Pool Heater FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About the FPH Heat Recovery
Pool Heater
Why is it necessary to heat a swimming pool?
Studies show that most people prefer a swimming pool to be between 80-82F, about
17F cooler than human body temperature. As water evaporates from the large
exposed surface area of a pool, a thermodynamic effect called evaporative
cooling occurs. That’s why a pool can lose heat even on a hot sunny day. And
whenever ambient air temperatures fall below the pool temperature, convective
heat transfer occurs. In addition, conductive heat loss occurs through contact
with the cooler ground surrounding an in-ground pool. Even in locations like
Key West, Florida, pools require a heat source to remain at a comfortable temperature.
How does the HotSpot FPH heat recovery pool
heater work?
Basically, it’s a geothermal heat exchanger added
to your normal air conditioner, which allows the AC
to become a water cooled unit. It takes the waste heat
that the AC throws away, and puts it into the pool.
The operation of the AC is improved, electrical draw
is reduced, and the outdoor AC fan unit doesn't need
to run. Here is a high-level diagram.
What kind of air conditioner will it work with?
Right now we offer quick-ship FPH systems preconfigured
for all R410a and R22 AC units between 2.5 and 10
tons. We can custom-configure a system for larger
size air conditioners or other types of refrigerant.
The FPH pool heating system can also connect to multiple
air conditioners. FPH for heat pumps will be available
soon.
How big can my pool be? (or,
How large must my air conditioner
be?)
On average, a pool needs a heating capacity of about
150 BTU per day, per gallon, depending on the location. A typical 20 x 30 pool contains about 27,000
gallons. A pool this size will need about
405,000 BTU per day of heating capacity. A heat recovery
pool heater can deliver about 15,000 BTU per hour into
the pool, per ton of AC capacity. Therefore an average
pool would need 27 “ton hours”, meaning a 2.7 ton unit
running for 10 hours per day or a 4 ton AC running for
6.7 hours per day, and so forth.
How is the FPH installed?
There are two components to the installation. Part one,
connecting the FPH to the air conditioner must be done
by a licensed HVAC technician, this takes about 4 hours
and should be completed as the first step.
The second
part, connecting the FPH to the pool pump, can take 3
to 4 or more hours, depending on distances and complexity
and can be completed by a swimming pool dealer, a solar
contractor, or a handyman/home owner.
How does a heat recovery pool heater compare
to solar pool heater?
Either system will extend your swimming season and heat
your pool for free. However, some people can't use solar
because of roof orientation, shade problems, or homeowners
association rules. And, some people don't prefer the
"look" of large black plastic panels on their roof. Beyond that, solar panels can cause roof
problems and have to be removed before a roof can be
replaced. Also, solar pool panels have a tendency to
be damaged or lost in severe wind. The FPH pool
heater works in the rain, and at night. The final installed
cost is a little lower for AC recovery pool heaters than
it is for solar. Of course, solar doesn't slash your air conditioning bill by up to 40% like a heat recovery pool heater will.
How much does a FPH cost?
The systems vary in price based on system size and
installation requirements, but for a typical residential
pool it should always be about the same or lower cost
as installing a paid-energy (gas or electric) pool
heater.
How quickly will it pay for itself?
The payback rate will depend on what energy source you are comparing it to.
Here are some projected payback comparisons:
Vs. a heat pump pool heater: less than 2-3 years payback.
Vs propane gas pool heater: less than 1-2 years payback.
See the details here: HotSpot Pool Heater or
call us at 1-800-916-2067 |
