UPDATED: Mar 03, 2020.
What is the best swimming pool heat pump? Which heat pump heater works almost as effective as electric heat and natural gas pumps?
Unlike a solar pool heater which directly generates heat, a heat pump captures heat, making it a better cost-effective pool heating system. However, the best heat pump pool heater costs a fortune upfront, so you need to be careful when picking one.
Lucky for you, you are in the right place to find the perfect heat pump pool heater for your swimming pool.
Here are the best heat pump pool heaters you can buy:
- Best overall: Hayward HP31204T HeatPro Titanium
- Best rated: Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Titanium
- Best for inground pool: Pentair 460933 UltraTemp
- Best for above ground pool: FibroPool FH120 Above Ground
Contents
Our Top Pick of Heat Pump Pool Heaters
We have reviewed the top heat pump pool heaters on the market today.
Hayward HP31204T HeatPro Titanium
Hayward is a leading heat pump manufacturer who has been in business for decades. It provides some of the best heat pumps on the market and one of these units is the HP31204T.
This model has profiled fan blade that makes the heat pump to be effective when operating. It also boasts of an acoustic compressor cover that ensures quiet operation – you can run it day or night.
The model is quite durable thanks to the ultra-gold rust-free evaporator fin and the injection molded UV-protected body panels. This means that your heat pump heater will offer you years of service and value for your money.
Another notable feature of the model is the titanium heat exchanger that allows it to transfer maximum heat.
Pros
- Comes from a reputable brand.
- Offers service for years.
- Very efficient when operating.
Cons
- Limited warranty.
Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Titanium
Profiled fan blade and acoustic compressor ensure efficient and quiet operation. The model guarantees you of a quiet backyard that will not disturb your neighbors or the swimmers.
Another feature of the heat pump is the ultra-gold rust-free evaporator fin that provides it with extreme durability. It also comes in a round design that easily fits via gates and takes minimum space on the installation pad.
The model also comes with a titanium heat exchanger that allows maximum heat transfer for efficiency and reliable operation. Besides, the model features a long-lasting injection molded UV-protected body panel that is impervious to deterioration and rust.
Pros
- Very quiet operation.
- Efficiency and reliable operation.
- Extremely durable product.
Cons
- No owner’s manual.
FibroPool FH120 Above Ground
FibroPool FH120 is a great pool heat pump that is recommended for above ground pool. It requires 120v to operate and heat your pool to the desired temperature within a short time.
The model has a built-in 8 feet long power cord that will match all the USA standard plugs. Hence, you won’t need to buy additional attachments when installing your pool heat pump.
This particular pump can heat a swimming pool of up to 7500 gallons in warm climates. It is also an affordable product that will be cost-effective when operating.
Pros
- Ideal for an above ground pool.
- Heats the pool pretty fast.
- Cost-effective when operating.
Cons
- Should be plugged into a GFCI protected socket.
FibroPool FH 220 Swimming Pool Heater
This is yet another durable heater heat pump from the reputable FibroPool brand. The model requires 240v to operate, meaning that it might use more power than the FH120 model.
It is recommended for all hot tubs, pools, and other areas that you might require to warm the water. Actually, it is able to heat a pool of up to 7,500 gallons in warm weather.
The model comes with a BTU rating of 20,000 and won’t cost you much when buying it. Besides, it’s one of the cost-effective models on this list when operating.
Another notable thing about this model is the ease of installation. You can easily put it up by yourself.
Pros
- Ideal for all hot tubs.
- Best in its class.
- Easy to install.
Cons
- Uses a lot of power.
OrangeA 11KW 220V Pool Heater
The OrangeA 11KW 220v Pool Heater has a control system that monitors the operation status of all its parts. Thus, it is able to notify you in case of an incident in order to prevent malfunction or damage to the heater.
It also features a thermostat that controls the temperature of the pool. The thermostat comes in handy to provide you with trouble-free operation and provide stability of your pool.
Moreover, there is a manual reset switch that allows you to set the temperature desired. And it cuts off the power when the temperature gets over 60 degrees.
This model is recommended for small pools of about 5CBM, hot springs, massage pools, and another place that you need to warm.
Pros
- Wide range of application.
- Cuts power in case of any malfunctioning.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons
- Mainly for small pools.
AquaPro PRO1100 Swimming Pool Heat Pump
The AquaPro Pro1100 Swimming Pool Heat Pump is made of 100% commercial quality titanium that provided resistance to cavitation, impingement attack, and erosion. Hence, it is a durable product that will warm your pool for decades.
It features electronic temperature controllers with diagnostic codes and LED readout to troubleshoot and notify you of any problem. Another thing, the heat pump comes in a UV-resistance cover that won’t fade and is non-corrosive.
With 2” PVC unions, the model provides you with an easy time when installing and winterizing. It also comes with a one-year warranty that guarantees your durability.
Pros
- Diagnostic codes.
- Easy to install.
- Made of high-quality material.
Cons
- One year warranty.
Pentair 460933 UltraTemp
This is the right model for inground pool and offers environmental friendly operation. Thus, you will enjoy the quiet operation of the model while you swim in warm water.
It is able to transfer the heat from the air to your pool within minutes to raise the water temperature. What is so amazing about this model is the ability to save energy cost by up to 80% when compared to gas heaters.
Plus, it is one of the few pool heat pumps that use the latest technology to assure safe operation. So, if you want a pool heat pump heater that will be effective and cost-friendly, this is the model for you.
Pros
- Saves up to 80% power.
- Friendly to the environment.
- Very efficient in heating pools.
Cons
- Costly when buying.
How Pool Heat Pumps Work
Pool heat pump tech has been in use for decades and is slowly gaining popularity. If it is something that you are not familiar with, we will teach you how it works.
The pool heat pump cools or warms water that passes via the heater like electric, propane, or natural gas pool heater. Its cools or heats the water using energy from the environment as it is taken via the evaporator coil.
The liquid material helps to convert the absorbed heat into a gas that is fed via the compressor. This super-heated gas then gets into the condenser where it helps to heat the water from your pool and take it back at a higher temperature.
This process is repeated many times and very little energy is required other than the air.
Sizing Pool Heat Pump
You will need to do a few calculations when sizing your pool heat pump and know the weather patterns in your location. The aim is to determine the number of BTU’s you will require during the coldest days of the year.
You can use the following formula:
Pool Area x Temperature Rise x 12 = Required BTU’s per hours.
Note the following:
- Temperature Rise = Air Temperature – Desired Temperature of Your Pool
- Air Temperature should be the monthly average.
- Add about 10% BTU rating to the model you wish to buy to ensure that you have enough heat.
Pros and Cons of Pool Heat Pump
It is important to know the pros and cons of a pool heat pump before you buy one. This will give you an idea of what you are getting yourself into and help you to make an informed decision.
Pros
- Ideal for daily swimming.
- Cheap to operate.
- Most efficient pool heater.
- No emissions and eco-friendly.
- Lasts for over 20 years.
- Best way to cool your pool down.
Cons
- Expensive to buy.
- Only effective in 50 degrees or higher.
- Very slow when heating the pool.
Pool Heat Pump Winterizing
This is something that you should do to ensure that your pool heat pump lasts for decades. It involves removing all water and fittings from the plumbing and heater just like the way you remove the pool with a pressure generator or shop vac.
You should also use a pool heat pump cover to protect your heat pump from snow, rain, and other harmful elements.
Conclusion
We hope that you can now visit the market and get yourself the best heat pump pool heater for your swimming pool. We have reviewed the top models on the market today.
