Heat Pumps: The 3 Types and How They Differ

Even though we Australians are fortunate enough to have warm weather throughout most months of the year, making our swimming pool season last longer than it does in most other places, heat pumps are still commonly sought after. And for a good reason – many people don’t want to give up the pleasure of indulging in their swimming pools, so they opt for one and make things easier for themselves. Heat pumps can be quite an investment, which is why as a first-time buyer, you should consider a few factors in order to make the most of your money.

There are three types of heat pumps, and they all differ in how they’re powered. Electric and gas heat pumps are two of the most popular options, but solar heat pumps are slowly closing that gap, due to the rapid advancements in renewable energy technology. The ideal heat pump Australia pool experts will recommend for your pool will vary depending on where you live, the size of your pool and a few other factors.

Electric Heat Pumps

Electric pool heat pumps work on the same principle as hot water tanks. Electric pool heaters are ideal for smaller swimming pools because the process of heating the water is slower than gas heat pumps. However, you can expect an electric heat pump to last significantly longer than other types. Plus, they don’t use a lot of energy, which is one of the reasons why their price tag may be higher than that of gas and solar pumps. Worth noting is that electric heat pumps aren’t as effective in colder climates.

Gas Heat Pumps

Gas heat pumps are the most popular way to warm up your swimming pool, especially in colder climates. This is due to the fact that these pumps heat water quickly. Most gas heaters run on natural gas or propane. They don’t rely on the outside temperature for their efficiency, which is why many heat pump Australia pool experts recommend them for larger pools. There are 3 sub-categories of gas heat pumps – coil gas pool heaters, convection heaters and tank heaters. Coil gas pool heaters are the most common type – they basically draw water, heat it inside a coil, and put it back inside the pool. Convection and tank heaters are typically used for warming small pools and spas.

Solar Heat Pumps

Solar heat pumps, as aforementioned, are slowly growing in popularity. Installing one may cost you a lot of money initially, but once you do it, you will have extremely low operating costs. However, not every pool is a good candidate for a solar heat pump. If you have set your heart on installing one, you will have to consider the position of the sun and definitely talk to an expert on the matter to see if it would be the right fit for your case.