you want to use the pool. Pool heat pumps are game-changers with other benefits besides comfort. For instance, you get to;

Swim for longer 

Pool heat pumps lengthen your swim season and time. You can open your pool early and close it late in the day. It guarantees your swim time during the fall. And if your residence experiences super mild winters, not receding 50 Fahrenheit, a pool heat pump prevents you from closing the pool. 

Safeguard Your Pool

Algae blooms in warmer temperatures. But pool experts still recommend that you open your pool early and close it late. This way, the pool's water remains cold in the off-season. You are also less likely to spot your pool with a lime, shadowy mess in the spring. Nonetheless, if you use a pool heat pump, you only have to turn it off a few days before closing the pool. That will ensure that the water cools down below 60 Fahrenheit. 

Saves your money 

A pool heat pump, too, can help you save a lot of money. (That's the being worth it point to contemplate). The heat produced by pool heat pumps is basically free since they utilize modest quantities of power to pull in ambient air. Also, a heat pump can maintain your pool between 80- 90 degrees for as little as $50 per month. However, that depends on your exact temps and local electricity rates.

Another distinction of pool heat pumps from the gas heater is that it needs no natural or propane gas to operate. When comparing the two, it becomes an additional expenditure. Natural or propane gas often costs pool operators hundreds of dollars per year, even with reduced costs. On the other hand, Pool heat pumps require nothing more from an energy source. Provided, with such, they will run for years. 

Lastly, it can work under low temperatures. 

No, no, no, sorry, let's not rush into it.   

The pool heat pump is a brilliant invention, yet it is in use in the actual world. Local temps must be at least 50 Fahrenheit so that it gets adequate warm air from the surroundings. Otherwise, the pool heat pump will perform a lot of labor with little results, which will show up on your monthly power bill.

If you encounter cold conditions throughout the winter, take your pool heat appliances inside for the season. Throughout any winter storm, the least you want is irreversible harm to your machinery. Oops sorry! But, if your temperatures are no beyond 50 Fahrenheit, the heat pool pump will save the day. 

Wrapping up, are pool heat pumps worth it? 

Okay, ladies and gentlemen, it is a simple, yes, to put it briefly. When your pool is heated, you'll utilize it a lot more! Pool heat pumps, as already said, are a more effective use of power since they transfer the heat of the surrounding air into the water.

Pool heat pumps have a cheaper yearly cost than gas heaters, making them appealing to pool owners who wish to use their haven all year. And I don't know if you noticed, mother nature says thank you. Unlike gas heaters that use fossil fuels and propane gases, pool heater pumps draw their heat from natural air. 

Also of Interest: 

• The Right Way to Install Swimming Pool Air Source Heat Pumps

• Air to Water Swimming Pool Heat Pumps vs. Traditional Pool Water Heaters