Are pool heat pumps worth it?
Is a pool heat pump worth it? For year-round swimming at a low running cost, backed by a long warranty, here is the case.
Key Takeaways
- A heat pump turns a seasonal pool into a year-round one, which is where most of the value comes from
- Running cost is low, around $3 a day on the 35kW unit, because it moves heat rather than making it
- CHR units are backed by a 5 year parts, 15 year compressor and 25 year heat exchanger warranty, plus a 48 hour on-site service guarantee
A pool heat pump is a considered purchase, so it is worth asking whether it earns its place. For most homeowners the answer comes down to one thing: how much more you use the pool once the water is always warm.
The short answer
For most pool owners, yes. A heat pump keeps the water warm all year at a low running cost (the CHR 35kW runs at around $3 a day), so the pool gets used in every season instead of a few weeks each summer. It is worth it most when you want to swim beyond summer and want warm water on demand.
The real value is year-round use
A pool that is only comfortable for a few weeks each summer sits unused for most of the year. A heat pump changes that. It keeps your pool and spa warm across the year, so the investment you have already made in the pool actually gets used. That is where most of the value is, in the swims you would otherwise miss.
How heating a pool with a heat pump works
A heat pump draws warmth from the surrounding air and transfers it into the water through a heat exchanger. You set the temperature you want and the unit holds it. Because it does not rely on direct sun, it keeps working through cooler weather. Our guide to choosing your pool heating explains it in more detail and do pool heat pumps work in winter? covers the colder months.
Low to run
The ongoing cost is modest. A heat pump moves heat rather than making it, returning up to 20 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity. The CHR 35kW unit runs at around $3 a day. That is far less than gas. For a full breakdown, read are pool heat pumps expensive to run?
Built to last
A heat pump is a long-term purchase, so how it is backed matters. Every CHR AstroMax unit comes with a 5-year parts warranty, a 15-year compressor warranty and a 25-year heat exchanger warranty, along with a 48-hour on-site service guarantee and local support. It runs on standard single-phase power, so most homes need no electrical upgrade to install one.
Every AstroMax uses an inverter compressor and a titanium heat exchanger, with Wi-Fi control so you can set and schedule the temperature from the app. We deliver every unit with our own team. More than 2,500 CHR units are already installed.
How it compares with gas and solar
Gas burns fuel to make heat, so it costs more to run. Solar is the cheapest to run because the sun is free, but it only heats when the sun is out, so it stretches summer rather than giving you a warm pool in winter. A heat pump sits between the two: a low running cost and warm water in any season. Read solar pool heating vs heat pump for the full comparison.
When a heat pump may not be worth it
If you only swim on the hottest days of summer, you may not use the extra months a heat pump gives you. And if you only want to warm a spa occasionally and already have gas plumbed in, a gas heater can suit, though it will cost more to run. For everyone who wants to swim beyond summer, a heat pump is the stronger long-term choice.
Is it worth it for you
If you want to swim across the year rather than a few weeks in summer and you want warm water on demand at a low running cost, a heat pump is a considered investment that pays you back in use. Already have a pool? You can add a heat pump to an existing pool without rebuilding it. To match one to your pool, see what size heat pump you need, or get in touch with our team.
Common questions
How much does a pool heat pump cost to run?
The CHR 35kW H35 Turbo runs at around $3 a day. Running cost depends on the air temperature, your target temperature and whether the unit is heating from cold or holding.
How much does a pool heat pump cost to buy?
The CHR AstroMax range runs from $7,700 to $16,900 RRP, depending on the size your pool needs. See how much does a pool heat pump cost?
Can I add a heat pump to my existing pool?
Yes. A heat pump connects into the pool's existing circulation, so there is no need to rebuild the pool.
Will a heat pump heat my pool in winter?
Yes. It draws warmth from the air rather than the sun, so it keeps heating through the cooler months.
Ready for year-round swimming?
Speak to our team about heating your pool. We'll help you choose the right unit for effortless, year-round comfort.