Pool Heat Pumps FAQ | Hayward Pool Products (2025)

FAQs

Should I leave my pool heat pump on all the time? ›

Drawbacks of Constantly Running Your Pool Heat Pump

Additionally, while frequent on-and-off cycles can strain a system, running a heat pump non-stop can still contribute to wear and tear over time. This could potentially lead to more frequent repairs or earlier replacement than if the pump were used more sparingly.

Reason #1: You Want to Use Your Pool Year-Round

Heat pumps are perfect for use in warmer climates! Heat pumps are most efficient when they're heating outdoor air that's above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything below 50 and a heat pump does start to lose efficiency.

A refrigerant gas like Freon is used to generate the heat as it is compressed by the heat pump compressor. Although not common, over time small amounts of the gas can leak out. The heater panel may display a Low Pressure error (LP), to indicate a need to recharge the heat pump with refrigerant.

We recommend running your pool heat pump for 10-12 hours a day during summer, and 6-8 hours a day during winter. This difference is because algae tends to grow in warmer temperatures, so keeping your heat pump on for longer during the warmer months will help to filter algae out.

Some common reasons include a malfunctioning thermostat, a refrigerant leak, or a faulty compressor. When a heat pump runs non-stop, it not only places unnecessary stress on the unit but also leads to inefficient operation and increased energy consumption.

Heat pumps will use around 5,000 watts or 5 kilowatts per hour per 100,000 BTU's. For a typical size 100,000 BTU heat pump, that's 5 kilowatts per hour. The average for electricity in our area runs $. 16 cents per kilowatt hour.

What are the disadvantages of a heat pump? While heat pumps are highly efficient and versatile, some concerns include their performance in extremely cold temperatures and reliance on electricity.

With proper installation and maintenance, a heat pump will generally have a lifespan of about ten years, though many have lasted longer. We at AquaCal have seen some last as long as 15 years!

All electric motors run hot and pool pumps are no different. But how hot is too hot for a pool pump? The first test is simply whether you can touch the motor or not. Under normal operating conditions, the motor end of the pump is hot enough that you can barely touch it — but not searing hot.

At what temperature is a heat pump no longer efficient? ›

Heat pumps do not operate as efficiently when temperatures drop to between 25 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit for most systems. A heat pump works best when the temperature is above 40. Once outdoor temperatures drop to 40 degrees, heat pumps start losing efficiency, and they consume more energy to do their jobs.

Some heat pump models also have a timer built into the digital control panel. This allows you to turn the heat pump on and off at set times independently from the pool pump. Note that the pool pump always needs to be operating for the heat pump to work.

All in all, pool heater installation can take a single day or it can take a few days—it is entirely contingent on your individual needs. After your pool heater is installed, you'll still likely have to wait a few days before you can use it although, again, this depends on the size of the pool.

Also, turn the temperature down or turn off the heater whenever the pool won't be used for several days. This will save energy and money. It's a myth that it takes more energy to heat a pool back up to a desired temperature than you save by lowering the temperature or turning off the heater.

On warm summer days when the pool is up to temperature, the heat pump may not need to run at all. Whereas on cooler days, the heat pump may run for a few hours. In extremely cold weather (eg below +5c) the heat pump may need to run for 12 hours a day or more.

Most residential swimming pools have power-efficient heating units and do not require that much energy to reach a comfortable temperature. We only recommend keeping your pool heater on overnight if you expect family or guests to take a dip.