Can a Ground Source Heat Pump Heat a Swimming Pool?

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP) are an environmentally friendly and economical way to heat indoor and outdoor swimming pools on both domestic and commercial scales.

Our systems are highly customizable, so they are designed to match the heat load required by your swimming pool and any other facility or building you want to supply heat and hot water to as well.

How does a ground source heat pump work?

A ground source heat pump uses thermal energy captured from the ground, which is then used to heat water, warming your home or swimming pool. To transfer heat from the ground below your garden, underground pipes are arranged in horizontal arrays or deep vertical boreholes. These pipes circulate the circulating water and antifreeze solution, harvesting energy from the ground and delivering it to the compressor, which raises the temperature to a usable ambient temperature.

How efficient is a ground source heat pump?

Ground source heat pumps are the most efficient heating systems available, with well-performing heat pumps producing around 4kW of heat energy per 1kW of electricity - 400% efficiency compared to 90% for modern gas boilers.

Our heat pump systems are also compatible with variable electricity rates, such as those offered by Octopus Energy and Bulb, which generate 100% renewable electricity, making your system completely pollution-free and carbon-free. These tariffs are integrated through a ground source heat pump and create a smart, automated heating system that optimizes the use of electricity at a lower cost, while continuing to provide power that you can easily set and change via a smartphone app Preferred temperature and heating schedule. This is an excellent solution for heating your swimming pool as it will greatly reduce your monthly utility bills.

What is the lifespan of a swimming pool? What is the lifespan of a heat pump?

A commercial ground source heat pump can last 25 years—10 years longer than a fired boiler—while the most expensive component of a ground source heat pump installation, the ground heat exchanger, should last more than 100 years.

This is great peace of mind for those who want an efficient and long-lasting heating system for their swimming pool. Geothermal systems have a longer lifespan than other HVAC systems, but they are not immune to the natural wear and tear of time.

What other renewable technologies can help heat swimming pools?

Heating swimming pools is not limited to ground source heat pumps, you can also use air source heat pumps. These are quick and easy to install, and can be connected to a filtration system to heat clean water as it flows back into the pool.

You can also use solar thermal as a free system for a ground source heat pump to generate heat for your swimming pool. The two systems work in harmony, with solar thermal directing up to 80% of the thermal energy used to heat the pool, while the heat pump supplements the remaining heat needed. If a solar thermal system produces more heat than is immediately needed, we can design a system to store the heat produced underground so you can maximize efficiency and use renewable, clean and free energy, further reducing your running costs.

Does the heat pump have enough heating capacity to heat the swimming pool?

Geothermal heat pumps are a very green and cost-effective alternative to electric and fuel heating systems, but they don't heat up as fast as other heat pumps.

It takes about 1 to 3 days to heat the pool to 11 degrees Celsius (20 degrees Fahrenheit). It can take at least an hour to heat a spa for the same temperature increase. So, the more water you heat, the more time you need. You can do better with a larger capacity pump. The heating capacity of a ground source heat pump depends on several factors:

1. Temperature

2. Pump size

3. The size of the water body to be heated

4. Required heating capacity

5. Presence of insulation systems such as solar blankets

Can a ground source heat pump heat a large commercial swimming pool?

Commercial swimming pool projects can benefit greatly from ground source heat pumps. Ground loops have a lifespan of over 100 years, while heat pumps themselves tend to have an average lifespan of over 20 years.

With a heat pump, you can use a public or private swimming pool to provide your business with green credentials, reduced operating costs, and a system that lasts for years with little to no maintenance. The initial capital costs can be much higher, but they are reasonable due to the long lifespan of geothermal heat pumps.

Frequently Asked Questions about Using Ground Source Heat Pumps for Swimming Pools

1 What temperature can a swimming pool be heated to?

We can customize the system to meet your preferred temperature. Most pools are kept between 26°C and 28°C, but we have heated the pool to 35°C.

2. Do I need a room for a ground source heating system?

You need a machine room for the pool. This will also house other necessary equipment to operate your pool.