Choose the right pool heater for warm summer fun and savings!

What could be better than a heated pool to make the most out of summer? A heat pump is an efficient and cost-effective way to enjoy perfectly warm water all summer long! You just need to choose the right heat pump model to suit your needs.

Is a heat pump right for you?

A heat pump is an efficient and cost-effective solution, especially when used in the right conditions. To help your Sima expert guide you, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Environment and exposure: Is your pool often in the sun? Is it windy in your yard? Are you surrounded by a lot of trees?

Pool type: Is your pool inground or above ground?

Outdoor temperature:  Are nights warm in your area?

Pool temperature: How warm do you like your pool water?

Opening date:  Are you planning to use your pool just during the summer months (not too early, not too late), or would you rather start swimming as soon as the weather allows and keep it going into early fall?

How does a heat pump work?

Positioned after the filter,  the heat pump uses warmth from the outside air to heat your pool water. The water flows through a coil where it’s warmed up, then returns to the pool. A heat pump uses less energy than a gas heater, but it does take longer to reach the desired temperature. It also works best when the outdoor temperature is at least 10 °C. Once your pool hits the perfect temperature, the heat pump will easily maintain it.

heat pump models

To get the most out of your heat pump, it’s important to choose the technology that best fits your needs. Here’s a look at the different types of water heaters we offer:

Plug-in water heaters: Ideal for pools under 15,000 L (12 feet and under), these compact models plug directly into a standard 120V, 15-amp outlet—no electrician needed. That means you can start using it right away!

Reversible water heaters: They reverse their operation to quickly defrost using hot gas, which allows them to keep heating even when it gets cooler out.A perfect choice if the temperature tends to drop at night!

Energy-efficient water heaters: In addition to being reversible, variable-speed (Inverter) heat pumps adjust their speed to save energy while still heating effectively. They use up to 50% less energy than standard models and operate very quietly.

How much power do you need in a heat pump?

The size of your heat pump also depends on the size of your pool—and the volume of water it holds. In general, experts recommend choosing a heat pump that delivers between 1 and 1.5 BTUs per litre of water.

To estimate the power you’ll need, you should know your pool’s surface area, the average air temperature during swimming season, and your desired water temperature. As a rule of thumb, you’ll need about 10 BTUs per square foot to keep the water at your preferred temperature.

You can use this formula to calculate the required power:
Pool surface area (ft²) × Temperature difference (°F) × 10 BTU/ft²

Example:
Surface area: 288 ft²
Average outdoor temperature: 68 °F *
Desired water temperature: 80 °F
Temperature difference: 12 °F

288 ft² × 12 °F × 10 BTU/ft² = 34,560 BTU

To convert ambient temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit: ((temperature in °C) × 9/5) + 32 = temperature in °F

A unit with at least 45,000 BTU would be suitable for a pool of this size.

It’s important to keep in mind that if you open your pool early in the spring or keep it open later into the fall, your heat pump will need to work harder. The same goes if your pool is in a shaded or windy area.In these situations, opting for a higher-capacity heat pump is recommended to ensure consistent performance.

Benefits of a heat pump

• Save big on your electricity bills
• Easy to maintain and rarely needs repairs
• Safe and super simple to use

Pro tip: Make sure the performance claims of the heat pump you’re considering are legit by choosing a unit that’s AHRI certified—the only recognized certification in North America. When a manufacturer certifies their products, it shows they’re trustworthy and transparent with their technical specs. There are a lot of non-certified products out there, so it pays to be cautious.

A solar cover is a great way to keep heat in your pool. It helps maintain your pool’s temperature, which means your heater won’t have to work as hard—saving you money. Plus, it cuts down on evaporation, so you won’t need to top up the water (and heat it again). Bonus: less evaporation also means you’ll use fewer pool chemicals.

Ready to make the most of your summer? Treat yourself to the comfort of a heated pool! Contact your local Sima dealer today—they’ll help you choose the right heat pump to suit your needs and get you swimming in no time.