Geothermal Pool Heating

Pool heat pumps can be categorized by two types: Air Source and Water Source.
The heat source refers to where a heat pump collects heat.

Air Source heat pumps

The most common type of heat pump and uses external air to transfer heat to a swimming pool.

Water Source heat pumps

(Also known as Geothermal or Open Loop heating systems. See Below) collect heat from water. The water may be taken from a pond, lake or any body of water nearby the pool or spa. Another option is closed loop heating systems, where water is taken from buried pipes.

If you have an indoor pool in a cold weather state, it may be beneficial to choose a geothermal heating system. The advantage of an open loop system (existing well or lake on the property) versus a closed loop system (buried pipes) is that with the open loop the upfront investment can be much less than in a closed loop geothermal system as you have less materials, less construction, earth excavation and as a result, there are less labor costs.

Video Source: U.S Department of Energy

Open Loop or Closed Loop

The advantage of an open loop system (existing well or lake on the property) versus a closed loop system (buried pipes) is that with the open loop the upfront investment can be much less than in a closed loop geothermal system as you have less materials, less construction, earth excavation and as a result, there are less labor costs.

The difference between a Water Source Heat Pump (water to water) and an Air Source Heat Pump (air to water) is in a water to water the heater is geothermal and comes from the earth. In air to water heat pumps the heat is taken from the outside air and transferred to the water. When the temperatures are above 45 degrees as they are for most people's swimming seasons, air to water can be beneficial.

If you have an indoor pool in a cold weather state you need to go geothermal or air to water with a gas or electric element back up for the winter.

Geothermal Benefits

Since geothermal heat pumps use electricity and only transfer heat instead of create it, Water Source heat pumps are energy efficient. You will also never have to worry about the temperature outside in order for your heat pump to operate at 100% capacity since the ground is always warm enough for these heat pumps.

Other Benefits:

• Low Operating Costs
• Long Lifespan
• Quiet
• For Indoor/Outdoor Use
• Environmentally friendly