Most Efficient Swimming Pool Heat Pump
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.
We reviewed 27 products and can pick the Leomon KR120 as the best electric pool heat pump for its speed and uniformity in 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 review, 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. Leomon KR120
* Titanium heat exchanger
* Stainless Steel Hardware
* Excellent noise cancellation technology
2. Aquapro VIGOH77
* Easy installation
* Also cold water
* Digital temperature control
3. Hayward HP50TA
* great price
* Noise reduction technology
* Corrosion resistant evaporator fins
4. FibroHeat K55
* good results
* small
* High energy efficiency
1. Leomon KR120 - Best Overall
The Leomon KR120 is the best overall pool heat pump on the market today,
making every pool comfortable in no time. While many people are concerned about
the noise their heat pumps make, this model comes with an acoustic compressor
cover and profiled fan blades. This combination results in the heat pump
operating very quietly relative to the competition without sacrificing any
power. The evaporator fins are corrosion resistant, which makes this model an
excellent choice for people living in coastal areas where the air is salty.
It also comes with hardware made primarily of stainless steel, which
doesn't make it impervious to corrosion, but adds years of durable service
relative to components made from steel or iron. It is also equipped with a
titanium heat exchanger that reduces heat loss due to inefficient transfer. Our
only complaint is that it comes with a plastic case, which also can't withstand
the elements. Still, this heat pump works so well it's hard not to put it on our
list.
Advantage:
Excellent noise cancellation technology
Corrosion Resistant Evaporator Fins
Stainless Steel Hardware
Titanium heat exchanger
Shortcoming:
Plastic shell
2. Aquapro VIGOH77 Heat Pump
The Aquapro VIGOH77 Pool Heat Pump is another great choice for those
looking for a high quality heat pump. It is equipped with a titanium heat
exchanger, one of the most durable and efficient materials. It also comes with
digital temperature control, so it's easy to get the exact temperature you need
with this model. Best of all, it comes with PVC sliding fittings, which makes
it one of the easiest installations of any model on our list.
As an added bonus, the Aquapro VIGOH77l is also capable of cooling
water. While most people can't use this feature well, some people will want it
when they accidentally overheat their pool or spa and want to bring it back to
a comfortable temperature. The only downside to this model is that it requires
a 230/208V outlet, which means most people need to install it professionally,
which adds to its price. If it could connect to 120V, most people could install
it themselves, and it would probably top our list.
Advantage:
Titanium heat exchanger
Digital temperature control
Also cold water
Easy installation
Shortcoming:
230V connection required
3. Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Titanium – Best Value
The Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Titanium is another great Hayward pool heat
pump. Like its No. 1 cousin on our list, this model is equipped with soundproofing
technology. Both the acoustic compressor cover and profiled fan blades keep the
machine running quieter than the competition. It also comes with
corrosion-resistant evaporator fins, so if you live in a humid area or where
the air contains a lot of salt, this critical component won't wear out
accidentally. It also comes with a titanium heat exchanger, so you can rest
assured that this part will last a long time and you are guaranteed to get good
efficiency and not waste money.
This model is not as powerful as the first two models on our list, but
it costs only about one-third of them, making this model the best value for
money on our list. Unfortunately, the Hayward HP50TA HeatPro had quality
control issues that resulted in some duds being shipped out. You can fix this
under warranty and it's still a pain. However, if you want to save some money,
this is the best pool heat pump model for you.
Advantage:
Noise-cancelling technology
Corrosion Resistant Evaporator Fins
Titanium heat exchanger
great price
Shortcoming:
Quality Control Issues
4. FibroHeat k55 Pool Heat Pump
The FibroHeat pool heat pump k55 is one of the better performing models
on our list, but it has a few issues that make it a potentially poor choice for
homeowners. It is really energy efficient and can keep your pool very warm
without increasing your electricity bill. It also comes with a small size that
makes it suitable for installation anywhere. While this may vary from case to
case, many users report that this model can heat the pool to 40 degrees in just
two days, making it a champion for heated pools.
Unfortunately, k55 has a tricky installation process. While
quick-install PVC connectors make plumbing assembly very easy, electrical work
is best handled by a professional unless you know how to connect complex
appliances. This model is also poorly protected during shipping, resulting in
dents in the metal case. The combination of these factors means that this model
is too much of a headache for many homeowners, but if you're going to
professionally install your pool heat pump anyway, those issues are largely
negated.
Advantage:
High energy efficiency
Small
Good results
Shortcoming:
Tricky installation
Poor quality shipping
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. Efficiency
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
Our favorite pool heat pump is the Leomon KR120, which features
excellent sound insulation technology, corrosion-resistant evaporator fins and
titanium heat exchangers, making it one of the most efficient and durable heat
pumps on the market today. The Leomon KR120 pool heat pump comes with a
titanium heat exchanger, easy installation and digital temperature control,
although its need for a 230V connection puts it out of the first place.
The Hayward HP50TA HeatPro Titanium shares many features with our
top-of-the-line model, including soundproofing technology, titanium heat
exchangers, and corrosion-resistant evaporator fins, but you can get it for
about a third of the price, making this model the best For the money model. The
FibroHeat swimming pool heat pump k55 works well and is very efficient, but its
complicated installation and poor shipping quality put it at the bottom of our
list.
We hope our reviews of the best pool heat pumps have helped you find the
right model for your pool and that you can get it at a great price, too.
