Air source heat pumps for swimming pools

Compared to traditional methods, Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are one of the most effective methods for heating your swimming pool thanks to their energy efficiency and reduced running costs. Whilst we don’t install air source heat pumps for swimming pools here at CB Heating, it’s a question we often get asked so let’s take a closer look at what’s required.

As you know, air source heat pumps work by extracting heat from the ambient air and transferring it to heat your home. You can find out more in-depth information on how they work here.

The process is the same if you want to heat the water in your swimming pool except that the heat is transferred to the water in your swimming pool. Combined with a pool filtration (for cleaning) and pumping system, the heat pump circulates the pool’s water, to heat it.

As with any large home purchase, there are several things to consider before making the leap to installing an air source heat pump for your home swimming pool.  These include:

• Pool size and volume of water
• Desired pool temperature
• Climate and ambient air temperature
• Installation location (indoor vs. outdoor pool)
• Energy efficiency ratings
• Benefits of using heat pumps for swimming pools

Air source heat pumps offer numerous advantages over traditional heating solutions, making them an attractive option for swimming pool owners.  Whilst installing a heat pump for your pool may cost more than traditional heating methods, the lower operating costs will outweigh this over time. Below are some of the other benefits:

Energy efficiency – lower energy consumption compared to oil or gas heating systems

Cost savings – lower running costs

Environmental impact – reduced carbon footprint and emissions from a renewable energy source

No. Unfortunately, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme is not available for purchases of a heat pump for swimming pools.  The scheme was launched to provide funding for people looking to install a heat pump as a replacement for their old oil or gas heating system. It does not cover other uses for air source heat pumps outside of this scope. If you wish to install an air source heat pump for your swimming pool, you will have to fund this yourself.

If you want to find out more about the costs of installing a heat pump in your home and eligibility for the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) here.

Proper installation and regular maintenance are crucial for the optimal performance of your air source heat pump. Installation of your swimming pool’s air source heat pump should only take 1-3 days depending on the complexity of the installation and your specific requirements. As with any heat pump installation, a full technical assessment will take place prior to installation.

Part of the technical assessment will calculate the heat loss of your swimming pool construction so that the correct size unit and system can be installed.  Normally, a swimming pool heat pump would be installed no more than 25 feet from the pool itself. The further away from the pool, the more heat loss will occur from the piping.

Once installed, it is vital that your air source heat pump is serviced and maintained regularly (as with any other heating system) to ensure maximum efficiency and reliability all year round. We’ve written a handy article with all the information you need to know about servicing and maintaining your air source heat pump here.

In conclusion

Installing an air source heat pump for your swimming pool makes sense if you are looking for an alternative to oil or gas heating. Whilst installation costs may be higher in some cases, the running costs over the running costs will ultimately be lower. You will also be using an environmentally friendly and energy efficient system to heat your pool.