AquaCal SuperQuiet 225 Pool Heat Pump
Large pool owners turn to the SQ225 pool heat pump from AquaCal’s Super Quiet line because it provides an ideal balance between efficiency and durability. With 143,000 BTUs, this unit can easily keep extend your swimming season into cooler weather. There are one-phase models and three-phase models available. It operates with little noise because of its scroll compressor, and the installation is made easier thanks to its off-set plumbing.
The digital thermostat features an LED display for simple temperature setting, and a keypad lockout prevents tampering. The UV-treated plastic protects the unit from harsh weather and rust, while the titanium ThermoLink heat exchanger is virtually corrosion-proof.
Brand
Performance
AHRI Standard Rating Conditions. Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute.
80°F/ 80°F/ 80%
Used as the basis of comparison for performance characteristics.
This institute operates to standardize the testing and performance data for all heat pumps. Seer Ratings and Performance data must be factual, accurate and verified.
COP Coefficient of Performance = KW out/KW in; KW in = KW out/ COP.
The higher the number, the less electricity used. The coefficient of performance of a heat pump is the measured ratio of kilowatt usage compared to the kilowatt output. The greatest value a heat pump provides a pool owner is to deliver a warm pool or hot spa at the lowest possible cost of operation.
Model Specifications
AHRI Standard Rating Conditions. Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute.
While making your decisions about the purchase of a brand new heat pump to heat your pool, it only makes good sense to consider Heat Pumps that are AHRI 1160 Certified and can produce the Certificate with that units exact model name and number.
Standard Rating Conditions are used as the basis of comparison for performance characteristics. This institute operates to standardize the testing and performance data for all heat pumps. Seer Ratings and Performance data must be factual, accurate and verified.
- This heat pump meets and surpasses AHRI Testing Standards.
- State-of-the-Art Quality Control.
- Five Computerized Interlocking Testing Stations.
- Exclusive Helium Leak Testing - Finds leaks 100x smaller than any competitor.
- Computerized evacuation and charging.
- Every component in Every unit is tested Every time.
- Eliminates problems caused by human error.
Electrical Specs
Heat pumps are available in single or three phase units.
A Three-Phase or Multi-Phase heat pump has 2 or more speeds with a high and low setting.
A single-phase heat pump has one setting for cooling and heating. Single phase heat pumps cycle air at one speed and may take longer to heat depending on the temperature.
Pool Water Flow
Physical Specs
National: Two (2) Years Parts. Seven (7) Years Compressor. Two (2) Years Labor.
Florida: Five (5) years labor, Seven (7) years parts, lifetime on the titanium heat exchanger.
North East: (CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, & VT): Seven (7) Years Parts. Seven (7) Years Compressor. (2) Years Labor. The Manufacturer's Patented ThermoLink Titanium Heat Exchanger carries a lifetime warranty on the titanium tubing part only.
Pool size 36x18
L Shaped 30,000 Gallon Pool
Pool Size: 36x18
Pool Size: 20 x 40, 30,000 Gallons
Until l found poolheatpumps.com, I found the process of purchasing a heat pump in Minnesota to be unbelievably difficult. I talked to my pool service company in addition to two others during my research phase and not one of them told me that a heat pump would work for my purposes. In fact, I was told it would not work and that I would need a gas heater in addition to the heat pump. I knew this was not accurate and contacted Asa Strong at poolheatpumps.com. Asa was very patient, helpful and continued to assure me that a heat pump was a good option for Minnesota/cold weather pools.
I understood that the drawbacks of a heat pump included:
- higher initial price,
- inability to heat water during extreme cold periods (temps below 45 or 50)
- slower heating of pool water
The advantages included:
- Lower operating cost (based on my calculations of what a gallon of propane costs, compared to a KW of electricity, this is a huge savings),
- Longer heater life (about twice as long on average)
- Titanium Heat Exchanger is guaranteed and more resilient to water chemistry problems.
The first drawback wasn't really a drawback when compared to the heat pumps avg life span and the fact the heat exchanger is guaranteed (this was the reason I needed to replace the RayPak propane heater). And, because I do not really begin using the pool until late May or early June, and typically do not swim much past labor day, I was not concerned about the second drawback on the list. Finally, because I planned to set the temp to a certain temperature and leave it (usually 87 degrees), I wasn't all that concerned about the time it took to move the pool water temperature. The Pros far outweighed the Cons and I ordered the heat pump.
Delivery was a very quick and was a breeze. Installation was a bit trickier, as I did not have a clear idea who to use. I ended up hiring my very negative pool service company (they did a fine job, all the while questioning my decision) and a local electrician. One thing that did surprise me was the amps needed for the heat pump. I assumed I was perfectly fine for electrical needs because I have a stand-alone panel at the equipment pad that had room for a220v circuit. However, l was initially told that I would need to bring more amps out to the panel. Luckily, that did not end up being necessary for me, however, l do suggest other buyers look into this, as it is something to consider when figuring out the costs.
Once everything was hooked up and running, I started taking notes. Following are dates, times and temps as the heat pump brought my pool from 59 degrees to 87 degrees in just under 3 days:
6/1/17 Water Temp Outside Temp
4pm 59 80
10pm 62 71
6/2/17
8am 65 70
noon 68 85
5pm 72 88
9pm 74 83
6/3/17
8am 78 73
noon 80 86
5pm 82 87
6/4/17
8am 85 69
noon 87 78
The continuous running of the pool heater cost approximately $40 during that 3-day period to run, assuming my math is correct. Once the heater reached 87 it turned off and only runs a bit in the morning to bring it back up to the set temperature. We have an aquamatic pool cover and that helps retain overnight. My pool pump and heater are set on timers to run 9am - 7pm.
The only other thing I would mention is that the pool heat pump drains water as it runs. I had not run across that information in my earlier research and it surprised me. I thought I had a pool leak. It's worth noting for people who have their equipment near their house or where it is visible because I would imagine that over time it might have an impact.
I could not be happier with my heat pump. I can't understand why pool service companies in Minnesota are so misinformed and ignorant. But if you are worried about using a heat pump in a place like Minnesota, don't be. They are awesome.