Pool Heat Pump Frosting up
It is
common for ice to form on swimming pool heat pumps during the winter months.
Defrosting becomes critical when ice covers the entire unit. Otherwise, the
device will not work properly at all and there is a risk of damage.
What
causes pool heat pumps to freeze?
The most
common cause of pool heat pump freezing is a lack of proper maintenance and
upkeep. In addition to this, pool heat pumps may experience frost due to:
1. The
system is low on antifreeze.
2. The
defrosting device of the swimming pool heat pump is faulty.
3.
Insufficient air flow causes moisture to remain in the unit system, causing
frost to form in the cold season.
4.
Freezing rain falls on the equipment, frost or hail forms due to rain blocking
the equipment, ice forms from the inside to the outside, etc.
How to
prevent frost on a pool heat pump?
Proper
care and maintenance is the best way to prevent frost on your pool heat pump.
Frequently checking your equipment to make sure it's running well and replacing
worn parts when problems arise will go a long way toward preventing damage to
your equipment. Of course, using antifreeze and ensuring good air circulation
are crucial.
At what
temperature does a pool freeze?
Small
pools often freeze when outdoor temperatures fall below 0°C. Large swimming
pools and swimming pools exposed to large bodies of water may not freeze until
temperatures drop below -7°C. Therefore, keeping the water temperature well
above freezing is key to preventing your pool from freezing. This is possible
if you're willing to run your pool heat pump more frequently and keep an eye on
the water levels.
Should I
run my pool heat pump in freezing temperatures?
No, we
do not recommend running your pool heat pump in freezing temperatures as it may
damage your system and result in more expensive repairs. However, for
short-term low temperatures between -17°C and 0°C, you can run a swimming pool
heat pump as long as you start before freezing conditions begin and keep
running the pump. It is suitable for pool owners who live in areas where ice
occasionally freezes during the winter. Pool owners in areas with frequent and
persistent freezing should keep their pools closed during the winter.
How to
defrost an inverter swimming pool heat pump?
Generally,
defrosting is achieved by changing the direction of the four-way valve. When
defrosting is required, the four-way valve switches the refrigerant flow
direction, and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged
from the compressor flows into the evaporator, releasing heat to achieve
defrost. Leomon's fully inverter swimming pool heat pump runs continuously for
35 minutes when the coil temperature reaches -7°C, and starts the automatic
defrost mode to ensure normal operation when the ambient temperature is ≤15°C. Therefore, you can enjoy your
pool year-round without worrying about damage due to low temperatures.
Final
summary
While
frost on your swimming pool heat pump can be worrisome, there's no need to
panic as long as you understand what causes frost and how to fix it. Opting for
a inverter pool heat pump with automatic defrost mode can multiply
the benefits.
Contact
us
Leomon is a professional swimming pool heat pump manufacturer. Follow us for more expertise on pool heat pump freezing.