What is the lifespan of a swimming pool heat pump?

How a swimming pool heat pump works

Swimming Pool heat pumps use electricity and don't actually produce heat. Instead, heat pumps have a fan that draws heat from outside air heated by the sun. This warm air is drawn by a fan and circulated through an external evaporator air coil. The liquid refrigerant inside the evaporator coil absorbs the heat and converts it into a gas. The hot gas in the coils is then pumped into the compressor, which adds heat, producing a very hot gas, which is then passed through the heat exchanger condenser.

The swimming pool heat pump circulates the pool water drawn from the pool and then through the filter and heat pump water heater.

As the liquid refrigerant gas and water in the pool are simultaneously pumped through the heat exchanger, the hot gas transfers its heat to the water. The water is heated 3-5 degrees as it passes through, and then the warmer water flows back into the pool.

As the hot gas flows through the condenser coil, it returns to its liquid state and back to the evaporator, and the whole process begins again.

One of the most frequently asked questions by pool heat pump shoppers is: "How long will the heat pump last?" Several factors play a role in the lifespan of a pool heat pump.

1. Electrical connection

Power surges and power outages can drastically shorten the life of a heat pump. We recommend that you hire a licensed electrician to perform all electrical work on your equipment and you should never attempt to perform any electrical work yourself. Also, to protect your heat pump from power surges, ground the wiring and install a surge protection kit.

2. Swimming pool water chemistry

Balanced pool water plays an important role in the lifespan of a heat pump. Maintain proper pH and alkalinity levels in swimming pool water. High concentrations of harsh chemicals can damage and corrode the heat pump's internal components. Your heat pump should also be installed before any chlorine or bromine feeders.

3. Heat Exchanger

The material of the heat pump heat exchanger can greatly affect its service life. The main cause of premature heat pump failure is the failure of the heat exchanger. Common heat exchangers are made of cupronickel or copper and are susceptible to attack by swimming pool chemicals. Once the heat exchanger fails, your heat pump will not operate. Titanium is virtually immune to water chemical damage, making it the most durable and cost-effective material for heat pump heat exchangers.

4. Maintenance and Warranty

If you maintain your heat pump regularly, it can last well beyond its warranty period. Remove all leaves, branches, and other debris from the top of the heat pump to ensure proper airflow to the heat pump. You should keep any sprinkler away from the heat pump: poor quality water can damage its internal components. We also recommend hiring a certified heat pump professional to perform annual maintenance tasks for your equipment. These tasks typically include cleaning internal components, checking electrical connections, checking water flow, and ensuring proper operation. Most heat pumps come with full warranties ranging from one to two years. A full warranty usually covers labor and parts. Most heat pumps also come with a parts-only warranty of 5 to 7 years.

With proper installation and maintenance, heat pumps typically last about ten years, but many last longer.

To sum up, these are some of the factors that can affect the lifespan of a heat pump. For more tips on maintaining your swimming pool, please contact us.