Heat Pumps

No more cold shock! Swim all year round with top quality pool heating systems from Northern Pools.

How Heat Pumps Work

A Heat Pump is like a reverse fridge and uses electricity to operate. The free heat is extracted from the ambient air, upgraded with a compressor, and then pumped to the water. Therefore, it is very cost effective to heat the required pool water needed for the swimming pool even in the colder months of the year, as the electrical input is not to generate heat but just to move the free heat to the water, no matter what the weather condition is. Due to their high efficiency, Performance Plus heat pumps have a low cost of operation comparing to gas, diesel and electric element pool heaters.

Compressor

Compressors make up a vast majority of the energy used in heat pumps. Therefore, compressor selection is very important to improving the overall efficiency of any pool or other applications heat pumps. Almost all heat pumps are fitted with super efficient and reliable Copeland Scroll compressors. They are one of the most reliable compressors available. Copeland Scroll compressors patented scroll design features:

• Reliability: Copeland Scroll compressors are one of the most reliable compressors available. Copeland patented scroll design has superior liquid handling capability.
• Efficiency: Copeland Scroll compressors achieve high efficiencies due to 100% volumetric efficiency during the compression process.
• Size and Weight: Copeland Scroll compressors small footprint and vertical orientation reduces the square footage needed. This allows for a sleek design.
• Sound: Copeland Scroll compressors function with 70% fewer moving parts, and no discharge or intake valves. The scroll design allows several pockets of gas to be compressed simultaneously providing a smooth, nearly continuous compression cycle. This enables the Copeland Scroll compressor to operate more smoothly and quietly, with less vibration.
• Testing: Copeland Scroll compressors go under rigorous testing to guarantee that they meet industry standards. This assures contractors that they can install a unit without having to worry about multiple service call-backs.

Performance Plus Heat Exchangers

The titanium tube heat exchanger assembly has been developed from years of hands on experience and dedication to gain the technology we now put into each heat exchanger. Each heat exchanger is individually sized to meet the capacities of each individual heat pump. This is achieved by manufacturing the complete heat exchanger here at HWHP Ltd. As swimming pools have high volume filtration systems, Performance Plus heat exchanger cases are also designed for high volumes and in most cases can handle the full volume of the filtration system with only a minimal pressure drop or by adding approximately 10 kpa onto the filters operating pressure. An extra water pump to operate the heat pump is not normally required, offering a further reduction in heating costs.

Within New Zealand, Hot Water Heat Pumps Ltd offers a 30 year limited warranty against corrosion of the titanium tube within the heat exchanger, regardless of the pools chemistry (some warranties are subject to proper pool chemistry being maintained).

Flow Switch

Each Performance Plus Heat Pump is equipped with our unique water flow switch which allows the heat pump to operate automatically with the pool filtration system.

Temperature Sensor Assembly

Performance Plus Heat Pumps are fitted with a temperature sensor, sensing the pool water temperature entering the heat exchanger. Some models are supplied with an external temperature sensor assembly for an onsite installation.

Temperature Control

Temperature control is by an electronic temperature controller with temperature readout in tenths of a degree(whole degrees are too inaccurate). The pools temperature is maintained within 0.5 degrees Celsius, or 0.2 if requested.

Evaporator

The aluminum fins of the evaporator are epoxy coated for extra protection in corrosive environments such as salt-laden sea air and highly corrosive chlorinated air. The fins are mechanically expanded onto rifled copper tubes for better heat transfer.

Evaporator Fin Spray Test

Refrigerant Control

The refrigerant is controlled by a bi-directional thermostatic expansion (TX) valve, finely tuned for optimum performance. It also controls the refrigerant flow when in reverse cycle defrosting, during low ambient operation.

Cabinet

The units cabinet and drain tray are constructed from high grade galvanized steel and polyester powder coating for increased durability. The external fasteners are stainless steel.

Features

• Built-in flow switch
• Built-in temperature sensor
• 3-speed, low noise level, direct drive propeller fans with guards
• Thermostatic expansion valve for optimum refrigerant control all year round
• Epoxy-coated evaporator coils
• An individually sized titanium tube heat exchanger for each model
• Molded polyethylene heat exchanger case with heavy duty end plates
• Reverse cycle, de-ice standard on all models
• Rubber mounting pads for positioning under heat pump feet

Energy Saving No Matter the Application

Performance Plus has the largest range of heat pumps in New Zealand with well over 36 different models. Different machines are used for different applications and have different efficiencies depending on that application. Applications with higher water temperatures such as domestic hot water and underfloor heating have a reduced efficiency, but when measured against electric elements or gas, the beneficial savings are quickly apparent. Swimming pool heating offers even higher unit efficiencies due to lower water temperatures. In a typical scenario of underfloor heating, for every dollar spent on electricity you can expect 3 dollars of heat created. For heating a swimming pool in summer, for every dollar spent you can get a return of 4 to 6 dollars of heat depending on the conditions.

Total Efficiency and High Performance from -10°C to +45°C

Our Performance Plus Heat Pumps are durable and versatile. They can safely operate in ambient temperatures, from -10°C to +45°C. Each heat pump incorporates high efficiency scroll or rotary compressors. Evaporator coils are epoxy coated and use inner grooved (rifled) tube for better heat transfer. This is possible using technology developed by Hot Water Heat Pumps Ltd.

Quiet Operation

All horizontal discharge models have single compressors, are supported on rubber mounts, and are isolated in a built-in insulated compartment to minimize vibration and noise.

Automatic Defrost

When the ambient temperature falls, particularly when it gets below 10°C, ice can form on the cooling coils. This lowers the units’ efficiency to heat water. Using an electronic de-ice controller, our Performance Plus Heat Pumps offer a fast and efficient method of melting ice. When reverse cycle is initiated the compressor keeps running, the fan stops, and the refrigerant reverses direction, putting heat directly into the cooling coil. In this condition, it takes 3 to 5 minutes every half hour to clear the cooling coil of ice for efficient pool heating. We have used the reverse cycle defrost method for pool heating heat pumps since 1983 in New Zealand.

Safety and Controls

All Performance Plus Heat Pumps are fitted with protection systems so in the event of a malfunction, damage isn’t caused to the unit. High/Low pressure controls (HP and LP switches), anti-short cycle timers, circuit breakers, electronic de-ice controllers and temperature controllers are essential and are fitted in all of our swimming pool heat pumps. Our purpose built flow switch ensures the heat pump cannot operate without water flow. Should a problem occur, the compressor will shut down, and a service agent should be contacted to investigate the issue.

Safety Features

• Compressor high and low pressure refrigeration safety cut out switch (auto reset)
• Time delay for anti short cycle compressor protection
• Compressor overload protection
• Built-in circuit breaker for fans and control circuit protection
• Time and temperature controlled electronic de-ice switch for rapid defrosting of the evaporator coil during low ambient operation
• Built-in water flow switch is supplied as standard - this stops the heat pump in the event of the filter pump stopping

Dual Purpose / Dual Temperature

Dual Purpose heat pumps were introduced to the New Zealand market by HWHP Ltd in 1983. Performance Plus Dual Purpose Heat Pumps offer the convenience of one unit, capable of heating a pool and a spa to two separate temperatures, without the need to divert water. The Dual Purpose system is designed so the spa takes priority and will switch automatically between heating the pool or spa as required. This can save some of the expense of buying two heat pumps, save space and lower operating costs.

Benefits of Performance Plus Heat Pumps

Performance Plus Heat Pumps...

• provide a uniform desired set temperature throughout the swimming season no matter what the weather is like
• are not dependent on direct sunrays
• use renewable energy, making them safer and cleaner to run than a gas/diesel fossil fuel burner
• are specifically designed for optimal performance even in freezing conditions, ensuring trouble free all year heating
• are more efficient (average efficiency of 300% to 500%), therefore costing less to run than gas/diesel heaters or electric elements
• are easy to install and operate
• Unlike the general belief that solar heating is free, people forget the cost of pumping the pool water through the solar panel on the roof, which can cost as much as half of the heat pump's running cost
• are available in the widest range - 36 different models from 6 to 250kw output units
• are made of high quality components, resulting in less unit failures
• have low operating, energy and maintenance costs
• have a long life expectancy and are very durable
• automatically maintain the desired temperature
• have excellent after-sales service and free experienced technical support
• have two years mechanical warranty and 30 years limited warranty against corrosion within the titanium tubing of the Heat Exchanger

Average Weekly Pool Heating Cost

Outdoor Swimming Pools Heat Loss

Heat loss from outdoor swimming pools occurs mainly from the surface in the form of evaporation, radiation and convection. The colder the outdoor air temperature, the higher the heat loss is. Evaporation from the surface of the pool lowers both water temperature and the water level in the pool. Radiation causes heat loss in the pool by transferring that heat into the surrounding air.

Convection of heat energy is the result of cool air blowing over the pool’s surface, lowering the water temperature. Heat loss is also attributed to conduction, which is a transfer of heat from the water through the pool walls to the surrounding air or soil.

Pool Temperature

The energy consumption of an outdoor pool depends on the water and air temperature. For typical pool activity, set the temperature at 27°C - 28°C.

Wind Exposure

The evaporative heat loss in a swimming pool is greater as wind velocity over the pool surface increases. It is suggested to use solid fencing around the pool to create a sheltered area, such as glass. This would help to reduce pool energy consumption by 20 percent. Pools with an open exposure would consume about 50 percent more energy than a moderately sheltered one.

Swimming Pool Covers

Use of a floating thermal pool cover to bring the initial investment and running costs down, save energy and maintain the pool temperature when not in use is also recommended. A cover can save up to 50% on energy consumption compared with an uncovered pool and is the most significant energy saving measure you can take. This type of cover has special flotation properties, and, can not only save a substantial amount of the energy, but also significantly reduce water loss due to evaporation. A good quality thermal cover is recommended for all winter heating.

Comparison

A Heat Pump uses electricity to operate. The heat is extracted from the ambient air, upgraded with a compressor, and then transferred to the pool. Therefore, it is very cost effective to heat the pool continuously all year round, as the electricity is not used to generate heat, but to move the free heat to the pool, spa, Domestic Hot Water or Underfloor Heating application no matter what the weather conditions are. Due to their high efficiency, heat pumps have a low cost of operation ini comparison to gas or diesel burners.

Plumbing

• Make sure filter pump is switched off before changing the position of any valves.
• If the filter is located below the water level of the pool, close shut-off valves if available. If shut off valves have not been fitted close pool skimmers and use "plumbers putty" to block any drain locations inside the pool.
• Cut a small section 100 to 200mm of the pipe section between the filter pool return and any chlorination device and plumb to and from the heat pump location making sure that the flow from the filter is connected to the water inlet on the heat pump and that the water outlet is connected to the pool return.
• This is to reduce the risk of any deterioration of plastic or rubber fittings and seals from chorine or other chemicals.
• All PVC pipe work should be clean and dry with all ends cut square and burrs removed.
• Ensure correct PVC pipe cement is used.
• Roughen all mating surfaces with emery tape and apply glue to both mating surfaces.
• While surfaces are still wet bring the two together using a twisting motion to ensure good fit and hold for approximately 30 seconds.
• Let glue dry for 24 hours before starting filtration pump.
• Before commissioning remove lid from top of heat pump and then turn on filtration system.
• Check that there are no water leaks from around heat exchanger or any of the PVC fittings and glue joints as this can cause major corrosion if left unattended.
• Also flow switch should be checked and adjusted if necessary. This is done by loosening the gland nut on the top of the flow switch and pushing the probe down just enough to stop the flap bouncing up and down. Re-tighten gland nut.
• Heat loss occurs from pipes carrying water, whether buried or exposed to the air. Especially in situations of all year heating and Spa heating where the water temperatures are higher and or ambient temperatures are lower. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary heat loss, all pipes must be insulated and be kept to the shortest possible distances.