Swimming Pool Question - Solar Heating or Heat Pump

[Ninja_Theory]

Hi guys, I'm busy with a new pool. 5m x 3m. I need to decide soon between solar heating or heat pump. I understand that if I go solar I must use Helico, go with the best.

But what about heat pumps... I'm starting to think a heat pump (prob 18kw) is the better option for me. I have budget for the installation so that's not a concern - and I believe running costs are not as bad as one would expect. I want the best and most practical solution to heat my pool. These guys look good, their solution has mobile app integration as well. I have no experience with heat pumps, so would appreciate some informed advice.

 

[Toxxyc]

Why not a combination of the two? I knew people who did solar (pipes and panels on roof) for when the sun played along, and had electric heating for when it didn't. 18kw is A LOT, no matter who says what, and it'll pull a remarkable amount of electricity.

 

[johnny_h]

is it 1.8kw or 18kw!?
My entire house uses well under 4kw with everything on (Geyser, Fridge, Aircon, PCs TV and consoles)

 

[Skottelgoed Spons]

Why not a combination of the two? I knew people who did solar (pipes and panels on roof) for when the sun played along, and had electric heating for when it didn't. 18kw is A LOT, no matter who says what, and it'll pull a remarkable amount of electricity.

I second the pipes and panel on the roof.

 

[glitchfreak]

If my math is correct:

We pay R1.75 / kwh in Pretoria. So if you ran your heat pump, assuming it runs for the full power 8 hours a day, you'd pay R250 per day in electricity.

(18kw * 8 hours = 144 kwh * 1.75 / kwh = R252)

 

[glitchfreak]

is it 1.8kw or 18kw!?

Very key question

 

[AAAH NUUU BRU]

Im not a fan of the heat pump, needs to run for a long time to get the pool up to temp and in winter it needs to run nearly permanently to keep the pool warm and it will eat electricity. Also you have a small pool, 18kw sounds like way too much. For a small pool solar panels work really well. Only downside is you cant turn them off in summer unless you drain them or the pipes pop.

I ran a pool for 5 years that was 15x6m and 3m deep on solar panels and it winter it didnt go below 24 and in summer it was 36 haha (did have more panels that most peoples property m2 tho)

 

[Ninja_Theory]

is it 1.8kw or 18kw!?
My entire house uses well under 4kw with everything on (Geyser, Fridge, Aircon, PCs TV and consoles)

I don't know. Was told 18kw but maybe that was misinformation. I don't know how much I need. It won't run all day.

 

[Ninja_Theory]

Why not a combination of the two? I knew people who did solar (pipes and panels on roof) for when the sun played along, and had electric heating for when it didn't. 18kw is A LOT, no matter who says what, and it'll pull a remarkable amount of electricity.

I didn't think of this actually... liking the sound of it.

 

[Ninja_Theory]

Im not a fan of the heat pump, needs to run for a long time to get the pool up to temp and in winter it needs to run nearly permanently to keep the pool warm and it will eat electricity. Also you have a small pool, 18kw sounds like way too much. For a small pool solar panels work really well. Only downside is you cant turn them off in summer unless you drain them or the pipes pop.

I ran a pool for 5 years that was 15x6m and 3m deep on solar panels and it winter it didnt go below 24 and in summer it was 36 haha (did have more panels that most peoples property m2 tho)

Oh nice info... how many panels would I need for a 5m x 3m pool to keep it decently heated?

 

[HButton]

I only have solar, 3 panels, and I get my pool up to 30 degrees, using a proper pool cover. There should be a valve when you install solar to bypass the solar if needed.
My pool size is small 5x2 or something like that

 

[Ninja_Theory]

I only have solar, 3 panels, and I get my pool up to 30 degrees, using a proper pool cover. There should be a valve when you install solar to bypass the solar if needed.
My pool size is small 5x2 or something like that

Are there easy to fit pool covers - and is a pool cover a must have? I remember the mission of my parent's pool growing up. Was a kak job to remove it and put it on all the time.

 

[HButton]

Are there easy to fit pool covers - and is a pool cover a must have? I remember the mission of my parent's pool growing up. Was a kak job to remove it and put it on all the time.

Yeah, I have a great one, not sure if I am allowed to post company names so I will PM you the details.

 

[AAAH NUUU BRU]

Oh nice info... how many panels would I need for a 5m x 3m pool to keep it decently heated?

You should chat to a pool place about it, they would need to come see where the panels will go and how much sun they will get but for hat size pool i dont see you needing more than 3.

You can get some super easy to use pool covers now days, they also make a massive difference in keeping the heat in

 

[Caliph]

You must do a feasibility study first to decide which is the best solution and your ROI. This starts with getting a good understanding of how heat pumps and solar heating works.

 

[Ninja_Theory]

You should chat to a pool place about it, they would need to come see where the panels will go and how much sun they will get but for hat size pool i dont see you needing more than 3.

You can get some super easy to use pool covers now days, they also make a massive difference in keeping the heat in

They've already checked it out when they looked at where I want the new pool placed. They're coming back next week to start the work and look at solar placement. I was looking for advice about the things I need to talk to them about. You guys have pretty much answered my questions already. Much love as always here <3

 

[Gallderhen]

If my math is correct:

We pay R1.75 / kwh in Pretoria. So if you ran your heat pump, assuming it runs for the full power 8 hours a day, you'd pay R250 per day in electricity.

(18kw * 8 hours = 144 kwh * 1.75 / kwh = R252)

18Kw is the amount of energy it can produce (put into the water), not the amount of energy it uses. Usually it uses 1/4 the electrical amount of what it can produce.

PS If you look at the link Madala_ZA posted, down near the middel is a specification grid. There it shows that a 17Kw heat pump uses about 2.8Kw of electrical power.

-G-

 

[Ninja_Theory]

I’m looking for a pool fence now. Preferably 1.2m in height. Anyone know of any reputable guys who can supply and fit a fence for me in the next 1-2 weeks?

Btw I went with solar heating, will look at a heat pump down the line if it’s really needed.

 

[rinners]

I’m looking for a pool fence now. Preferably 1.2m in height. Anyone know of any reputable guys who can supply and fit a fence for me in the next 1-2 weeks?

Btw I went with solar heating, will look at a heat pump down the line if it’s really needed.

Sent you a contact number on whatsapp. You can ask him about the heat pump size for your pool size aswell

 

[Mighty Meh]

I rate good call on the solar, without an indoor pool you are throwing electricity away.

Since a few people have spoken about pool covers could anyone give advice on the way to go. Gotten a couple of quotes but most are offering 90 or 95% shade cloth covers with a net which to me feels stupid. I'd much rather have a PVC type cover that doesn't let dirt through with maybe a few holes to let rain in.

Has anyone gone either of these routes and could offer their advice/experience? No kids now but I'd rather get something safe for the long run.