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Where Not to Install My Pool Heat Pump
So after all of your research and speaking to different dealers you’ve decided to go ahead a purchase a swimming pool heat pump, congratulations! As previously recommended, you should be working with a certified pool professional for the installation. However, knowledge is always a good tool to have under your belt right? So, while, or before, they install your heat pump let’s go over some locations where you definitely do not want your new system.
Sprinklers Systems
Irrigation water spray can damage heater components. Regardless of water quality, it is important that irrigation be directed away from the heat pump.
Gutters
Prevent rain water runoff from pouring directly into the heat pump. The heater is designed to withstand normal rainfall, but solid streams of water from roof drip-lines may eventually damage heat pump components.
The Results
This is exactly what you do not want to see happen to your heat pump components and by following the above mentioned guidelines, you will be able to prevent this type of damage.
Here are some general spacing guidelines we at AquaCal offer to our customers when they install heat pumps:
- Allow a minimum of 12 inches of clearance between the sides of your heat pump and all walls and objects. To be safe, we at AquaCal recommend allowing 24 inches of clearance.
- Allow five feet of clearance between the top of your heat pump and all roof overhangs, tree branches, and other objects.
- Allow 30 inches of clearance between the front of your heat pump and all objects.
There you have it folks, where not to install your new swimming pool heat pump. Feel free to leave us your comments or questions, we love hearing from you!
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Can the aquacal heat pump be used as the sole source of heat for an inground spa? Spa is 8′ x 6′, maybe 800 to 1000 gal and would have a good solid cover on it. Live in Mesa during Nov to May. Would like to get temp up to 98.
Hi Steven,
You can use a heat pump to just heat your spa. The larger the heat pump btu rating, the faster it will heat the spa. A heat pump will only heat the spa water 30 deg above the ambient air temp. As long as the ambient air is 68 deg or higher, you should be able to heat the spa to 98 deg.
Thanks,
AquaCal Tech Support
Can I use an Aquacal with a salt water pool?
Hi Timothy,
AquaCal heat pumps have titanium tubing in the heat exchanger which is impervious to pool chemicals such as acid, chlorine, or salt. You can have an AquaCal heat pump with a salt water pool.
Thanks,
AquaCal Tech Support
I live in an area that the winters are in the teens most of the day. I built a pool house that is 20’x80’ with an unground pool that is 7’x62’. The pool house has lots of skylights and windows so it’s naturally warmer. Could I install the heat pump inside the pool house? There is plenty of space with 12’ ceilings. If so, what size unit would I need to efficiently heat a pool that size?
Good Morning Kacy,
Hope you are doing well. In most cases we discourage indoor installations due to the need for additional ventilation needed & drainage required for condensation.
For an advanced sizing like this, I would request that you call us at 727-823-5642 & ask for Heat Pump Tech Support. We can assist you better over the phone where we
can get greater detail about your heating needs.
Thanks,
Robert
AquaCal/AutoPilot Tech Support
Another thing to look out for is installing it too close to a house window. I had mine installed about 24 in from the house and the window was right there. When the heat pump runs in high humidity areas like I’m at, Florida, the window creates condensation on the inside of the window. It runs down into the inside trough and can cause mold or degrade the trough.
Good Afternoon Bill,
Hope you are doing well. I can see where the cold air discharged off the unit could cause condensation inside the window.
If the unit has the side discharge louvers, it may be possible to remove the top of the unit to allow the air to move upwards instead of to the side.
This should alleviate that interior condensation. Please feel free to call us at 727-823-5642 & ask for Heat Pump tech support to troubleshoot further.
Thanks,
Robert Brown
AquaCal Tech Support
Nice read. For the first time, I’m going to buy a swimming pool heat pump in the next month and these pieces of information will definitely help me to install that in the right place. Thanks for sharing.
Good Morning Mr. Stanley,
Hope you are doing well. For more detailed information you can follow this link
https://www.aquacal.com/wp-content/uploads/manuals/landingpage/air_source_installer_hp9/en-us/Content/Resources/Topics_Manuals_QS/Mini%20TOC%20Pages/Installation.htm
You will also want to check your local codes for any modifications they may require.
Please feel free to email us at TechHelp@AquaCal.com with any questions.
Thanks
Robert Brown
AquaCal Tech Support
Thank you for your kind information.
I have not seen anything on installing this unit inside a pool equipment room. Can this be done?
Thanks
Good Morning Rodger,
Hope you are doing well. If this is an Air Source heat pump, we do not recommend an indoor installation as the unit needs plenty of fresh air to work efficiently & properly.
If there is no other alternative, then you would need to contact our in-house tech support for further assistance as the room will have to have proper ventilation & fans to keep the air circulating in & out of the room. You can reach our tech support department at 727-823-5642 M-F 8am – 5pm Eastern.
If this is a water source / geothermal installation, the units can be mounted indoors & you can check our website at AquaCal.com for specific information on these units.
https://www.aquacal.com/wp-content/uploads/manuals/landingpage/water_source_installer_hp9/Content/Resources/Topics_Manuals_QS/1%20General%20Information/Safety.htm
Again, please feel free to call us in tech support department at 727-823-5642 M-F 8am – 5pm Eastern.
Thanks,
Robert Brown
AquaCal / AutoPilot Tech Support
Here in the UK I’ve bought an intex 12×24 pool that comes with a salt water chlorine generator ECO15230-2. Being the UK I have had to buy a heat pump.. sunspring 14. No heat pumps are recommended to be plumbed AFTER a chemical generator but the way the intex pump and sand filter is configured it’s impossible to plumb any other way. How can I disconnect the swg and just use in pool chemicals?
Is there a maximum distance that a pool heater should be placed from the pool. I would like to place the heater closer to the natural gas source, but this would put the heater about 75′ from the pool. In addition, the water line would be running uphill from the heater back to the pool. Is this too far for the heater?
Good Morning Mr. McCall,
Hope you are doing well. While we are not the best experts on gas heating, I can say that a 75 foot run may reduce some of the BTU’s delivered to the pool, but not enough to make a noticeable difference. We have had heat pumps installed at twice that distance & can still deliver enough heat to keep the pool warm.
Thanks,
Robert Brown
AquaCal Tech Support
This is extremely important for people like me to know because we don’t care much about the spot to install heat pump. Thanks for sharing such nice information with us.
Thanks Eric!
Customer asking us if he can install a heat pump on the second floor balcony, above the pool pump and filter, about 9 ft above.
I’m thinking it should be OK, but wanted to ask your professional opinion. What do you think?
Thank you
Rob Cox
Hi Rob,
Hope you are doing well. This install can be fine as long as you allow for the condensation from the unit & make sure you have enough air flow around the heat pump as discussed in our manual. Also make sure that the circulation pump is strong enough to provide the correct amount of flow needed to overcome the resistance of the rise & be able to provide a minimum of 30 gpm to the pool heat pump. Please feel free to call tech support at 727-456-7411.
Thanks,
Robert Brown
AquaCal Tech Support
This is extremely important for people like me to know because we don't care much about the spot to install heat pump. I have also consulted pooladvisors for the same purpose.
Never thought about this thanks
We are happy to help, thanks for the feedback!