Jun. 16, 2025
Swimming pool heat pumps offer warm pool water at a fraction of the cost of gas pool heaters, and unlike solar heaters, continue to heat the pool during cloudy, rainy periods.
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Pool heat pumps work similar to a home heat pump. It acts like a reverse air conditioner, removing the ambient temperature in the air, with the use of an evaporator coil, liquid refrigerant and a compressor. The heat from the outside air is transferred to the pool water moving through the heat pump.
This blog will help you select the best pool heat pump for your pool size and usage patterns, and answer some questions about heat pumps along the way:
Pool heat pumps are typically matched to the number of gallons in your pool. If you don't know or aren't sure how many gallons you have, measure your pool, and use this pool volume calculator tool.
Some heat pump manufacturers don't list the gallons, but list their heaters in terms of the BTU output. Most models are in the range of 50K (50,000) BTU's - to 125K BTU's.
50K BTU heat pumps are meant for small pools, or aboveground pools, under 12,000 gallons. It will work on larger pools, but heating will be slow and total temperature rise may not be what you desire.
You'll need to consider pool size and the desired temperature change when selecting a heat pump for your swimming pool. Other factors, such as the average air temperature, humidity and wind speeds, will also influence a heat pump's ability to warm the pool water. Figuring on a temperature increase of 1-1.25 degrees per hour, you can use the following equation to get an approximate heat pump BTU requirement:
(Surface Area) x (Temperature Increase) x 12 = (Minimum BTU Needed)
For example, we'll use a rectangular pool 14 ft. wide by 28 ft. long. During the coldest month of use, the pool owner wants to increase the water temperature by around 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
(14 x 28) x 20 x 12 = 94,000+ BTU
If you happen to know the volume of your pool in gallons, you can also follow this general guideline for heat pump BTUs:
Heat pumps max out around 135,000 to 150,000 BTU, so larger pools will take longer to heat. It's important to purchase a properly sized unit in order to maximize energy savings. Using a solar pool cover can also help reduce heat loss and boost efficiency.
The larger the BTU output, the faster the heating (still slow by gas pool heater standards) - and the greater temperature rise the pool heat pump can achieve. A nice sized heat pump can bring the pool up 30 degrees (or from 50 to 80 degrees).
Another factor that could affect the size of heat pump that you buy; if you have high winds and no pool cover, you will suffer from a great deal of heat loss off the top of the pool. If you do have wind blocks and/or an automatic pool cover, you could potentially buy a smaller heat pump.
With so many on the heat pump bandwagon, there are a lot of brands to choose from. Many of the names you may not recognize, like TropiCal and AquaCal. These companies are the originators of pool heat pumps, selling thousands throughout the 80's and 90's. As sales increased, big brands like Hayward and Pentair took notice, who are now making pool heat pumps as well.
To make it easier to choose from, we list 6 different pool heat pump models, from 4 manufacturers. Prices vary according to the features installed on these different models. Some of the most popular options out there that all models have is:
Some models will have more advanced diagnostic indicators (idiot lights), a super-quiet Scroll compressor, or a more compact design. Warranty is another point of differentiation between our 6 models of heat pumps. Finally, the high end pool heat pumps have the ability to also cool the pool, in the event that summer heat brings the pool water to unbearable temperatures!
There's not much difference in installation methods among our pool heat pumps. There are some size considerations, so if you have a smaller space, look to the product dimensions in the brochure or the owner's manual (linked from our heat pump pages).
All heat pumps will need to be installed on a level platform or slab. You cut the pipe after the filter and any chlorinator, then connect the pool plumbing in and out of the heat pump. Heat pumps require a 30-60 amp breaker, depending on their BTU output size.
Your heat pump installation may require bringing more power to the equipment pad, or if you're lucky, you have enough room left to add the required breaker size to the panel. To be safe, use a qualified electrician to perform the electrical hook-up on your new heat pump.
One of the oldest and largest manufacturers of heat pumps. Aqua Cal does not make any other products besides heat pumps for pools in both residential and commercial applications. Their heat exchanger is titanium. Aqua Cal has an easy to read digital display, dual thermostat and whisper quiet fan motor. The thermostat has a lockout option, which prevents anyone from adjusting the pool temperature.
The AquaPro heat pump has a titanium heat exchanger with a 5 yr. warranty on the heat exchanger. Most of the units have a digital display with a dual thermostat. The housing on the heat pump is very durable and is weather resistant. Aqua Pro is one of the leaders in pool heat pumps, and one of the first manufacturers in Florida.
The UltraTemp is Pentair's original heat pump with a titanium heat exchanger to help prevent and protect against chemical corrosion. The cabinet on the UltraTemp is weather resistant and will help ensure optimal performance during any climate. Available in three sizes, and comes in a heat/cool model to both heat and cool the pool, and comes with many advanced features and benefits.
Hayward purchased EUS in , and added the Heat Pro, which has a titanium heat exchanger to help prevent from chemical damage and also Hayward Quiet technology built into their heat pump. The compressor and fan blade helps reduce noise. Hayward Heat Pro has an Ultra Gold corrosion resistant evaporator coil which helps provide excellent durability even in coastal environments.
These heat pumps feature robust construction, and full featured design elements. Easy-to-use digital controller and simple water line hook ups make operation and installation a snap! ETL Listed and AHRI Certified. We also carry the Raypak Heat Cool Heat Pumps, to allow you to heat or cool the pool water, as needed.
An economical and environmentally-friendly way to heat your pool. Using titanium heat exchangers and TropiCal’s patented counter-flow water management system, this pump harnesses the power of its sealed ventilator motor. Microprocessor controlled auto defrost keeps the TropiCal running even when temps dip into the 40s.
The best type of heating for a pool is a heat pump pool heater due to its remarkable energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. By harnessing ambient air, these pool heaters provide consistent warmth, making them a superior choice over conventional heating systems. The same advantage applies to heat-cool pool pumps.
A key benefit of a pool heat pump is that you can set your desired pool temperature at the beginning of the season and forget it. Although a heat pump may take longer than a gas heater to reach the desired temperature, it does so at a lower cost. Once the pool is up to temperature, the heat pump will maintain a steady temperature continuously, using the same amount of energy as heating the pool on weekends only with natural gas or once every three weeks with propane.
The most cost-efficient pool heaters are pool heat pumps, with an efficiency rate of 300-600% compared to other types of pool heaters, which are 85-99% efficient.
While solar pool heating remains largely unchanged, and gas heating has seen minor improvements, heat pumps have evolved significantly with advancements in technology. They are now more durable, reliable, and cost about one-fifth of what they did 30 years ago.
Pool heat pumps work by extracting heat from the surrounding air and transferring it to the pool water, ensuring minimal energy consumption and maximum heat retention, which leads to substantial long-term savings.
Cost Comparison per Million BTU
Heat Pump: Heater cost: $3,000-$5,000 + Electric Line: $500-$1,000 | Operating Cost: $8-$14
Natural Gas: Heater cost: $2,000-$4,000 + Gas Line: $2,000-$4,000 | Operating Cost: $15
For more information, please visit Swimming Pool Heat Pump For Sale.
Propane: Heater cost: $2,000-$4,000 + Tank Installation: $1,000-$2,000 + Tank Rental | Operating Cost: $50
Furthermore, NIRVANA, ranked first by AHRI in this category, offers the lowest operating costs in the industry: for every 1 kW consumed, 6 kW are returned.
Pool heat pumps work by extracting heat from the ambient air and transferring it to the pool water. Utilizing a refrigerant and a compressor, they amplify the extracted heat before channeling it to the water, efficiently maintaining the desired pool temperature.
The Heat Pump will take longer to get the pool to temperature than a gas heater, but will do it for a lower cost.
Heat Pump = Heat Pump - + Electric Line 500- and Operating Cost is 8$ to 14$ Per million BTU.
Natural Gas = Heater - + Gas Line $-$ and Operating Cost is around 15$ per Million BTU.
Propane = Heater - + Tank Install $-$+ 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!
Choosing a pool heat pump is an excellent 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 combine eco-friendliness with advanced technology, providing a sustainable and efficient way to keep your pool warm. Once up to temperature, the heat pump will maintain a steady temperature continuously, at the same energy cost as only heating the pool on weekends with natural gas or once every three weeks with propane.
Your pool will always be ready to use: set it once, and that’s it! No need to plan ahead to warm the water.
If you’re looking for rapid heating, a pool heat pump may not be ideal. However, if you’re willing to plan ahead by allowing the heat pump to run for a few days before opening the pool for the season and seek a low-cost, long-term heating solution, a pool heat pump is the best investment.
Gas or propane pool heaters burn fuel to generate heat, providing rapid warming but at a higher operational cost and with increased emissions.
Electric pool heaters directly heat water using electricity, offering quick heating but with lower energy efficiency.
Pool heat pumps, by extracting heat from the ambient air, provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution with consistent heating, though they may warm the pool more gradually initially.
Pool heat pumps are 300-400% efficient, compared to other types of pool heaters, which operate at 85-95% efficiency. Operating costs for a pool heat pump are around $8 to $14 per million BTU, compared to approximately $15 per million BTU for a natural gas heater and $50 per million BTU for a propane pool heater.
While solar pool heating technology has remained largely unchanged and gas heating has seen minor improvements, heat pumps have evolved significantly. Modern heat pumps are more durable, reliable, and cost nearly one-fifth of what they did 30 years ago.
Absolutely, pool heat pumps are a worthwhile investment.
They provide not only energy-efficient heating but also reliable temperature regulation. Their eco-friendly design and cost-effective operation make them an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy their pools year-round without high expenses.
Here’s an example from one of our clients:
A commercial campground pool was spending $15,000 per year to maintain pool temperatures using a propane heater. They replaced it with two NIRVANA FC120VF heat pumps and were able to keep their pool at the same temperature for the entire season at a cost of only $2,000 in electricity.
The two heat pumps paid for themselves within the first season of operation.
Pool heat pumps are simple and much easier to install than traditional pool heating systems. You only need a larger electrical connection.
Safer for children due to the absence of gas and flames, eliminating any risk of explosion.
High efficiency: Pool heat pumps are 300-400% efficient, compared to 85-95% efficiency for other types of pool heaters.
More heat, less cost.
Set it and forget it!
Your pool stays warm all the time, so there’s no need to plan ahead to use it—it’s always ready.
Better warranty coverage compared to gas heaters.
Easiest option for winterization.
Heating time depends on your pool size and the heat pump model.
It takes 1 BTU to heat 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. To calculate the heating speed, you need to know your pool’s water volume, the heat pump size, and current weather conditions. Unlike other systems, heat pumps don’t make heat—they move it in the most efficient way possible.
The main advantage of a heat pump is that you can set it and forget it: it will maintain your pool’s temperature all season long at a reasonable energy cost.
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