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Frequently asked questions about pool heat pumps

Learn more about pool heat pumps !

What is the best type of heating for a pool?

The best type of heating for a pool is utilizing heat pump pool heaters due to their remarkable energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. These pool heaters, by harnessing ambient air, provide consistent warmth, making them a superior choice over conventional heating systems. The same applies to heat-cool pool pumps.

The typical advantage for a pool heat pump is that you can set your pool temperature and forget it at the beginning of the pool season. The pool heat pump will take longer to get the pool to temperature than a gas heater, but will do it at a lower cost. Once up to temperature, the pool heat pump will MAINTAIN a STEADY TEMPERATURE all the time for the same energy costs as warming up the pool on weekends only with natural gas, or once every 3 weeks with propane.

Imagine: The heat pump pool is ALWAYS READY FOR YOU TO SWIM FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON. You no longer need to plan to use your pool. Just SET IT AND FORGET IT! 

What is the most cost-efficient pool heater?

The most cost-efficient pool heaters are pool heat pumps.

They are 300-600% efficient, vs other types of pool heaters that are 85-99% efficient.   

Solar pool heating is the same technology it was then. Gas has improved a bit, but heat pumps have completely changed. They’ve evolved with technology. They last longer, are more reliable and cost maybe one-fifth of what they did 30 years ago.

Pool heat pumps operate by extracting heat from the surrounding air and transferring it to the pool water, ensuring minimal energy consumption and maximum heat retention, leading to significant savings in the long run. 

  • Heat Pump = Heat Pump 3000-5000 + Electric Line 500-1000 and Operating Cost is 8$ to 14$ Per million BTU.

  • Natural Gas = Heater 2000-4000 + Gas Line $2000-$4000 and Operating Cost is around 15$ per Million BTU.

  • Propane = Heater 2000-4000 + Tank Install $1000-$2000+ Tank Rental and Operating cost is around 50$ per Million BTU.

 

Even more, ranked first by AHRI in this category, NIRVANA offers the lowest operating costs in the industry: 1kw in = 6 kw out.

How do pool heat pumps work?

Pool heat pumps work by extracting heat from the ambient air and transferring it to the pool water. Utilizing a refrigerant and a compressor, they amplify the extracted heat before channeling it to the water, efficiently maintaining the desired pool temperature.

 

The Heat Pump will take longer to get the pool to temperature than a gas heater, but will do it for a lower cost. 

  • Heat Pump = Heat Pump 3000-5000 + Electric Line 500-1000 and Operating Cost is 8$ to 14$ Per million BTU.

  • Natural Gas = Heater 2000-4000 + Gas Line $2000-$4000 and Operating Cost is around 15$ per Million BTU.

  • Propane = Heater 2000-4000 + Tank Install $1000-$2000+ Tank Rental and Operating cost is around 50$ per Million BTU.

 

Set your pool temperature at the beginning of the pool season and once up to temperature, the heat pump will maintain a steady temperature all the time. 

No need to plan to use your pool: Just set it and forget it!

 
Why is a heat pump the best choice for a pool heating system?

Choosing a pool heat pump is a prime choice for pool heating systems as it efficiently utilizes ambient air to regulate your pool’s temperature, ensuring optimal energy conservation.¸

 

Nirvana’s pool heat pumps offer eco-friendliness and advanced technology, allowing for a sustainable and efficient way to maintain your pool’s warmth. 

Once up to temperature, the heat pump will MAINTAIN a STEADY TEMPERATURE ALL THE TIME for the same energy costs as warming up the pool on weekends only with Natural Gas, or once every 3 weeks with Propane.

Your pool will always be ready to use: You just set it once, and tha’ts it! No need to plan ahead to warm the water.

 

Customers who want to heat their pool in a few hours are not the target clientele for pool heat pumps. If you are willing to plan ahead and let the heat pump run for a couple days before opening the pool for the season AND you want a low energy-cost option for heat maintenance across a long period of time, a pool heat pump is the best investment.

What's the difference between a gas/propane pool heater, an electric pool heater, and a pool heat pump ?

Gas or propane pool heaters burn fuel to create heat, rapidly heating the pool but with higher operational costs and emissions. 

Electric pool heaters directly heat the water using electricity, being quick but less energy-efficient. 

Pool heat pumps extract ambient heat, offering an eco-friendly and cost-efficient solution with consistent heating, though they might heat the pool more gradually at the beginning.

Pool heat pumps are 300-400% efficient, vs other types of pool heaters that are 85-95% efficient. 

The operating cost of a pool heat pump is 8$ to 14$ Per million BTU, versus Natural Gas Heater is around 15$ per Million BTU, and propane pool heater is around 50$ per Million BTU.

Today, solar pool heating is the same technology it was then, gas has improved a bit, but heat pumps have completely changed. They’ve evolved with technology. They last longer, are more reliable and cost maybe one-fifth of what they did 30 years ago

Are pool heat pumps worth it?

Absolutely, pool heat pumps are worth the investment. 

They not only offer energy-efficient heating solutions but also ensure optimal temperature regulation. Their eco-friendly mechanism and cost-effective operation make them a preferred choice for those looking to enjoy their pools year-round without breaking the bank.

 

As an example, here is the experience of one of our client: 

A commercial Camp Ground Pool was Spending 15,000$ per year to maintain their pool temperatures using a PROPANE Pool Heater. 

They replaced the heater with 2 NIRVANA FC120VF Heat Pumps and were able to keep their pool at the Same temperature for the entire season for 2000$ in electricity. 

The 2 Heat Pumps paid for themselves within the First Season of Operation.

 
What are the biggest advantages of pool heat pumps vs. gas/propane pool heaters and electric pool heaters?
  • Pool heat pumps are simple and a lot easier to install than a pool heating system. You simply need a bigger branchement.

  • It is safer for children thanks to the absence of gas, flames and hence risks of explosion.

  • Pool heat pumps are 300-400% efficient, vs other types of pool heaters that are 85-95% efficient. 

  • More heat, less cost

  • Set it and forget it!

  • The pool is warm all the time. No need to plan ahead to use your pool, it’s already heated.

  • Better warranty than gas heaters

  • Easiest to winterize

How big of a heat pump do I need for my pool?

The size of the pool heat pump you need depends on various factors like pool size, desired temperature, and climatic conditions. A professional assessment is advised to determine the accurate size, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency of your heat pump pool heater.


But, generally speaking, 1 BTU is required to heat 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. 

So, for a pool with approximately 19,184 gallons of water (160,000 pounds), you would need a heater with a capacity of 160,000 BTU.

As a reminder: 

  • A 27 ft. Round above ground pool (48” deep) contains around 17,204 US Gallons

  • A 16 ft x 36 ft inground pool (average depth 5 feet) contains around 21,600 US Gallons.

How to calculate the water capacity of my pool in gallons?

To calculate the gallons capacity of your pool, you need to know the shape of your pool and some specific measurements. Here are a few formulas based on the shape of the pool:

  • Rectangular or Square Pools: Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Average Depth (ft )× 7.48 
  • Circular Pools: Radius (ft)2×π(3.14)×Average Depth (ft)×7.48
  • Oval pools: Length (ft)×Width (ft)×Average Depth (ft)×7.48
 

Remember, these calculations provide an approximation, and the actual volume may vary depending on the exact shape and features of your pool. The result will help you determine the size of the pool heat pump you need.

What to Expect in Degrees Per Hour?

It depends on the pool size and the heat pump model.
It takes 1 BTU to Heat 1Lb of Water 1 Degree Fahrenheit. To calculate how fast it will heat, you need to know how much water your pool has, the size of the heat pump you plan to use, and the weather conditions. Heat pumps do not ‘MAKE’ heat, they ‘MOVE’ heat in the most efficient way possible. The main advantage of a heat pump is that you SET IT AND FORGET IT, AND IT WILL MAINTAIN YOUR POOL TEMPERATURE ALL SEASON LONG FOR A REASONABLE ENERGY COST.