Swimming Pool Heat Pumps from DPL

Apart from Solar heating, a Heat Pump is the cheapest and therefore the most environmentally friendly form of heating for swimming pools. This is because no heating element is used. The electrical power is used only to run a fan and a compressor. This uses far less electricity to produce heat than an electric heater and is cheaper to run than Gas, electric or Oil boilers.

When and where can one be used?

Generally, from May to September, which is when most of us use the pool, is the most efficient time. They do require a minimum air temperature of about 15ºC. Other conditions, such as wind, shade, and location, will also affect the shut off temperature of the unit.

Other forms of heating can be used in conjunction as a back up, during the winter months, if required.

They are generally an outdoor product, as fresh air is constantly required, however, the RA range with the circulation fan mounted on the side, can be adapted for indoor use, under certain conditions.

Heat pumps can be used for both, above ground and in ground pools, providing the minimum water flow is provided by the pump. i.e. 1320 Gals per hour.

Why chose the 'DPL' range?

DPL heat pumps have a Titanium heat exchanger as standard that is lifetime guaranteed, regardless of water balance, and has a life expectancy of up to three times longer than a conventional copper type. The Titanium exchanger is bullet-proof to Chlorine, Bromine and other chemicals used in swimming pools.

The ABS plastic case will not rust, unlike the steel cabinets used in other makes.

Compression system has a 5 year guarantee, electrical components 5 year guarantee, labour 1 year.

RA Heat Pump

Quieter running than many other makes.

The DPL range offers the best value for money in their class.

RA Deluxe
14KW & 29KW (29 has two fans)

RA Mark 1 - 9KW

Use the following chart to calculate the size of heater you require for your pool

Pool Size (in Feet)
Length	Width	Gals Approx	Min Size Heater	Optimum Size Heater
24	12	8550	9	14
26	13	10034	9	14
28	14	11638	14	14
30	14	12469	14	29
30	15	13359	14	29
32	16	15200	29	29
36	18	19238	29	29
40	20	23750	29	29


RA Range Mark 1	9KW 30,000 BTU	£1425
RA Deluxe Range	14KW 50,000 BTU	£2148
RA Deluxe Range	29KW 100,000 BTU	£3595

RA Through Wall Ducting Kit
	9-14KW	£190
	29KW	£240

We have only been supplying the DPL range of heat pumps for the 2008 season, but we have already decided to promote this amazing Canadian product above all other makes. The feedback that we are getting from our customers who are using them is excellent, they cannot believe the power that the pump produces at such a small cost, and with the brilliant build quality and nationwide service support that has been set up, the confidence in the brand is growing with every sale.

Heat pumps are a super efficient way to heat a swimming pool. It makes full use of advanced refrigeration technology to capture the heat from the outside air and transfer it to the water, rather like an air conditioner working in reverse! Air conditioners extract the cool air from ambient air, and expel waste heat, and heat pumps using liquid refrigerant and compressors to extract the warm air and expel cold air, using the extracted heat to warm the water via the Titanium heat exchanger.

How efficient is a Heat pump?

Heat pumps don’t have a simple efficiency number to work with. Their efficiency is measured by Co efficiency of performance (COP). DPL’s COP average is 5.25 across the range. This means that for every unit of electricity that you put in to run the compressor, you get approximately 5.25 units of heat from the heat pump. Not only reducing the running cost of the pool, but helping the environment by minimising the energy used and therefore your carbon footprint.

Don’t be misguides by COP claims of rival makes who often use an ambient temperature of 25 degrees, which is unrealistic at the beginning and end of the season.

Service Support

Although highly reliable, DPL heat pumps like any appliance, my require service or repairs during their lifetime. Up to now, pool dealers have been reliant on their own engineers or outsource refrigerant experts to deal with repairs, However the main distributors of DPL, have in place a nationwide network of expert independent refrigeration engineers. Repairs this year are averaging between 3-7 working days.

Indoor use

Swimming pool heat pumps are normally an outdoor product, as they require a continuous supply of ambient air, and the exhausted air has to be outside to prevent the pump recirculating it’s own cool air. The DPL Ra range can be used in a shed or pump house using the “through wall” ducting kit, enabling the air to be vented outdoors, and by either leaving the shed doors open or changing to a louvered type, fresh air is available to the fan.

Titanium heat exchanger

All heat pumps have one thing in common. They all require the swimming pool water to pass through a heat exchanger. The chemicals in pool water, including Chlorine, bromine and acids, can be extremely corrosive if the owner lets the pool chemistry get out of balance for whatever reason. Should the heat exchanger become corroded, it would need to be replaced at a considerable cost! DPL who fit Titanium heat exchangers as standard, are so confident about their reliability and longevity, that they offer them a lifetime warrantee regardless of the chemical imbalance!!

How noisy are heat pumps?

Although DPL swimming pool heat pumps are amongst the quietest we have come across, they do have a fan and compressor running. How can we describe to you in words the noise level? The specification is 52-62db(A) In most cases the pool pump itself makes a noise about the same as the heat pump or as a comparison 50db is about the noise level in a quiet office or traffic 30mtrs away,

If it is to be installed close to the house or where it may cause disturbance to neighbours, consider the RA model and a ducting kit inside the shed or pump room.

Do I need to use a solar cover as well?

Solar covers are essential for any heating system and heat pumps are no exception. Without them your heat will simply be lost to the outside air, and valuable free heat from the sun (outdoor pools), will be wasted. In extreme cases, the pool may never get to the desired temperature if the losses exceed the heat gain, not just with heat pumps, this applies to any type of pool heating. A solar cover should be on the pool at all times that the pool is not in use. A solar cover can cut heat loss by about 40/50% and increase the pool water temperature by several degrees!

What is the minimum ambient operating temperature?

They will operate down to 0 degrees C but with minimal heat output. Therefore we recommend a minimum operating temperature of 15C. Other conditions such as wind, shade and physical location will affect the shut off temperature on the unit.

Will it ever need more refrigerant gas?

Unless the has a leak in the refrigerant system, the factory gas charge should last for the life of the unit. R407 refrigerant is very stable and should not degrade or breakdown even under severe operating conditions.

How close to your pool?

Normally, the pool pump and heat pump are installed close together and within 25 feet of the pool. A longer distance will result in heat loos from the piping. Since normally most of the piping is buried, the heat loss is minimal for runs up to 50 feet unless the ground is wet or water table is high.

Can a heat pump be reversed to cool the water?

Yes. The RA range can be adapted to cool the water, a modification charge is applied (POA) before delivery. Please allow 4/6 weeks for this service.

Can I connect the unit to a 13A plug?

No. Although the smaller units may draw less than 13A normal running, when a compressor starts up, it draws a surge current which a13A plug cannot supply. A qualified Electrician is required to hard wire connect the unit directly to your supply, observing all electrical regulations including the new swimming pool earth connection regulations. Each unit is supplied with an instruction booklet including electrical requirements.

DPL (formally known as Competition) Swimming Pool Heat Pumps

Why chose a Heat Pump over other forms of heating?