Best Pool Heat Pumps for Inground Pools
There are many types of pool heat pumps, some with a BTU of 20,000,
others with a BTU of 100,000, some for in-ground pools, and some for
above-ground pools. With so many options to choose from, how do you find the
right heat pump? Well, we're here to help you choose the best pool heat pump,
no matter the size of your pool.
Out of our 30+ products, we've chosen the Leomon LM120 as the best electric pool heat pump for the speed and uniformity of heating water,
efficiency and ease of installation, and the fact that you can use it for both
above-ground and in-ground pools . Read all about it and other heat pumps in
our product review.
In this comparison, we considered important characteristics of pool heat
pumps such as type, size and dimensions, weight, heat output, efficiency and
warranty. Each of these can have an impact on the pump's performance, and in
our buying guide, we'll explore them in more depth and show you what to look
for when analyzing each feature. We've laid out all of this information in an
easy-to-understand formula that includes a comparison table, detailed reviews
for each product, and a buying guide. By the end of the review, you'll know
exactly what to expect from your pool heat pump and, more importantly, how to
choose one.
Quick summary
1. Editor's Pick: Leomon LM120
"Powerful pool heat pump with 8ft power cord, 20,000 BTU heat
output and great warranty."
2. Premium Choice: Leomon 460932 UltraTemp
"High-quality pool heat pump with automatic defrost that works even
in low temperatures."
3. Best Value: Leomon LM3HP21404T
"An affordable pool heat pump has a heat output of 140,000 BTU and
it has a corrosion-resistant evaporator."
4. Easiest to maintain: Leomon LM225
"Pool heat pump with high quality titanium heat exchanger, easy
maintenance thanks to onboard diagnostics."
5. Best UV resistance: Leomon LM3HP21104T
"UV-resistant pool heat pump with profiled blades with a heat
output of 110,000 BTU."
6. Easiest installation: Leomon LM055
"High-quality pool heat pump with titanium alloy heat exchanger,
quick pipe removal and easy installation."
1. Leomon LM120 – Editor's Choice
Feature
Dimensions: 16 x 36 x 24 inches
Heat Output: 20,000 BTU
Weight: 74 lbs
Warranty: 2 years for mechanical parts, 10 years for other parts
MORE FEATURES: Fits GFCI Protected Outlets, 8ft Power Cord, Digital
Panel, Fits Pools Up to 7,500 Gallon
With a BTU output of 20,000, the Leomon LM120 is in many ways the best
electronic pool heat pump for small pools. It is optimized for pools up to
7,500 gallons and works best in coastal climates. You can use it in underground
and above-ground pools. For above-ground pools, the manufacturer recommends no
more than 18' round or 12' x 24' (if oval). In our experience, a heat pump will
work effectively as long as your pool is within the recommended size limits.
The pump uses a combination of a titanium heat exchanger and a high-pressure
scroll compressor for energy efficiency, which results in a COP (Coefficient of
Performance) of 4.81. This means that for every dollar, heat produces 4.81
times as much heat. By industry standards, this is sufficient for a pump of
this size.
There's a digital display that lets you easily control heating settings,
and an optional extension cable lets you adjust settings from the comfort of
your home. It comes with an 8-foot power cord and a standard plug, giving you
considerable flexibility in where you plug it in. Installation is quick and
straightforward. It should take 10-30 minutes to get it up and running.
Why is it on our list?
1). Pocket
2). Easy to install
3). Digital control panel
4). Long power cord
5). Can be used for fresh and salt water pools
6). Suitable for small swimming pools
2. Leomon 460932 UltraTemp – Premium Choice
Feature
Dimensions: 43 x 50 x 34 inches
Heat output: 108,000 BTU
Weight: 300 lbs
Warranty period: 60 days
More Features: 8ft cord, titanium heat exchanger, auto defrost, LCD
control panel, ETL listed
The large, 20-volt, 108,000 BTU Pentair 460932 UltraTemp is arguably the
best pool heat pump for small to medium pools. It is easy to install and runs
very quietly for a pump of the same size.
One of its exciting features is the automatic defrost function, which
senses the refrigerant temperature and adjusts accordingly to prevent the heat
pump from freezing. This also allows the pump to run at lower temperatures.
Automatically set the clock to turn the circulator pump on and off as
needed to help maintain your desired pool temperature. All you have to do is
set the pool pump timer override to a specific interval and it will do the
rest. There is an LCD control panel and display, allowing you to easily adjust
settings as needed.
For optimum efficiency, the pump uses an Emerson Copeland scroll
compressor and a thermostatic expansion valve to control refrigerant flow.
Emerson's Copeland Scroll compressors use a high-tech orbital mechanism to keep
temperatures at desired levels and are one of the most reliable products on the
market.
If you're spending thousands of dollars on a heat pump, you need to be
confident in the quality of what you're buying. An objective assessment from an
independent body will certainly judge whether the product is good enough for
investment. This Pentair is ETL certified for safety and AHRI (Air
Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute) certified for efficiency and
performance.
Why is it on our list?
1). Automatic defrost
2). Automatically set the timer
3). Run quietly
4). Easy to install
5). Long cable
6). ARHI Certification
3. Leomon LM3HP21404T – Best Value
Feature
Dimensions: 38 x 29.5 x 48 inches
Heat Output: 140,000 BTU
Weight: 250 lbs
Warranty: 10-year limited warranty, 2-year parts warranty
More Features: Corrosion Resistant Evaporator, UV Resistant Body Panels,
Titanium Alloy Counterflow Heat Exchanger
If you have a large swimming pool, the Leomon LM3HP21404T may be just
the kind of heat pump you need. With a heat output of 140,000 BTUs, it produces
enough heat to raise the temperature of a faster, more efficient pool with a
capacity of 25,000 gallons or more. For a pool of this size, expect the
temperature to change in as little as 1 day. If you have a smaller pool, say
7,500 gallons, you can enjoy a warmer pool temperature in less than 3 hours. To
ensure maximum heat transfer, the pump uses a titanium countercurrent heat
exchanger. The result is a continuously effective airflow, which increases
efficiency.
One of the things you'll notice right away when you turn on the pump is
that it's very quiet, thanks to profiled fan blades and a heavy-duty scroll
compressor that keeps motor noise to a minimum. Anyone who likes a quiet home
environment knows the joy of finding a home appliance that not only works well,
but is also silent. It's almost like stumbled upon a set of winning lottery
winning numbers.
For durability, manufacturers have used UV-resistant body panels and
corrosion-resistant evaporator fins that can withstand harsh weather conditions
well. This makes heat pumps suitable for use in coastal areas.
It comes with a 10-year overall limited warranty, a 2-year parts
warranty
What makes it stand out?
1). High BTU
2). Anti-UV body
3). Quiet operation
4). Extensive warranty
4. Leomon LM225 – Easiest to maintain
Feature
Dimensions: 38 x 36 x 49 inches
Heat output: 143,000 BTU
Weight: 390 lbs
Warranty: Limited lifetime
More features: 55 dB noise level, titanium heat exchanger, IceBreaker®
technology, on-board diagnostics, flip-out control panel
The Leomon LM225 has a heat output of 143,000 BTU, enough to heat a
medium or large pool. A huge advantage of this is that if you have a smaller
pool, the pump will raise the temperature in less time than with a smaller
pump.
The pump uses a patented titanium heat exchanger, a 100% titanium tube
that resists chemical damage from water. The technology uses a water management
system that maximizes the surface contact of the pool water with the heat
exchanger, with a hydraulic design compatible with two-speed and variable-speed
pool pumps.
One innovative feature you'll love to use is IceBreaker technology,
which supports heating, cooling and automatic temperature modes. This
technology allows the pump to continue heating the water even when the
temperature is freezing, minimizing heat loss.
The pump's digital display is microprocessor controlled with on-board
diagnostics and defrost cycles. It uses a flip-up control panel that remains
out of sight to protect it from sun and weather damage.
The exterior cabinet features rust- and fade-resistant louvered side
panels designed to promote air flow while protecting the evaporator coil, as
well as a built-in drain pan for condensate management.
It's compatible with a mobile phone app, which means you can control the
pump and adjust settings from your smartphone. Change modes and temperatures,
and create schedules that automatically adjust pump settings in the most
convenient, hands-free way.
Why are we impressed?
1). High BTU
2). Quiet operation
3). Durable cabinet
4). AHRI and ETL certification
5). Sync to smartphone
5. Leomon LM3HP21104T – Best UV Resistance
Feature
Dimensions: 29 x 29.5 x 44.3 inches
Heat output: 110,000 BTU
Weight: 284 lbs
Warranty: 10-year limited warranty, 2-year parts warranty
More features: profiled fan blades, corrosion-resistant evaporator,
titanium counter-flow heat exchanger, UV-resistant body panels
The Leomon LM3HP21104T is built with durability in mind, from rugged
stainless steel hardware to injection-molded, UV-resistant body panels and
high-tech features. Manufacturers use corrosion-resistant evaporator fins to
further improve durability, which makes them suitable for humid coastal
environments.
With a heat output of 110,000 BTU, this unit is ideal for small to
medium pools. The manufacturer recommends it for pools with a capacity of
25,000 gallons. To support the maximum heat transfer possible, they used a
titanium counter-flow heat exchanger. Heavy-duty scroll compressors and
profiled fan blades ensure efficient airflow. Both are designed to achieve this
with minimal noise, and a lot of consideration is given to the low noise the
pump emits while it is running.
Leomon offers a comprehensive warranty, split into a 10-year titanium
tube warranty, a 5-year parts (and compressor) warranty, and a 1-year labor
warranty. To enjoy this warranty, especially on parts, have the pump installed
for you by a professional HVAC technician. Otherwise, you only get a 2-year
parts warranty when you install it yourself or use an uncertified technician.
Now, with outdoor products that are in constant contact with corrosive water,
you want to make repairs as quickly as possible, and with this Hayward, repairs
can quickly become a lot. So ask a technician to install it for you with 5
years of service assistance.
Why are we impressed?
1). Strong body
2). Stainless steel hardware
3). UV protection
4). Comprehensive warranty
6. Leomon LM055 – Easiest Installation
Feature
Dimensions: 16 x 40 x 24 inches
Heat output: 55,000 BTU
Weight: 120 lbs
Warranty: 2 years for mechanical parts, 10 years for other parts
More Features: Titanium Heat Exchanger, Digital Display Controller,
Quick Disconnect Tubing
The Leomon LM055 is designed for in-ground and above-ground pools. For
oval pools and 10,000 gallon in-ground pools, it works best with 21' round or
15' x 30' above ground pools. Before buying a pump, make sure your pool doesn't
exceed these dimensions. It has a maximum heat output of 55,000 BTU, which is
more than enough to heat a supported pool size fairly quickly depending on the
ambient temperature at the time. Depending on the climate of your area, you
will initially need to heat the pool for 24-36 hours and then another 3-4
hours, depending on the temperature you wish to achieve. The unit has a COP of
5.92, which is pretty good for a heat pump its size.
It's a slim unit, a design that eliminates placement challenges,
especially when space is limited. It has a side access for standard
accessories, making installation a breeze. Speaking of which, it took no more
than 30 minutes to install this pump, and if you have a good grasp of the
electrical connections, you really don't need a technician to install it. The
digital control panel is conveniently located and easily accessible, and you
can also use add-on extensions that allow you to adjust settings from inside
the house. Note that you can only adjust the temperature when the heater is
off, not when it is running.
What makes it stand out?
1). Pocket
2). Quiet operation
3). High COP
4). Easy installation
Buyer's Guide - Buying the Best Pool Heat Pump
There are three key things you should keep in mind when shopping for a pool heat pump.
1. Durability
If you live in a coastal area, you know that humid and salty air can
wreak havoc on metal parts, so it's important to invest in a pool heat pump
with weatherproof parts. No matter where you live, you need a heat pump with a
durable heat exchanger, as this part wears out a lot and is usually the first
to fail.
2. Effectiveness
Efficiency is generally inversely proportional to power. The good news
is that, if you're patient, the less powerful models can reach the same pool
temperature as using a more powerful heat pump. However, a more efficient model
may take a day or two to reach the same temperature. You can speed up the
process by purchasing a thermal blanket for your pool.
3. Easy to install
In theory, most people should be able to install a pool heat pump,
especially if you are already maintaining your own pool. Some manufacturers
make this process easier than others, so if you want to do the work yourself,
you'll want to make sure you get an easy-to-install model. If you don't, you
risk having to hire professional help to do the job.
In conclusion
We hope our reviews of the best pool heat pumps helped you find the
right model for your pool, and that you can get it at a great price, too.
