16 minute read
HEAT PUMPS
Heat Pumps – Still A Firm Favourite
For a while now, heat pumps have been a firm favourite within the UK industry and they’re often the go-to choice for heating the water in pools and spas in an environmentally friendly way. With manufacturers constantly refining technologies and releasing increasingly efficient models, it’s a sector that boasts a wide range of options. Choosing the right one is essential though so this issue, we put various heat pump options under the spotlight
By Jon Wadeson
For numerous swimming pools and spas up and down the country, heat pumps have, for many years now, been accepted as an ideal solution to heat water efficiently, whilst extending what are normally short seasons here in the UK. With models producing many times more energy than they consume, heat pumps effortlessly outperform many types of more conventional heating methods – so it’s easy to see why they are a popular choice for both owners and installers alike.
With impressive energy and therefore cost savings to be made, the latest heat pump models have become increasingly sophisticated and intelligent in their operation. Many designs now feature some form of Inverter technology and a number of them can now also be controlled and monitored remotely via smart device apps too. As the technology improves, so too does their flexibility and ease of use, all of which further add to appeal.
With various brands, models and options available from a variety of sources, careful research, planning and advice is a must, but there’s usually a perfect heat pump solution on offer for virtually any pool or spa configuration. With options aplenty from a variety of suppliers, in this issue, we take a closer look at what’s on offer.
HEATSTAR’S AQUARIUS – THE RISKFREE INVESTMENT
For 40 years Heatstar have continued to innovate and have pioneered the design and development of a wide range of modern, highly energy efficient pool climate control systems and their ‘Aquarius’ heat pump continues to be a major product in Heatstar’s portfolio. Today’s Heatstar Aquarius heat pump has built on the company’s pedigree and has taken full advantage of all the changes in materials and technology to produce a state-of-the-art heat pump that is the highest quality heat pump on the market.
This Aerothermal heat pump utilises ‘direct contact’ technology to transfer heat from the refrigerant directly into the pool water and also incorporates an ultra- quiet ‘low energy’ digital air fan.
These ‘top of the range’ Heatstar Aquarius heat pumps maintain their visually unique appearance due to the utilisation of an anodised aluminium frame chassis. Specified and applied for its long-term corrosion resistance and physical strength this eyecatching aluminium profile instantly serves to reflect the true quality offered from the Aquarius. Underscoring the quality of this heat pump Heatstar offer a 20 year anticorrosion guarantee on the Aquarius’ heat exchanger and a 20 year guarantee on the anodised aluminium chassis. Heatstar were among the first companies in the world to offer the concept of a dedicated heat pump for use on swimming pools, with the Aquarius also continuing to be manufactured only in the UK, utilising the finest quality components.
The Aquarius range now also extends to encompass large capacity models for nonresidential pool applications so for a client looking to make a risk-free investment in a product of known quality with proven heritage and genuine after-sales support, which will provide many years of dependable service, then the Heatstar Aquarius is the clear and obvious choice.
With the Aquarius, Heatstar has taken full advantage of all the changes in materials and technology to produce a state-of-the art heat pump
OFFERING A SOLUTION FOR EVERY SITUATION – HEATPUMPS4POOLS
HeatPumps4Pools continue to establish themselves as a leading specialist supplier of swimming pool heat pumps and have expanded their Thermotec range by adding the new Eco Inverter, Eco Fun and Penguin mini heat pump models to join the existing Thermotec Inverter offering.
The Thermotec Inverter range from HeatPumps4Pools are a fully inverter driven, high specification range of swimming pool heat pumps distributed to pool builders and pool retailers. The Thermotec Inverter range are available in 9kW through to 34kW options in both single and 3-phase. They have fully variable speed fans and compressors to deliver the benefits of inverter driven heat pumps with high COPs and very quiet operation.
All models have an easy to use 5-inch colour touch screen control panel which is protected from the sun and the weather by a protective flap. The keypad can also be locked to prevent tampering with the temperature and settings, which is ideal for rented properties and families with young children.
With the ability to operate in air temperatures as low as -15°C, the Thermotec Inverter range can be used all year round for indoor and outdoor pools.
Wi-Fi connectivity allows the unit to be controlled and monitored from any iPhone or Android based smartphone as well as allowing HeatPumps4Pools to offer remote technical support worldwide.
The new additions to the range now include the Thermotec Eco Inverter models. In sizes from 7kW to 19kW they offer high specification full inverter heat pumps for extended season use at a very competitive price point.
In addition, the new Thermotec Eco Fun range provide on/off heat pump models from 5kW to 15kW which can be used for in-ground or above-ground pools plus the new Thermotec Penguin 4kW plug and play mini heat pumps for above-ground pools up to 10m³ water volume.
The Eco Inverter is one of three new Thermotec models that are now available from HeatPumps4Pools
ALL-SEASON SWIMMING AND BATHING WITH DURA VI
New for 2020 and available from Golden Coast, the compact yet powerful Dura Vi will warm the water within pools and spas all year round. It has an innovative vertical ventilation design and can efficiently heat pools and spas. It even operates in ambient air temperatures as low as -10°C.
The Dura Vi heat pump is easy to install and is available in four models from 11 to 24 kW, all featuring a titanium heat exchanger.
“Dura Vi is the latest addition to our range of propulsion heat pumps and uses full inverter technology that can reach an impressive COP of 14.7,” said Adam Clark, Sales Director at Golden Coast. “Dura Vi is easy to use as it can be remotely operated via the LINK Touch Control panel. Plus, despite its power, the multi-speed fan is actually very quiet.”
Dura Vi is extremely efficient and uses FullFlow™ to ensure maximum water flow through the heat pump. It uses a smart CondensFlux™ design that gathers condensed water and drains it to avoid puddles around the pump. The pump also benefits from NoFrost™ technology to ensure that it does not freeze during winter. Any frost that does form is removed in three minutes, without abruptly cooling the water, thanks to HotDefrost™, making it ideal for a spa or small pool.
New for 2020 and available from Golden Coast, the compact yet powerful Dura Vi will warm the water within pools and spas all year round
DESIGNED FOR THE UK CLIMATE – CALOREX’S NEW I-PAC AND V-PAC MODELS
Unveiled earlier this year to great acclaim, Certikin’s new Calorex I-PAC and V-PAC inverter heat pump ranges are of the highest quality and are specifically designed for the UK climate. British designed and available exclusively in the UK from Certikin, they are eco-friendly and such is the confidence in the new heat pumps, they come with a five year on site parts and labour warranty.
Replacing the Pro-Pac range, these stylish looking heat pumps come in a side and top outlet with the I-PAC (‘X’) and V-PAC air temperature range from -5°C to 43°C and the I-PAC + (‘Y’) range down to -10°C. They feature an increased range of power ratings from 8-25 kW.
Inverter heat pump technology allows for efficient control of the pool temperature with the I-PAC/V-PAC only using the energy required. High efficiency with modulating step-less inverter compressor gives an average COP of 10.3 (I-PAC+), 9.7 (I-PAC) and 10.7 (V-PAC), which is twice as efficient as the older on/off models.
Complying with the new European F-Gas regulations, the heat pumps use the low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant R32. It requires less refrigerant volume per kW and is easier to recycle. The heat pumps are of a compact size with a small footprint and compliant with permitted development rights. The I-PAC is made from aluminium alloy and the V-PAC from ABS.
The I-PAC side outlet models have Wi-Fi capability for remote control with the app available to download for both Android and iOS devices.
The new Calorex inverter heat pumps can also be set to two modes, ‘boost’ for quick start-up and ‘whisper’ for super quiet day to day running. ‘Whisper’ mode will achieve a sound reduction of 9-11 dB(A), compared to a traditional on/off heat pump.
Unveiled earlier this year to great acclaim, Certikin’s new Calorex I-PAC and V-PAC inverter heat pump ranges
FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
Bosta UK Ltd
01284 716580
www.bosta.co.uk
Certikin International H&V
01993 778855
www.certikin.co.uk
Golden Coast
01271 378100
www.goldenc.com
Heatstar
01983 521 465
www.heatstar.com
HeatPumps4Pools
01268 206560
www.heatpumps4pools.com
NORSUP’S PX AND PV HEAT PUMPS FROM BOSTA
2020 has been an exceptional year so far for Bosta UK’s Norsup brand. More and more installers have been choosing the Norsup range over traditional brands in the market and this growth has been led by the boom in heat pump sales. Everything about the Norsup heat pump range has been focused on satisfying Bosta’s customers’ high expectations and there are a number of ways in how Bosta achieved that.
Firstly the design of the units is ultramodern, giving pool owners confidence in the quality and precise methods of manufacture. The large colour touch screen display is both functional and pleasing to the eye. Secondly, the Norsup unit offers unrivalled levels of performance. They are full inverter heat pumps which means that the compressor and fan motor fluctuate in frequency to work as efficiently as possible to achieve the perfect pool temperature. In peak months even the largest 35kW single phase unit only uses 0.5kW per hour of electricity to maintain temperature. The working parts slow down using a fraction of the power and in turn create almost inaudible sounds levels at just 22 decibels.
Finally, in addition to all their performance and aesthetic benefits, Bosta offer both the pool owner and the installer the reassurance and comfort of a full four years parts and labour warranty should anything go wrong. This period is also extended to ten years on the heat exchanger and compressor thanks to the top brand components used. With support like that, it’s clear why Norsup has become one of the leading choices of heat pumps for many pool companies across the UK.
Everything about the Norsup heat pump range has been focused on satisfying Bosta’s customers’ high expectations
COST EFFECTIVE HEATING WITH WATERCO’S ENERGY EFFICIENT INVERTER TECHNOLOGY
Compared to gas and electric heaters, models within the Electroheat ECO-V pool heat pump range from Waterco use just a fraction of the energy to generate the same amount of heat; and unlike solar heating, there is no reliance on the sun as the latent heat in the air is used. For every 1kW of electricity consumed, Electroheat ECO-V can produce up to 8kW of heat.
These inverter pool heat pumps utilise a variable speed compressor to regulate the pool water temperature automatically and independently.
This inverter technology is similar to a car’s engine in that it slows down and speeds up as needed to hold a selected desired temperature or speed. The desired temperature will be reached more quickly and maintained more efficiently and the inverter technology provides a more precise water temperature without the fluctuations and power wastage of fixed speed systems.
Inverter technology is significantly more energy efficient with energy savings of between 15 - 30% over fixed speed systems, and the speed control of the compressor and fan motor also means quieter operation.
Electroheat ECO-V inverter pool heat pumps feature automatic de-icing for situations where frost or ice may develop on the evaporator as part of normal operation. Common in cooler climates or winter months, when a build-up of ice is detected the heat pump shifts temporarily into cooling mode to reverse the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator coils. Hot refrigerant moves through the outside coils, melting ice and defrosting the system. When the defrost cycle is complete, the unit shifts back to heating mode.
Compared to gas and electric heaters, models within Waterco’s Electroheat ECO-V range use just a fraction of the energy to generate the same amount of heat
THE HIGHLY EFFICIENT HEATWAVE SUPERQUIET® VARIABLE SPEED HEAT PUMP
US-based AquaCal AutoPilot, Inc., part of the larger HornerXpress Group, has just released what they claim is the world’s most efficient swimming pool heat pump. The HeatWave SuperQuiet® Variable Speed heat pump can reach a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 10.5 or higher.
The HeatWave SuperQuiet® Variable Speed heat pump can reach a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 10.5 or higher
AquaCal’s advanced variable speed heat pump technology will automatically adjust its speed, precisely matching the heating demand to maximise efficiency.
The reason pool owners buy heat pumps in the first place is for the efficiency, which greatly reduces the cost of heating a pool. This variable speed technology calculates the speed required to sustain the desired pool temperature in the runtime allotted. This approach can save up to 40% more in heating cost over a single speed heat pump.
Pool owners can expect to recoup the investment of this unit in energy savings in less than three years. Running at reduced speed lowers wear on the compressor, extending its service life. Even pair it with a variable speed pool pump to achieve the highest efficiency pool system possible.
Also released is the PoolSync™ Wi-Fi Controller. This Wi-Fi antenna connects AquaCal® heat pumps to the internet and allows them to be controlled through the PoolSync™ App on a smartphone. Heat pump owners can change the mode of the unit from heat to cool to autotemp, when applicable, and adjust the temperature setting. It also allows owners to set up schedules of when to turn the unit on and off and at what temperature. The PoolSync™ Wi-Fi Controller and app work with all AquaCal® heat pumps manufactured with the advanced HP9 controller, which was released in early 2019.
VERTICAL INVERTECH MODEL JOINS SCP’S HEAT PUMP OFFERING
SCP UK offer a number of heat pump solutions and one of their popular lines is the InverTech series from Garden Pac. Joining this tried and tested range of inverter heat pumps for 2020 is the new Vertical Invertech Turbo which is available in three models – meaning pools with volumes of water from 35m³ to 95m³ are all covered.
During standard use, each heat pump runs at the capacity needed to maintain heat levels and keep running costs as low as possible.
However, as the name suggests, each Vertical Invertech Turbo model has a unique booster function meaning heating performance can be 20% higher than the label capacity. By pressing the ‘boost’ button, the heat pump can run at full capacity which allows for the quick heating of any pool. This is possible thanks to larger compressors and evaporators.
With an average COP 10.6 at 50% capacity (Air 26°C / Water 26°C / Humidity 80%) and a maximum COP 15.5, double energy savings are provided.
The Mitsubishi DC inverter compressor and Full Inverter Fan motor offers owners a six times quieter swimming environment when maintaining pool temperatures and with heating and cooling functionality, owners can heat up the pool water or cool it down during hotter weather.
Produced using robust aluminium casing, the Vertical Invertech Turbo is built to last and also comes with a seven year warranty on the Titanium Heat Exchanger and Compressor, plus a two year parts warranty.
Soft start standard on all models, as is Wi-Fi too, meaning real-time monitoring and control from a smart phone or device any time and from anywhere.
Joining SCP UK’s tried and tested range of inverter heat pumps for 2020 is the new Vertical Invertech Turbo
MODERN DESIGN OF ZODIAC HEAT PUMP MODELS HELP THEM TO BLEND IN
The Zodiac Z400iQ ups the game on the design of air source heat pumps, with its sleek lines and two colour options, the Z400 iQ disappears elegantly into any pool’s surroundings.
The traditional horizontal air-discharge of other heat pumps, require several metres of space in front of them but the Z400iQ, with its vertical air outlet, reduces this free area footprint by 70%. This discreet machine, fits around most pools, even in confined spaces the Z400iQ knows how to go unnoticed, halving the noise with its silence mode, which reduces the fan speed at the touch of a button.
Add to this the smartphone capability allowing users to set temperatures remotely and consult the Z400iQ’s different modes of operation and you truly have an air source heat pump which ticks all the boxes of the modern pool owner.
The ever-more popular Zodiac ZS500 range of heat pumps is continuing to please pool customers across the land too. The elegant, modern, clean shape of the ZS500 allows it to be placed into the garden and not look like the blocky chunk of steel which this sector often seems to be burdened with. The vertically mounted, top venting fan allows for the machine’s small footprint (610x670mm and 980mm high) to make the most of its clean lines. Centre front offers a large easy to read digital display with the set point and current running temperature shown. The unit is ideally placed into tight corners where a conventional heat pump would struggle to perform, as the ZS500 only requires a 500mm air gap around its base, its cold discharge air is blown into the sky where the 5m clearance is usually not a problem.
Add to this an inverter driven fan and compressor and you get a machine that doesn’t wake the neighbours when it comes on in the evening, in fact it is so quiet it’s almost easy to forget that it is even there.
With its sleek lines and two colour options, the Zodiac Z400iQ ups the game on the design of air source heat pumps
HEATSEEKER® FROM PLASTICA – AN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY SOLUTION
Inverter heat pumps have quickly become more widespread as customers become aware of fuel price increases and they prefer more cost effective and energy efficient ways to heat their swimming pools. The new Plastica HeatSeeker® Inverter Heat Pump can consume less than 12% of the electricity of conventional electric pool heaters maintaining the same heating capacity.
The new HeatSeeker® range of Inverter Heat Pumps produce a COP of an average five times for every one kW of electricity consumed, running with an air temperature of only 15°C. If the air temperature available increases, the efficiency can be over eight times the supply power.
Plastica’s new range comes with new inverter technology that not only gives a low start-up current eliminating any power surge but also the variable fan speeds allow it to keep the pool water at an optimum temperature while maximising efficiency. Another benefits of this is a much quieter operating noise level than any previous ranges, making conforming to environmental legislation no problem.
The integral variable fan draws air across an evaporator, heat from the airflow is captured by the refrigerant flowing through the body of the evaporator. This refrigerant is of an R32 type that is acceptable under all new regulations. Having extracted the heat from the air, the refrigerant is condensed and its heat then transferred to the passing pool water via the titanium heat exchanger.
Plastic’s comprehensive range of HeatSeeker ® Inverter Heat Pumps will cover the full heating requirements of pools from 25m³ up to 85m³ of water volume and will work efficiently for the whole season.
The new Plastica HeatSeeker® Inverter Heat Pump can consume less than 12% of the electricity of conventional electric pool heaters
FOR FURTHER DETAILS:
HornerXpress Worldwide
+1 954 938 5355
www.hxworldwide.com
Lighthouse Pools
01752 253525
www.lighthousepools.co.uk
Plastica Pools
01424 857802
www.plasticapools.net
SCP UK
01268 273040
www.scpeurope.com
Waterco Europe
01795 521733
www.waterco.eu
