It should have clear sky above it, without eaves or overhanging trees blocking the exhaust air. Placing the pool heat pump in an area of direct sunlight will increase efficiency, by warming the area around the heater.
The shade will keep the sun off the heat pump and cause the air inside the funnel to heat, making it rise and causing it to draw more air in from the side. So it should simultaneously improve the convection and provide shade.
It is more about the air supply so whether that is in the shade or in the sun, as long as there is a good airflow the pump will work and if it is somewhere that is windy and gets a lot of sunlight then this will just improve the efficiency of the heating.
A big myth is that air source heat pumps need to be placed in a sunny position or on a south facing wall; this simply isn't true, but they should be sensibly placed in an area that isn't too confined. Also check that you have sufficient electrical power available on your fuse board for this extra appliance.
On average, your Florida pool pump should run for about 8 to 10 hours a day.
It depends on a few things to determine how long it takes a heat pump to heat a pool. However, overall a heat pump generally heats a pool after 24 to 72 hours by 20-degrees Fahrenheit. For smaller pools like a spa pool, the heat pump can heat a pool between 45 and 60 minutes.
The outdoor heat pump component usually weighs 120 pounds or so and should always be placed in a shady location that is outside of direct sunlight. Keep it directly on the side of or behind the home, and don't place it too close to any shrubbery or vegetation (this can easily create airflow problems).
We've seen plenty of ASHPs enclosed in their own little shed-like wooden structures, but the experts always say they should be out in the open. Air source heat pumps draw air through their sides and back, and kick cold air back out the front, once all the ambient heat has been extracted.
Typically, the best location for a heat pump condenser is a shady area, away from direct sunlight. The condenser also needs to be installed directly on the side of or behind the home, away from any shrubbery or vegetation (which could interfere with airflow.)
Even in full shade, a solar blanket helps retain heat. It acts as a thermal blanket at night, holding that heat in, no matter where it comes from, outside temp, gas, electric, or solar heat; making a solar blanket highly recommended with any heating system, simply to help maintain the energy used for heating.
Pool heaters have the potential to be an incredibly worthwhile investment if a family wants to utilize its new pool year 'round, or even just well into school starting in the fall. These heaters have state of the art technology that allow for comfortable swimming temperatures, even in sweater weather.
We debunk this common myth. To sum up: Shading your air conditioning condenser alone is essentially ineffective. Some types of shadings and plantings around condenser units actually restrict airflow, causing heated air from the unit to recirculate and reduce the condenser's cooling efficiency.
Installing the outdoor unit in a safe, dry and well-ventilated area is advised. Making sure your outdoor unit is clear of trees or a dusty area (like a driveway) can further help you keep your air conditioner's filters clean and less likely to get dirty or blocked.
Plant at least two or three trees on the side of your house where your AC is located. For example, a six- to eight-foot-tall deciduous tree will provide shade for your unit within a year of planting it. Plant a series of low-growing bushes and shrubs around the condenser, but not too close.
The Components of a Heat Pump
A typical air source heat pump is made of two parts – also called a split system – that have an indoor air handler and an outdoor unit.
Heat pumps should NEVER be turned off completely. This is because they will be extremely expensive when turned back on as they will try to raise the temperature as quickly as possible.
There is not enough outside space needed for a ground source heat pump – typically three times the total floor area of the property. For an ASHP, all you need is room for the unit to be fitted to an exterior wall, with enough space around it to get a good flow of air.
We have found that turning the heater off at night allows the water to cool rapidly. The heater then has to burn at a higher rate in the morning to make up the lost heat. The higher you turn the burner the lower the heating efficiency and the greater the heat loss from the exhaust gases.
Heat Pumps are designed to raise the temperature of a pool up to the ideal swimming range, between 78 – 82 degrees Fahrenheit,. Because they work by taking in air that is already warm, they work best in humid areas where the ambient temperature stays above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Picking the Perfect Temp
Pool water temperatures typically run between 78 and 82 degrees. Any cooler than 78 and you may come out of the pool shivering. Any warmer than 82 and you may feel like you're taking a bath.
When Should I Switch My Heat Pump Thermostat to Emergency Heat? [FAQ] Short answer: You should only set your heat pump's thermostat to “emergency heat” when your heat pump stops heating altogether.
Unlike gas heaters, heat pumps are most efficient when they are run for long periods of time and when they are run often. This is because they heat very slowly but maintain temperatures very well.
Protect your heater during non-season and winter months with a custom made pool heater cover. Winter covers protect your pool heat pump from snow, ice, rain, leaves, sand, pine needles, dust and other harsh elements. Your unit will look better and last longer for years to come.
Outdoor cooling units are built to endure these harsh winter weather conditions, which eliminates the need for a cover. Moisture (water) can freeze the air conditioner's condenser coils, which can cause damage over time. However, there is no way to keep moisture out 100% of the time.