HEAT PUMPS
Bringing The Heat In 2024 The heating of water within pools and spas can be achieved in a variety of ways, but heat pumps have become the go-to choice for many due to their economic operation and environmentally friendly benefits. There’s plenty of options available too with numerous manufacturers providing these energy efficient solutions and with new or improved models joining some established favourites for 2024, we take a closer look at what’s hot in the sector By Jon Wadeson
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or many wet leisure installations across the country, heat pumps have long been seen as the ideal solution to heat water efficiently. For some projects, that will also mean extending the regularly seen short pool seasons found here in the UK too. With models producing many times more energy than they consume, heat pumps effortlessly outperform many other types of heating methods – so it’s easy to see why they’ve been such a popular choice for both owners and installers alike. Over recent years, models have become increasingly sophisticated and intelligent in their operation, resulting in higher performance ratings leading to impressive energy savings. Most market-leading designs now feature some form of inverter technology and a number of them can now also be controlled and monitored remotely via smart device apps too. As the technology improves, so too has their performance, flexibility, ease of use, cost savings and even their looks – in short, it’s a winning combination which of course, has only further added to their appeal! With various brands, models and options available from a range of suppliers, there’s a perfect heat pump solution on offer for virtually any pool or spa configuration. So, with options aplenty on offer, in this issue, we take a closer look at just some of the models that are bringing the heat for this season and beyond.
THE X20 IS THE LATEST SHOWSTOPPER AT GOLDEN COAST At Golden Coast, they certainly know a thing or two about heat pumps. In fact, with more than 40 models in stock, they’re proud to boast about what they say is the biggest range for the UK wet leisure market. From compact devices suitable for hot tubs and swim spas to heavy-duty systems designed for commercial pools, there’s something to suit every project and build. In 2024 we all want to make sure that the technology we are using is environmentallyresponsible as well as effective and reliable. Which is where the coefficient of performance, or COP, comes in. Essentially, this is a ratio that measures how effectively a pump shifts heat from place to place. And for years, Golden Coast has been proud to stock products that rank towards the
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Golden Coast are sole European distributors for Fairland’s new X20 heat pump which utilises full-inverter technology
highest end of the spectrum. Now they’re taking things to the next level as sole European distributors for Fairland’s new X20 – one of only a handful of heat pumps on the market with a COP of 20. Utilising full-inverter technology, the X20 combines the inverter-compressor with extreme 3D heat-exchanging tech to maximise COP performance – resulting in a powerful, efficient unit with almostsilent operation. The X20 also comes with a market-leading seven-year warranty, guaranteeing absolute peace of mind with every installation.
CERTIKIN’S HEAT PUMP SOLUTIONS ARE DESIGNED FOR THE BRITISH CLIMATE The Calorex I-PAC and V-PAC inverter heat pump ranges from Certikin have been designed in the UK specifically for the British
climate. They are eco-friendly, carry an impressive five-year on site parts and labour warranty and are available exclusively in the UK from Certikin. These stylish-looking, compact heat pumps (the small footprint making them compliant with permitted development rights) are available in side or top outlet versions. The side outlet also has the added benefit of Wi-Fi capability for remote control, with an app available to download for both Android and iOS devices. Inverter heat pump technology allows for efficient control of the pool temperature with the I-PAC/V-PAC only using the energy required. High efficiency with modulating step-less inverter compressor gives an average COP of 10.3 (I-PAC+), 9.7 (I-PAC) and 10.7 (V-PAC), which is twice as efficient as the traditional on/off models. Complying with the European F-Gas regulations, the heat pumps use the low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerant R32. It requires less refrigerant volume per kW and is easier to recycle. Certikin also offer the affordable HPP range which is designed for heating small and medium sized outdoor pools and spas, producing up to five times the energy it consumes and is super easy to install. The low energy consumption, coupled with high heat production, makes the HPP pump an environmentally friendly way to heat swimming pool water. The five models (6,8,12,15 and 20kW) include a reverse cycle defrost, quiet operation and a three-year warranty.
DISCOVER RENEWABLE ENERGY BENEFITS WITH THE HEATSTAR AQUARIUS
Both this Calorex I-PAC, along with the V-PAC models have been designed in the UK specifically for the British climate
During the past 44 years Heatstar has established a rich history of technological developments that have resulted in a genuine industry-leading product range, offering obvious ‘Real World’ benefits. Take their Aquarius aerothermal heat pump, it utilises ‘direct contact’ technology to transfer heat from the refrigerant directly into the pool water and also incorporates an ultra-quiet ‘low energy’ digital fan. It offers pool owners comfort, efficiency and low energy costs while being clean, safe and environmentally friendly. The Aquarius has been developed with
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