The Ultimate Guide to Energy-Efficient Pool Heating in 2024

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With the winter months fast approaching, swimming in pools won’t be as common as it was during other months. Such a reaction is common for folks who don’t have a pool heating system. Modern pool heat pumps can heat your pool, making it warm enough for you to take a dip.

If you’re considering getting one of these pool heat pumps, you must be well-informed before deciding. Therefore, this article will be the ultimate guide to help you choose the best energy-efficient pool heat pump system. You’ll also learn how these heat pumps can reduce your energy costs and environmental impact.

Introduction to Pool Heat Pumps and Their Benefits

Pool heat pumps are devices designed to gather heat from the air around them and then move it to the pool, heating the water. This process uses less energy than electric or gas heaters. These devices are usually installed outside since they draw in air from their surroundings.

Pool heat pumps are gaining widespread acceptance and usage because of their numerous benefits, such as:

  • Energy Efficiency: These pumps use less energy, which makes them energy efficient. This, in turn, makes them a cost-effective pool heating option since you won’t have to spend so much on energy bills when you use them.
  • All-Year-Round Usage: These heat pumps allow you to use your pool even during winter when it is naturally cold.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Compared to gas heaters that use propane or natural gas, these electric heat pumps don’t emit substances that can hurt the environment.
energy efficiency

How Heat Pumps Work: Energy Efficiency and COP Explained

The operating technology used by heat pumps is the same as that used by air conditioners or refrigerators. The water pump in the device sucks in water from the pool, which then passes through the filter and heat exchanger. 

At the same time, warm air from the surroundings enters the device and moves through the fan and evaporator. When the air reaches the evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs the heat and transforms it into gas, which is passed through the compressor. 

The compressor heats this gas before moving it to the condenser and then to the heat exchanger, where it mixes with the water that was sucked in. Finally, the heated water is sent to the pool. This cycle is repeated over and over again.

Energy efficiency refers to how efficiently the device uses energy and is measured by the pool heat pump’s Coefficient of Performance (COP). COP measures heat transfer efficiency, which means that devices with higher COP ratings are more energy efficient. 

Comparing Heat Pumps to Gas and Electric Heaters

Comparing Heat Pumps to Gas and Electric Heaters

Heat pumps work differently in terms of operational processes than gas and electric heaters. These eco-friendly heat pumps capture and transfer heat rather than generate it as heaters do. Due to this simple operational difference, the pumps use less energy. 

They might be more expensive initially but are cost-effective in the long run. When you use electric heaters, you’ll need to pay electricity bills. If you opt for gas heaters, you have to continuously buy natural gas or propane.

Top Energy-Efficient Pool Heat Pump Models of 2024

To save you the stress of shopping around, we’ve compiled a list of the top energy-efficient pool heat pump models of 2024. All of these models have Energy Star certification. Let’s take a look at their features and specifications.

Arctic Titanium Heat Pump 060ZA/B 

The Artie Titanium Heat Pump 060ZA/B is best suited for temperate climates. It has 95,500 BTU and a capacity of 28 KW. It is suitable for pools, hot tubs, and spas. Its control feature lets you vary between cool and hot depending on the weather.

Arctic Titanium Heat Pump 015ZA/B

This DC converter is ideal for hot areas because it can heat and cool your pool. The Artic Titanium Heat Pump 015ZA/B can achieve temperatures as low as -4°F (-20°C), allowing you to enjoy a cool swim during the summer. It has 23,000 BTU, 6.7KW capacity, and a COP of 3.6-13.

Arctic Heat Pump 035ZA/B.

With 29,000 BTU, the Arctic Heat Pump 035ZA/B is ideal for frigid climates. Although it can heat and cool, this climate-specific pool heating system performs best during the colder months and locations. When combined with a suitable pool size, you can save more than 70% on energy. 

Maintenance Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Although pool heat pumps are designed to function with little maintenance, this important responsibility shouldn’t be neglected. Below are some maintenance tips you can perform yourself to maximize energy efficiency. 

  • Check Refrigerant Levels: Time and again, you should ensure you check the refrigerant levels. Always confirm that they are not lower or higher than the recommended range. 
  • Clean the Filters: Carrying out this task will not only preserve the life of the machine, but it will also enhance its efficiency.
  • Examine Electrical Connections: Pay close attention to the controls and connections to see if it is damaged or not. 

Conclusion

Energy-efficient heat pools are making life more enjoyable for people who still want to swim during the winter. While they might seem pricey at first, the amount you will save on energy bills easily makes up for the initial cost. With the current advanced models, there’s never been a better time to invest in energy-efficient pool heating.

Choosing the Perfect Pool Heat Pump for Your Climate and Pool Size

Pool Heat Pump

If you’ve made up your mind to get a pool heat pump, it’s a wise decision. However, you cannot just choose the first heat pump you see. You need to consider several factors before you decide. Therefore, this piece will guide you through the process of choosing a heat pump based on climate, pool dimensions, and energy needs.

Importance of Choosing the Right Heat Pump

Choosing the right heat pump is important for several key reasons:

  • Efficiency: Heat pumps are not created equally; as a result, their heating capacity varies. With the wrong choice, the device won’t pump in enough heat to warm up your pool. 
  • Cost-Savings: The advantage of pool heat pumps over electric heaters is that they don’t use too much energy. Therefore, when you choose a device that can efficiently heat your pool, you get to save cost on excess energy bills. 
  • Environmental Protection: Another alternative apart from electric heaters is gas heaters. These heaters use natural gas and propane, which can add carbon monoxide to the atmosphere. You won’t have such issues when you purchase a pool heat pump. 
  • All-Year-Round Use: The right pool heat pump will effectively warm your pool even during winter. This allows you to use your pool all through the year.

Factors Influencing Your Choice: Pool Size, Climate, and Heat Loss

Like any other product, you need to consider certain factors before deciding. Let’s look at them.

Pool Size

The pool’s size matters a lot when you want to choose a heat pump. A larger pool requires more heat and energy to get it to the desired temperature. If you choose an undersized heat pump, it will only partially heat your pool. This, in turn, will lead to higher energy consumption and bills, without reaching your target comfort. To prevent all these issues, choose a heat pump that matches the size of your pool by knowing the actual pool volume.  Use our pool heat pump sizing tool to get the best match.

Climate

You should always choose a pool heat pump with climate in mind. Colder climates require a large heat pump since they’ll need to work harder to overcome the cold temperature before heating the pool. As you might have guessed, you can use smaller heat pumps in warmer climates. If you live on the coast, where there is so much wind, a higher-capacity pump is required.

Heat Loss

Some pools have covers that help insulate the pool, reducing heat loss. If your pool experiences consistent heat loss, you’ll need a bigger pump to compensate for this loss. However, if your pool retains heat, you can use a smaller heat pump to maintain the temperature. But bear in mind that heat loss is influenced by season. So, think about your pool’s ability to retain or lose heat in the season you plan to use the pool and choose your heat pump for this season.

Arctic Pool Heat Pump

Best Heat Pumps for Different Climates: Cold, Moderate, and Hot

Now that you know how much climate plays a role in the choice of heat pump, let’s look at some of the Arctic Heat pumps and see where they are most suitable for different climates. 

Arctic Titanium Pool Heat Pump – 035ZA/B

With 29,000 BTU, the Arctic Heat Pump 035ZA/B is perfect for smaller bodies of water such as hot tub or lap pools in all climates. It can heat and cool.  This smaller system works in all seasons for both heating and cooling. When used with the appropriate pool size, you can save above 70% on energy. 

Arctic Titanium Heat Pump – 060ZA/B

The Artic Titanium Pool Heat Pump 060ZA/B is ideal for larger pools. It has 95,500 BTU and a 28KW capacity. It can be used for pools, large hot tubs, and commercial spas. Its control feature allows you to switch from cool to hot depending on the weather.  It can heat and cool and is ideal for pools that require cooling in the summer.

Arctic Titanium Heat Pump for Spas – 015ZA/B

This DC inverter pool heat pump is perfect for hot tubs because it heats and cools your spa. The Artic Titanium Heat Pump 015ZA/B can work in low temperatures of down to -4°F (-20°C). So, during winter, you can enjoy a warm hot tub with maximum energy saving, thanks to this heat pump. It has 23,000 BTU, a 6.7KW capacity, and a 3.6-13 COP.

Accurate Sizing and Professional Installation

Tips for Accurate Sizing and Professional Installation

Before you buy a pool heat pump, you need to carry out proper pool heat pump sizing. Here are the tips to help you accurately size your pool heat pump.

  • Measure your Pool Volume: Measure your pool’s width and length. Multiply both values (width x length) to get the pool’s surface area. Next, multiply this surface area by your pool’s depth. The result equals the pool volume.
  • Calculate the Required Kilowatts: Divide the pool volume by a conversion factor of 2500. 

Installation is also important to get the best out of your heat pump. Here are some tips you should follow:

  • Make sure the heat pump has room.  Minimum 12” from a wall and no obstructions infront of the fans. 
  • Install it close to your pool’s filtration system. 

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is a Heat Pump Right for You?

Pool heat pumps cost about $1,500 to $5,000 on average. While this might seem expensive initially, its energy savings is substantial and most high-performance pool heat pumps can save as much as 70% of the energy cost.  This means your return on investment ROI is very high and often an Arctic Heat Pump can pay for itself in less than 2 year.  Furthermore, the negative environmental effects of gas heaters make heat pumps the best option out of the three.

Conclusion

Where you live, the size of your pool and energy needs are important factors to consider when choosing the perfect pool heat pump. If these factors are not properly considered, you might end up with a pump that isn’t effective. Therefore, we recommend you follow the information in this guide to get the perfect pool heat pump.

Arctic’s Pool Heat Pumps for 2024: Features, Reviews, and Benefits

Arctic’s Pool Heat Pumps

Are you shopping for a pool heat pump but can’t get the right one? In this guide, we’ll review Arctic’s pool heat pumps of 2024, highlighting efficiency, cost, and features.

Overview of Pool Heat Pumps and Their Benefits

Pool heat pumps are devices designed to heat pools by gathering heat around them and moving it to the pool. This simple process allows you to maintain a constant water temperature regardless of the weather. 

These devices are beneficial for the following reasons:

  • Energy Savings: Compared to other pool heating alternatives, heat pumps offer the best energy savings of the lot. You can save over $2000 in one year in energy savings using a heat pump at 85 degrees throughout the year. 
  • No Pollution: Unlike gas heaters, heat pumps do not pollute the environment with natural gas or propane byproducts.
  • Quiet: Heat pumps are designed to operate quietly. This feature ensures you won’t be bothered by annoying noises as you relax in the pool.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Heat Pump

For you to claim you have the best heat pump, it must meet the following criteria:

  • Inverter Technology: With inverter technology, your heat pump’s energy conversion can be automatically adjusted to match the temperature change. As a result, heat pumps with this technology can save up to 50% on energy versus non inverter heat pumps.
  • Energy Efficiency: Energy efficiency means the device uses less energy to heat your pool. Energy-efficient pool heat pumps usually have a high coefficient of performance (COP). So, ensure you go for a model with a high COP.
  • Low Noise: Certain heat pump models like the Arctic Pool Heat Pumps operate silently thanks to their DC inverter fans and super-silent DC inverter compressors.
Arctic Heat Pump Models

In-Depth Review of Arctic Heat Pump Models

Browsing through different heat pump models can be confusing. To save you from all the confusion, here’s a side by side review of the top 5 pool heat pumps.

Arctic Titanium Heat Pump 015ZA/B

The Arctic heat pump 015ZA/B is perfect for swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. You can enjoy a maximum of 6.7KW or 23,000 heat energy from this device. The heat pump can work in temperatures as low as -4°F or -20°C, making it one of the best heat pump for cold climates. The 015ZA/B costs $2,245.94.

Arctic Titanium Heat Pump 025ZA/B

This DC inverter heat pump can heat and chill your pool, making it perfect for any climate and season. It is designed to produce about 37,500 BTU or 11KW of heat energy. It can save you up to 80% on energy costs compared to regular pool heating options. It costs $2,732.55.

Arctic Titanium Heat Pump 040ZA/B

The 040ZA/B is similar to the 025ZA/B model above but can produce up to 60,000 BTU or 17.5KW of heat energy. It can reach temperatures as high as 104°F while working in 20°F conditions. Since it can also cool your pool, it has three working modes: Auto, heating, and cooling. This heat pump is sold for $4,372.76.

Artic Titanium Heat Pump 060ZA/B

The Arctic High Temperature Heat Pump 060ZA/B is one of the best heat pumps you’ll ever find. It can also heat and cool your pool. While it is a good chiller, it’s a fantastic heater as it can produce 95,500 BTU or 28KW of heat energy. Its easy-to-operate LCD controller lets you to set the water temperature and other features. To enjoy all these features, you’ll spend $5,051.26 to get one.

Arctic Hydronic High Temperature Heat Pump 030ZA/BEH2

If you need a pool heat pump to work in colder that -30 C (-22F) then the Arctic High Temperature Heat pump with its inverter technology and two-stage compression cycle will do the job.  This device can heat up to temperatures as high as 185°F or 85°C.  A heat exchanger is needed to indirectly heat a pool using this heat pump.  However, It can also be used in very low-temperature regions, as low as -22°F or -30°C. So, if you live in a cold climate, this might just be the heat pump you need for indoor pools or hot tubs.

Arctic Inverter Pool Heat Pump

Features That Set These Heat Pumps Apart (e.g., noise levels, digital controls, durability)

Why are the Arctic Heat Pumps the best? Here are some of the features that make these heat pumps stand out:

  • Noise Levels: The Arctic Inverter Pool Heat Pump series has low noise levels. The loudest of the lot at 54 dB(A) is comparable to a refrigerator’s hum.
  • Digital Controls: These heat pumps are designed with an LCD controller that is easy to operate. With this controller, you can control the pump’s operation. You can even use your phone to control the device via the Wi-Fi remote control option.
  • Durability: These heat pumps are designed to last at least 15-20 years, so you won’t have to replace them soon.  Unlike gas heaters that burn out frequently.

Final Recommendations Based on Needs and Budget

The decision on buying a pool heat pump should be based on your needs. You must consider where you live, the pool size, and your budget. For instance, if you live in a cold region, get a heat pump with larger DC Inverter Compressor capable of operating well during colder nights. If you have a big pool, you must get a big heat pump to function efficiently. 

Conclusion

The best pool heat pumps provide numerous benefits compared to other heating methods. Most top models use inverter technology, are energy-efficient, and operate at low noise. The article above highlights some of the best heat pumps available from Arctic Heat Pumps.