Views: 1831 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2021-11-23 Origin: Site
Congratulations! You’ve purchased a pool heat pump, a fantastic decision indeed. Now, you are set to enjoy significant savings and suitable pool temperatures the entire season. All that is left is for you to install it.
Pool heat pumps installation is a manageable undertaking, but only with the relevant knowledge and expertise. Ideally, you want this new accessory to deliver efficient and long life, and your installation must adhere to all state and local codes.
If you want to know how to do it, you have come to the right place. This detailed guide will highlight how you can plan, manage, and complete installing your pool heat pump, particularly choosing the ideal location and how to prepare, plan, and set up your heating pump. Plus, the common mistakes you should avoid. Ready to learn about pool heat pump installation? Let’s get going.
The best place to install pool heat pumps is outdoors with good clearance, as they require ample air circulation, preferably on the ground level near a pool filter or pump in a location with restricted airflow.
One of the most crucial factors to consider after getting your pool heat pump is finding the ideal installation location. Typically, the best place to install your unit is a spacious outdoor spot-especially one that has direct exposure to ultra-violet light.
Note: Avoid installing your pool's heat pump in enclosed environments since such settings are limited to proper ventilation.
Heat pumps require enough circulatory air conditions and work at their peak levels in open surroundings. Your pool's heat pump should be on flat ground in proximity to your pool filter or pump. Be sure to counter-check that the amount of circulating air is in a regulated flow. You can also seek guidance from the operating manual your pool's heat pump comes with. It will give you a detailed procedure on the best ways to place, clear its surroundings, and the preferred site to dock your pool's heat pump.
Your pool's heat pump should always be near the filter and distant from the pool (approximately 25 feet). Since your pool's plumbing resides underground, the heat pump must not be far from the above approximate order to avoid heat loss. Additionally, you should allow for at least 24 inches of clear surroundings within your pool's heat pump.
Once you find the ideal location, ensure your pool heat pump's rear and house are at least 2 feet separate from each other and a minimum of 2 feet and six feet in front and above, respectively, to allow for efficient air circulation.
For future upgrades and servicing endeavors, always ensure enough space around your pool's heat pump to facilitate easy access.
In summary, when it comes to installing your pool heat pump, you should install the pool heater as close to the filter as possible. Essentially, ensure that you install it approximately 25 feet away from the pool. Installing your unit farther can result in heat loss because the tubing is located underground.
The base of your unit should be level ( flat) irrespective of whether it's below or above water level. Typically, you can install your pump on a concrete base, a small timber decking section, or some paving slabs set on the sand. Since the pump generates minimal vibrations, it is hard to disrupt your paving slabs.
Depending on your heat pump weight and size, there is also a need to allocate a large surface area or base to place your pump. You can decide to have one made of block plinth or consolidate a solid concrete. Ensure your heat pump's stand is not fixated on your house since heat pumps tend to render vibrations and somewhat disturbing noises. Your heat pump should be leveled with a filter pad.
To allow for proper air circulations around your pool's heat, always ensure to expose it to open surroundings away from walls, fences, foliage, and any form of shade. This maintains its full functioning capacities. Look out for roof drainage and gutters, so you don't end up placing your heat pump anywhere close to them since during heavy rains, it may suffer damages from dripping water and debris.
In countries like the U.S, one must place the heat pump a minimum of 60" away from the interior wall of any pool barricade. Other countries like Canada require you to separate the heat pump and the pool at least 120". Regardless, ensure the heat pump system is not too far from the pool to avoid heat loss and reduction of water flow.
In humid areas, your heat pump will be prone to draining vast amounts of condensed liquids. To counter such occurrences, you can use a functioning pan hose to prevent excess water from mal-functioning your heat pump system.
Below are essential plumbing connections for proper installation:
· Isolation valves in case you lack a bypass
· PVC Tee’s
· Sacrificial anode
· 2” 40 PVC pipe
· 2" fittings and a lookout valve to block chlorine water from backflow into the heat pump.
If you are upgrading or replacing your pool's heat pump, you may need to improvise and align your plumbing connections with the newly acquired machinery.
Your plumbing design should be easily adjustable to allow for heat pump connections to your pool. For first-time installations, you can go for your preferred design but ensure to minimize the number of fittings in case you'll need a heat pump replacement. Your plumbing should not be directly exposed to avoid tampering or breaking of your piping.
Existing plumbing designs also need a few adjustments to fit the new heat pump system for your pool. First, install the filter unit, then you can fit the heat pump, which then prompts for installation of a chlorinator.
· Check valve: You must fit an essential (corrosion-resistant) check valve, usually between your chlorinator/chemical feeder and your heater outlet, to ensure no backflow of water comprising pool chemicals or chlorine. Usually, these elements may accumulate within your heater, leading to corrosion and malfunction.
· Sacrificial anode: Once you fit a sacrificial anode in your swimming pool’s plumbing system, it adds a protection layer preventing pool equipment corrosion. Furthermore, installing an inline sacrificial node helps prevent and safeguard the pool from corrosion. Ideally, it is an easy to install and inexpensive investment to safeguard your new heat pump.
· Electrics: Finally, if you install a new heater to replace an existing one, you need to assess and ensure the power supply suits your pool pump. This, therefore, mandates that you install your heat pump in a setting that has a reliable power supply. If there exists no wiring, you can install a specifically dedicated line suited to power your heat pump. While installing your electrics, ensure that you install an electric disconnect switch within sight of your unit to allow instant cutting off power in case of emergencies.
Note: If you are unsure about your local codes, you should hire a professional electrician to ensure you comply with the regulations and keep your family safe.
With power suitably in place and minimal plumbing, your installation process should only take a few hours to complete. If you are beginning from scratch, although you can do it yourself, it is often quicker, safer, and best to hire a professional to install your unit to ensure it is done right and complies with all codes and warranty terms.
And remember, the total energy savings usually vary with location and climate-hence the need to find a suitable place. In the end, once your heating pump is installed and operational, you can sit and enjoy comfortable pool temperatures, all without necessarily breaking the bank.
Good Luck!
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
