Heat pumps offer one of the most cost-effective and energy-efficient methods of heating your pool water, ensuring you can enjoy the swimming season for longer with reduced heating bills!
To get the most out of your swimming pool heating pump, it must be sized correctly. Follow our top sizing tips from Adelaide Aqua Boys to equip your pool with the right heat pump.
Read More: How to Heat Your Swimming Pool Faster
What Factors Affect Pool Heating Pump Sizing?
When discussing heat pump sizing, it refers to the energy output, not the physical size. Several factors need consideration to determine the most suitable heat pump size for your pool.
- Pool Size: A larger pool with more water will require a more powerful heat pump.
- Climate and Average Air Temperature: Heat pumps draw heat from the ambient air, so in cooler climates, the heat pump works harder to reach the desired water temperature, such as 28°C.
- Swimming Habits and Frequency of Use: Year-round use may require a larger heat pump to maintain consistent temperatures during colder months.
- Type of Swimming Pool: Indoor and outdoor pools, as well as in-ground or above-ground pools, have different heating requirements.
How Does Pool Volume Affect Heat Pump Size?
The pool’s size is a crucial factor in determining the necessary heat pump size. The more water in the pool, the greater the energy required to heat it.
Calculating Pool Volume
To size a pool heating pump, the pool’s volume needs to be known. For instance, the average outdoor inground pool in Adelaide might measure around 10m x 5m with an average depth of 1.5m, resulting in a volume of approximately 75m³. Use our swimming pool volume calculator for precise measurements.
How Does Climate Affect Heat Pump Size?
In colder climates, a heat pump must work harder to increase the water temperature. They rely on ambient air temperature to transfer heat into the water via a heat exchanger. Although air source heat pumps work in cold weather, they become slightly less efficient. If extending your swimming season from April to November, a larger, more powerful unit is recommended.
The Aqua Inverter Turbo-Pro Silence Heat Pumps, available through Adelaide Aqua Boys, operate efficiently in air temperatures as low as -15℃ and come in various sizes to match your pool volume.
How Do Swimming Habits Affect Heat Pump Size?
While swimming habits have a less direct impact on heat pump sizing, they still matter. A standard-sized heat pump, based on your pool size, should provide sufficient heating throughout the swimming season, thanks to the technology’s efficiency.
Calculating the Ideal Pool Heating Pump Size
The heating capacity of a heat pump is measured in kilowatts (kW). A more powerful heat pump heats the pool faster and is more suitable for higher-volume pools.
Pool Heating Pump Sizing Calculator
The following table provides a rough guide, as various factors impact the required heat pump size. Different models have varying coefficients of performance (COP), meaning specific models have different power needs. Refer to the manufacturer’s notes for precise sizing.
| Pool Volume (m³) | Heating Capacity in Cold Air (15°C) | Heating Capacity in Warm Air (26°C) |
| 20-40 | 6kW | 8kW |
| 40-60 | 9.5kW | 13kW |
| 60-80 | 15kW | 25kW |
| 80-100 | 18kW | 30kW |
Should I Oversize My Pool Heating Pump?
Adelaide Aqua Boys offers heat pumps ranging from 3.5kW to 32kW. If recommendations for your pool hover between sizes, it often pays to size up rather than down. A more powerful heat pump heats water quicker and requires less energy to maintain the temperature. Larger heat pumps tend to have higher coefficients of performance, making them more efficient.
However, balance this against your pool’s size and specifications. You don’t need the largest heat pump for a smaller pool or one with good insulation and measures against heat loss.
For more detailed advice on choosing the perfect heat pump for your pool, visit the Adelaide Aqua Boys website for our comprehensive guide on pool heating.
