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Aquatherm Heat Pump
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
How Does A Heat Pump Work?
The Aquatherm heat pump utilizes proven refrigerant technology to capture the heat in the outside air and transfer it to the pool water. Refrigerant is used because of its ability to absorb and transfer heat energy. The fan circulates air through the evaporator coil that acts as a heat collector. The liquid refrigerant in the air coil absorbs the available heat in the ambient air, transforming it into a gas.
The refrigerant gas is then pumped into the compressor. When this warmed gas is compressed, it intensifies or concentrates the heat, like a magnifying glass in the sun. The intensely hot gas is then pumped into the heat exchanger condenser, where the actual heat transfer takes place. As the pool water passes through the heat exchanger, the hot gas gives up its heat to the cooler pool water.
The refrigerant returns to a liquid state and is pumped through the expansion valve then into the evaporator air coil to start the process all over again. The result: a warm pool!
Why is a heat pump best for me?
For most people in Costa Rica an Aquatherm swimming pool heat pump is the best choice for heating their pool, however not always. We sell thousands of solar systems a year to people who want no operating cost and don't object to the appearance of the solar collectors on the roof. Heat pumps are more than 5 times as efficient as a gas heater however they generate heat slower. You can't usually turn on a heat pump tonight and go swimming in the morning.
How long does it take to heat my pool?
Rule of thumb is that you will gain around 1/2 a degree an hour with a properly sized unit under normal conditions in Florida. This is an average net gain after you factor in your heat loss of the pool during the hour. Weather conditions will greatly affect the temperature of your pool. A 5 MPH wind can double your heat loss. Heat output and efficiency of the unit increases as temperature and humidity rise. An average 500 gallon spa will gain around 10 degrees an hour under normal conditions.
Should I use a pool blanket?
There is little doubt a pool blanket will cut your heat loss by 75% or more. By cutting your heat loss your heat pump has to run less and cost less to operate. On our website we will do an audit for you showing operating cost with and without a cover. There is an alternative to the plastic pool blanket. It is called "liquid pool blanket." It puts a molecular film over the surface which is invisable to the eye. It is not as good as a plastic pool blanket however it can cut your heat loss by 30 percent or more.
I've heard pool chemicals can damage a swimming pool heat pump?
Yes, excessive chemicals and extremes in PH can affect some heat pumps. The heat exchanger is where the pool water is in contact with the heat pump. Our heat exchanger is made of titaniam which is highly suited to our acidic water in Costa Rica. We think we are the only importers of Titaniam heat pumps.
Is it true a pool heat pump will only work down to 45 degrees Fareheit?
For the most part yes and therefore it is perfect for our climate in Costa Rica. T
I've heard pool chemicals can damage a swimming pool heat pump?
We currently have two lines of heat pumps. Our "Titanium Series" utilizes a titanium heat exchanger. The units with titanium are virtually bullet proof against pool water chemicals and we offer a 15 year warranty on those units. Bulletproof comes at a cost and the titanium units are substantially more expensive than the cupronickel units which we do not sell here in Costa Rica.
We have used cupronickel heat exchangers for over 10 years in the States and have had little problem with them as long as they are installed properly and the pool water chemistry is kept in balance. Unfortunately some pool owners don't keep their pools in balance and that can cause a cupronickel heat exchanger to fail. When a cupronickel heat exchanger is breached it destroys the compressor as well and when pool water mixes with the freon gas, the entire unit is compromised. Since we have naturally acidic water in Costa Rica we do not recommend anything less than Titanium Series Aquatherm Heat Pumps.
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Lindora de Santa Ana, Costa Rica
email: solar@solarcostarica.com
(from US first dial 011) (506)2582-0623
Call Directly from US (305)454-4447
US Fax (509)463-7455
Anótese un gol con el sol!