If you’re looking to buy a Hayward HeatPro swimming pool (and spa) heat pump then you’ve come to the right place. We have a lot of information to share with you about heat pumps and pool heaters in general. Although you might be looking for the best pool heat pump, the first point I want to share with you is that heat pumps are designed to work in temperatures above 50° Fahrenheit (10° Celsius). The reason is that heat pumps work by extracting the heat from the outside air so if it’s cold outside, there’s no warmth to draw from.
We discuss this later in the article but I think it’s important that you already know a heat pump is the right solution for your pool. For example, IT IS IF you live in a region where it’s warm enough all year round. If you live in the US, the southern states would be perfect for a heat pump as the ambient air is generally warm. But, all is not lost if you live in a slightly colder region as manufacturers also make “Low Ambient” heat pumps, designed to work in colder temperatures.
Besides that, the major drawback to heat pumps is that they’re slower to heat than gas or electric pool heaters. If you don’t mind slow heating then continue reading. If you want more ideas for the best pool heaters, then read our guide that covers all types of pool heaters.
Hayward Heat Pump vs Other Brands
If you’ve been browsing online you might have come across older models. Hayward changed their Heat Pump names:
Basically, the new models have “W3” in front of the model name. It’s fairly straightforward once you know this.
Alternative : Raypak Pool Heat Pump
Raypak is highly reputable pool equipment brand with a rich history of creating industrial-grade equipment. They’ve been in business since 1947 so they’re doing something right. What sets this apart from other pool heat pumps is the extra-durable materials they use to build it. Every component is chosen because of how strong it is or how efficient it is and this is one of the key aspects of the company — to make durable and lasting equipment.
R5450ti 103,000
Features:
- Exclusive DuraSteel Powder-Coated Cabinet : Same steel construction used by all the major air conditioner manufacturers. Fully louvered steel jacket protects the evaporation coil.
- Quiet Operation: 3 Blade Swept Wing Fan
- Extremely Tough Composite Base
- Uses more efficient Scroll compressor = quiet and efficient compared to piston type compressors.
- Titanium Heat Exchanger / Spiral Titanium Tube: Corrosion-free and can withstand less than optimal conditions.
- Plumbing Connections Off-set 2” PVC union connections
Hayward HeatPro Models | Pool Heaters
We make it easy to understand all of the facts and technical jargon about the Hayward Titanium HeatPro pool heaters. And, if that’s not enough, we also give you a full breakdown of the different types of pool heaters, explaining, how they work, the advantages and disadvantages of each type and we give you honest advice on buying a pool heater.
Later in the article you’ll discover detailed information on the whole series of Hayward HeatPro heat pumps. The Hayward heat pumps we review are:
- Hayward HeatPro HP21004T | 95,000 BTU
- Hayward HeatPro HP21104T | 110,000 BTU
- Hayward HeatPro HP21104TC | 110,000 BTU
- Hayward HeatPro HP21254T | 125,000 BTU
- Hayward HeatPro HP21404T | 140,000 BTU
NOTE: The HeatPro Series are designed to be in-ground pool heat pumps. If you have an above ground pool then I recommend the Hayward W3HP50HA2 which is a heat pump specifically designed for above ground pools, or the Hayward H-Series natural gas pool heaters (read our in-depth review).
— This article is focused on Hayward HeatPro heat pumps as well as some competitive brands. You might find some older models in this article but in all honesty, the HeatPro technology has not changed much over the past ten years. Hayward rarely changes their underlying technology. Their updates are typically minor unless otherwise stated.
Not everyone has a pool in their backyard. Almost everyone wants the luxury that a pool offers. Most people don’t realize that you require a lot of equipment to maintain a pool and keep it functional. Pool cleaners and pool heaters top the list. The equipment is expensive and hence it is very important to have a good understanding about each product before you invest in it. You do not want your money to go down the drain (or in this case in the pool!).
If you have an Above Ground Pool then this is one of the best electric heat pump designed specifically for small swimming pools:
Heat Pump for Above Ground Pool — Hayward W3HP50HA2 / Electric
| Model: W3HP50HA2 | 47,000 BTU Heat Pump |
|---|---|
| 208-230V/1Ph/60Hz | Compressor Rotary |
| BTU Heating Performance 47,100 | Fan Direction Horizontal |
| System RLA (amp) 15 | Water Flow Volume (min-max) 16-25 GPM |
| Power Supply 208-230V/1Ph/60Hz | Water Connection 1.5 ̋ with barb fittings |
No one likes jumping into frigid water. Seasons change and with it the temperature of the water also changes. The pool water in summers may be warm enough to swim but as the temperature drops, the experience becomes less and less appealing. That is where pool heaters come into play.
Let’s first start with the basics. Our goal is to provide you with accurate information so you can make a wise decision on where to spend your money? Which heat pump is best for you? By the end of this article, you’ll hopefully know where to spend your hard earned money.
You’ll be seeing the acronym BTU a lot in this article so here’s a precise definition from Wikipedia:
The British thermal unit (BTU or Btu) is a traditional unit of work equal to about 1055 joules. It is the amount of work needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Buying Guide to Pool Heating Systems
Pool heaters are devices which enable you to warm up the water in the pool to an optimum level. There are different kinds of pumps which function on different technologies. The aims of all pumps are the same. They enable you to use your pool throughout the year. This means that you are no longer a slave to nature.
Let us get a better understanding of what kinds of pool heaters are available in the market and how they function. We’ve packed a lot of information in this article so read slowly or read it twice.
Different Types of Pool Heaters
Pool heaters can be broadly classified under three categories. They are:
- Gas Heaters
- Solar Heaters
- Heat pumps
If you live in a city where the climate is cold, like Buffalo or New York, and you’re looking for a pool heater to extend your pool season then you should probably look at a gas pool heater instead of a heat pump. Why? Well, we’ll get to the details shortly but in a nutshell, a heat pump requires temperatures environmental temperatures above 50 °F (10°C) for optimal efficiency.
Video | Gas heater vs heat pump
On the other hand, if you want a pool heater that will be cheap to operate and you also live in a climate that does not drop below 50 °F (10°C) , like Florida or Los Angeles, then a heat pump is the best choice for heating your pool
So, if this is new information to you then I recommend looking at either a Hayward H-Series natural gas heater or a Pentair MasterTemp heater. At the end of the article we provide an overview of other fantastic pool heaters that will be appropriate for you if a Hayward HeatPro heat pump isn’t suitable for whatever reason, like — where you live and/or if you own an above-ground swimming pool.
Gas Pool Heaters | How They Work
Gas heaters function by burning fuel. The fuel of choice in these heaters is natural gas or sometimes even propane. The burning of fuel leads to the production of heat.
These gas heaters contain a combustion chamber. The combustion chamber in turn contains a series of coils made up out of copper. The gas burns in the combustion chamber while the water is allowed to flow through the coils. Since the combustion of the gas produces heat, this heat gets transferred to the copper coils and in turn, the heat gets transferred to the water.
Hayward H-Series Pool Heaters | Read Review
These pool heaters have been very popular over the decades. Times however are changing and it’s popularity has been decreasing. This can be attributed largely due to the increase in gas prices. The advent of better technology has further lead to the decline in demand.
Solar Pool Heaters | How They Work
As the name suggests, solar heaters use solar energy to warm up the pool. By solar energy, we don’t mean that you have to place your pool in a place where it receives direct sunlight. The concept used here is slightly different.
Solar heaters use different kinds of solar panels. These panels are placed in the sun where they collect heat. The next phase is similar to that of the gas heaters. Water is pumped through the solar panels and the heat is then transferred to the water. This makes the solar heaters very eco-friendly and energy efficient.
Since solar heaters depend heavily on the availability of the sunlight, most pool owners need to have a back up option. This option helps on days when it is cloudy, rainy or even in the night!
Pool Heat Pumps | How Does a Heat Pump Work?
Heat pumps function on electricity. They can be classified into two further categories based on how they function. These are the geothermal heat pumps and the air source heat pumps.
Video | Basic Principles of a Heat Pump
1) Air Source Heat Pump
The air source heat pump transfers heat from the outside air and transfers it into the water of your pool. The pump contains an evaporator coil which is set at a very low temperature. Sometimes, it is even filled with a liquid called Freon. Freon is a very cold liquid refrigerant.
The air is allowed to flow over the evaporator coil. Since the coil is at a very low temperature, there is a transfer of heat from the air into the coil. This starts warming up the Freon. The Freon then gets converted into Freon gas due to the rise in temperature. This Freon gas moves through a condenser.
Pool water enters and exits this condenser. The heat from the Freon gas is transferred to the pool water thereby heating it up. The Freon gas cools and becomes a liquid. The liquid however is still too warm. This is why it is passed through a metering device where it is cooled adequately. The cycle repeats continuously.
The Hayward HeatPro series are all air source heat pumps.
2) Geothermal Heat Pump
The second kind of heat pump is the Geothermal heat pump. This pump uses water to heat up the pool. It functions in a similar way as the air source heat pump. There is however one glaring difference. The geothermal heat pump uses water instead of air.
Water moves over the evaporator coil. The water transfers the heat to the Freon in the evaporator coil and turns it into a Freon gas. The Freon in turn moves to the compression chamber where the transfer of heat takes place and the pool water is warmed. The Freon gas gets converted in to a liquid. It is then cooled using a metering device. The cycle keeps repeating.
Advantages & Disadvantages / Pool Heaters
Understanding how the pool heaters work is half the battle. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each type is what is really important. Let us go down the road and weigh the pros and cons of each type.
Gas Heaters
Gas heaters have a number of advantages but they also have their fair share of disadvantages. Let us take a look at why Gas heaters were so popular in the years that have gone by. While we are at it we should also glance at why they are decreasing in popularity at the moment.
Example of a gas heater | Pentair MasterTemp
Advantages:
- Most gas heaters are relatively inexpensive. You can buy a gas heater fro as much as $1500.
- These heaters do not depend on the climate or the season. They operate solely on the basis of the fuel that they are supplied with. This makes them extremely useful when the air temperature drops.
- As is the case with almost any heating device which uses fuel, the gas heaters heat the water quickly and thus are a quick way to regulate the pool temperature.
Disadvantages:
- Though the initial cost of installing the gas heater isn’t much, the operational cost is very high. The monthly operating cost can vary anywhere between $300-$500.
- Since we are using a direct source of fuel and we are using combustion as a mode to increase the temperature of water, you will find that a gas heater does not make a very energy efficient device.
- The life span of the device is estimated to be only five years!
- In today’s world where pollution is a rising concern, gas heaters are not a very eco-friendly option.
Solar Heaters
Like Gas heaters, solar heaters also have their own set of pros and cons. Let us take a look at what the Solar heaters bring to the table.
✓Advantages:
- These heaters are not expensive to operate as they have no additional costs. This makes the solar heaters a better choice in comparison to the gas burners.
- They are energy efficient as they utilize all the energy that they store.
- The lifespan is predicted to be around 15-20 years.
- The solar heaters are environmentally friendly.
Disadvantages:
- The initial purchase cost is very high. The solar heaters cost around $4000-$7000.
- These heaters are fully reliant on the sun and hence are not function on cloudy and rainy days.
- Since these solar panels can store only a small amount of energy, they heat the pool very slowly.
- The solar heater requires the installation of solar panels. Many people find these panels unsightly.
Heat pump / Advantages & Disadvantages
Since both the types of the heat pumps follow a similar principle, it is easy to group their advantages and disadvantages together. Let us have a look at the last type of pool heater.
✓Advantages:
- These pumps are inexpensive to operate. The average operating costs per month range from $50- $150.
- These pumps utilize the heat from either water and air. This makes it a very energy efficient system.
- The water source or geothermal heat pumps operate independently from air. This means that they can be used even when the temperature of the surrounding air drops.
- The device is environmentally friendly
- The lifespan of a heat pump is estimated to be anywhere between ten to twenty years.
- Reliable. Durable. Can last over 10 years.
Disadvantages:
- Slower to heat your pool than gas.
- Expensive initial costs.
- Loss of efficiency as temperature decreases.
Read this study by Performance Study of Swimming Pool Heaters in conjunction with the USA government which provides comprehensive information on pool heat pumps vs gas pool heaters. Also, if you care about the environment then a heat pump is far cleaner than a gas heater.
Factors to consider before choosing a pool heater:
A variety of factors come into play while choosing a pool heater for your pool. Why? Simply because there are different kinds of pools and there are different ways to construct a pool. For example some people may have an indoor pool while others may have an outdoor pool. Some prefer an in ground pool while others prefer a pool that is above the ground.
The factors are numerous. Let us take a sneak peak into the different kind of factors that you should consider when you are choosing a pool heater.
Size of the pool
The size of the pool plays a very important part in the decision you make. Why? Simply because you need to know whether the heater you choose can handle heating your entire pool. If your heater isn’t built for such a large pool, it will never heat your pool up sufficiently.
Video | Heat Pump vs Gas Heater vs Solar Heater
Pool Heater Cost
When you talk about cost in terms of buying a pool heater, you need to consider two types of expenditures that will occur in due course of time. The first cost is the initial investment and the second cost is the amount you will spend to run the heater every month. Factor in your initial budget and monthly budget before you reach any decision.
So when you decide to buy the pool heater, where do choose to buy it from? An online store or a local dealer? A good suggestion would be to scour the online market for the best deal. Take the deal to the local dealer and see if he can match it. Local dealers can give great discounts if you know how to bargain well!
Hayward Heat Pumps can potentially save you a lot of money — up to 80% in operating costs and can pay for itself in one year. I know the initially price tag can seem daunting at first but if you take the long view and calculate the cost to actually operate the heat pump it will become more apparent to you that in a relatively short amount of time the unit will pay for itself in savings.
✓Hayward has a useful HeatPro Heat Pump Analysis Savings Tool that will tell you approximately how much the HeatPro heat pump will cost to operate. You don’t have to guess, just fill in the form.
Availability
Check to see if the kind of pool heater that you want is available in the vicinity. It as well and good to say that you will ask someone to get it for you when they are traveling but you need to consider one very important factor. That is service. If the device is not available near you then it is most likely that the service will also not be available!
Retain Pool Heat at Night | Solar Pool Cover
Heat Pumps And The Current Market
The current market is booming and the sales of the heat pump pool heaters is slowly gaining momentum. After glancing through how it works, one will realize that the heat pump devices are very reliable. The cost of running them is low and they are energy efficient. The only problem that people face is the initial investment. Many choose to save up and put in the initial investment because the later costs are much lower. Let us take a look at how to size a heat pump pool heater.
What size heat pump do I need?
This is a common question people ask when looking to purchase a heat pump, and it should be. You need to match the size of your pool to the appropriate heat pump.
The sizing of a pool heater should be ideally done by a professional. If you want a general idea of how the sizing works then you need to take three factors into account. That is the exposure to wind, the humidity levels and the cool night temperatures. It is also important to understand that the heat pump pool heaters are rated on the BTU output and the horsepower (Hp). If you browse through the different types of heat pump pool heaters you will find that the standard sizes are 3.5 Hp/75,000 BTU, 5 Hp/100,000 BTU and 6 Hp/125,000 BTU.
To know how big a heat pump your pool requires, you need to know the temperature rise required. To do that you need to first determine what temperature you want your pool water to be at. Find out the temperature at the coldest month in which you will use the pool. The difference between both will give you an idea of how much temperature rise is required.
How to calculate your heat pump size (From Energy.gov):
- Decide on your optimal swimming pool temperature.
- Find out the average temperature for the coldest month you’ll be using your pool.
- Subtract the average temperature for the coldest month from the desired pool temperature. This will give you the temperature rise needed.
- Calculate the pool surface area in square feet. Use the Pentair pool size calculator.
- Use the following formula to determine the BTU/hour output requirement of the heater:
Pool Area x Temperature Rise x 12
This formula is based on 1º to 1-1/4ºF temperature rise per hour and a 3-1/2 mile per hour average wind at the pool surface. For a 1-1/2ºF rise multiply by 1.5. For a 2ºF rise multiply by 2.0.
Reviews / Hayward HeatPro Heat Pumps
Now that we know the basics about how a heat pump pool heater functions, we are now prepared to look at different models of heat pump pool heaters. A glance at their latest models will help us understand heat pump pool heaters better.
NOTE: All of the HeatPro heat pumps are designed to be installed outside. Do not install indoors.
Video | Basic overview video from Hayward
To learn about installation and other technical details, I highly recommend that you read the manual and brochures for these heat pumps. You can view or download the information with the links below:
- MANUAL — Hayward HeatPro HP21404T Heat Pump (140,000 BTU)
- MANUAL — Hayward HeatPro | Models: HP20654T, HP20654BT, HP20854T, HP20854BT & HP21104T
- BROCHURE 1 — Hayward HeatPro Series
- BROCHURE 2 — Hayward HeatPro Series
- Hayward Energy Solutions Brochure
All of these Hayward HeatPro heat pumps are AHRI certified. What does that mean? It means they are manufactured to meet strict standards to ensure that every product is consistent in quality and design.
If you’re currently replacing a heat pump from a different manufacturer then you can find the equivalent Hayward heat pump on this convenient chart. Hayward has done the work for you.
If you have a large pool and you determine that you need two heat pumps then it’s possible to install two Hayward HeatPro units in parallel. Refer to the manual for the specific installation instructions.
Hayward W3HP21104T (HP21104T) HeatPro
Titanium 110,000 BTU / Standard
Features:
- Titanium Heat Exchanger : Exceptional salt water and chemical corrosion resistance.
- Exclusive ‘Ultra Gold’ evaporator coil corrosion resistant. Ideal for coastal environments.
- Quiet operation.
- AHRI certified performance – independent lab certified performance ensures value of purchase
- 2″ x 2 1/2″ CPVC union plumbing connections – common union for installation or service, adapts to larger plumbing, recommended for greater efficiency.
Overview — HP21104T
The name of this heat pump is long but on closer observation you will realize that the name itself tells us a lot. It goes without saying that the piece is a Hayward product. The second bit of information that the name offers is the fact that the heat pump offers a 1,10,000 btu. This is a key factor in understanding whether this pool heater is meant for your pool or not. It should be the first thing that you look out for.
The listed price of the Hayward HP21104T is almost $5000. There are however, a number of sales that are available online which bring the price down to a more reasonable $3000. This is the second factor that you need to check. Is the price suitable? Can you afford it?
If the top two factors checked out okay, then you can move on to see the rest of the features. The Hayward HP21104T comes with an acoustic compressor and a fan. This enables the device to operate quietly. This feature ensures comfort as you don’t want a lot of noise around your pool.
The Hayward HP21104T comes with a Titanium heat exchanger. This device ensures that the maximum amount of heat is transferred. This makes the Hayward HP21104T both efficient and reliable.
The body is made of UV resistant body panels which protect it from rust. That is the reason why the device is considered to have a longer lifespan compared to most of the heat pumps.
Hayward HP21104TC HeatPro / Not Available
Titanium 110,000 BTU – Low Ambient
Features:
- Titanium Heat Exchanger : Exceptional salt water and chemical corrosion resistance.
- Exclusive ‘Ultra Gold’ evaporator coil corrosion resistant. Ideal for coastal environments.
- Quiet operation.
- AHRI certified performance – independent lab certified performance ensures value of purchase
- 2″ x 2 1/2″ CPVC union plumbing connections – common union for installation or service, adapts to larger plumbing, recommended for greater efficiency.
- Electronic temperature control makes it easy to maintain your desired temperature.
- Weight: 190 lbs.
Overview | Hp21104TC
You may be wondering what’s the difference between the HP21104T (110,000 BTU) HeatPro and the Hp21104TC (110,000 BTU Low Ambient)? There is an important distinction between these heat pumps that you need to know before deciding which one to buy. It all comes down to where you live and the environment it will be located.
✓The standard HP21104T heat pump will only work in temperatures above 60 °F (16.5°C), whereas the low ambient (Hp21104TC) will work down to 50 °F (10°C).
This model of Hayward functions with a 110,000 BTU which is similar to the previous device. It is light and easy to install. The cost of the Hayward Hp21104TC heat pro low round ambient is fairly expensive but it’s also an exceptional heat pump, engineered with high-quality components. Over the long run, it’s worth the cost. It’s important to factor in how much you save when using a Hayward HeatPro due to the low operating costs. It adds up over time. It really is more akin to an investment.
With the first two factors on the checklist looked at, it is time to look at the features that the Hayward HP21104TC pro low round ambient pool heater has to offer.
Like it’s counterpart, this model too comes with a quiet technology. It however has a change where it’s fan systems are concerned. The profiled air blades are designed to improve the airflow. Even the evaporation coil has been improved. It is now coated with an Ultra Gold corrosion resistant layer. This improves the durability of the device. This is especially true if you live in a coastal area.
Another addition to this device is the presence of an LED control panel. It is easy to read the temperature which is digitally displayed. It also comes with an electronic frost control and a temperature lockout function.
Hayward HP21254T HeatPro | Titanium 125,000 BTU
Features:
- Titanium Heat Exchanger : Exceptional salt water and chemical corrosion resistance.
- Exclusive ‘Ultra Gold’ evaporator coil corrosion resistant. Ideal for coastal environments.
- Quiet operation.
- AHRI certified performance – independent lab certified performance ensures value of purchase
- 2″ x 2 1/2″ CPVC union plumbing connections – common union for installation or service, adapts to larger plumbing, recommended for greater efficiency.
- Weight: 200 lbs.
- Size: 30.25 W x 34 D x 37 H
Overview | HP21254T
Now that we have finished going through the specifications of the previous two heat pumps, understanding the remaining should be relatively simple. The Hayward HP21254T functions with a 125,000 BTU. It is priced around $4000. Considering the price range of the two devices that you have seen before, you will realize that the HP21254T and the HP21104TC lie within the same price range. The difference however lies in the size of the pool that they can heat up.
Like it’s previous counterparts, the Hayward HP21254T also has a quiet and efficient performance. This is due to the fact that it employs a acoustic compressor cover and profile blades for it’s functioning. It also has an ultra gold corrosion resistant evaporator fin. This ensures that the device has better durability.
A titanium heat exchanger ensures the maximum use of heat and energy. The UV resistant body parts also make the device impervious to damage caused by rust.
Review: Hayward W3HP21404T (HP21404T) HeatPro
Titanium 140,000 BTU
Features are the same as the other Hayward HeatPro heat pumps.
- Size: 30.25 W x 34 D x 44 H
- Weight: 250 lbs.
Like the name says, this device has a 140,000 BTU capacity. This means that this device can be used to heat up larger pools. The only difference between this model and the others is the fact that it has a higher capacity.
Hayward HP21004T HeatPro
Titanium 95,000 BTU AHRI
Features are the same as the other Hayward HeatPro heat pumps.
Features:
- Lightweight (165 lbs). Easy to install and service.
- Quiet: Profiled fan blade design provides improved airflow and quiet operation.
- Ultra Gold corrosion resistant coated evaporator coil fin. Perfect for coastal regions.
- Digital LED Control Panel. Easy to read control panel with electronic frost control and temperature lockout capability.
Overview | HP21004T
Not everyone has a large pool. This device is designed considering the fact that many people have a lot of budget constrains. These constrains are also visible based on the size of the pool they own. A smaller pool means that the owners do not require a very big pool heater. The Hayward HP21004T is just the device for the job. It packs in 95,000 btu which is good enough for a small pool. Do not forget to do your calculations first!
This device is light and easy to install. Like the other Hayward devices, the HP21004T comes with a quiet technology and an Ultra Gold corrosive resistant evaporator coil. The digital LED. control panel adds a nice classy touch. It also helps control the device effectively.
Above Ground Pool Heat Pump
It’s important to buy the right heat pump for the type of pool you have. Some people think that all pool heaters are interchangeable but that’s not true.
Hayward HP50TA Titanium | 50,000 BTU
Not Available
If you own an above ground pool then this is the heat pump you should purchase. It’s designed to heat pools up to 13,000 gallons. This heat pump has a titanium heat exchanger, just like the HeatPro series. It has a Polypropylene exterior which won’t rust. It’s as quiet as a normal conversation so it won’t bother you when you’re having fun in your pool or having fun with friends while lounging in your backyard.
It has electronic controls, capable of maintaining your preferred water temperature within .5 degrees. Over time, because it’s so cheap to operate, this above ground pool heater will pay for itself. Much cheaper to operate than a gas pool heater.
Extend your swimming season and make your pool comfortable to suit your own preferences. The Hayward HP50TA Titanium gives you the flexibility you want to take full advantage of owning your own swimming pool.
View or download the BROCHURE for the Hayward HP50TA.
Features:
- 50,000 BTU Heat Pump.
- 240 Volt Operation.
- Titanium counter-flow heat exchanger for uncompromising and trouble free performance.
- Quiet operation is assured with the profiled fan blade design that provides improved airflow and quiet operation. An acoustic compressor cover further reduces compressor sound levels.
- Easy to read digital temperature display with electronic frost control and temperature lock-out capability.
- 1.5″ plumbing connections for efficiency and easy installation.
- Rust-free polypropylene exterior that is durable and will look good for years to come.
- Compact footprint allows for easy installations and is ideal for retrofit replacements, and has integrated hurricane tie-downs to meet local codes without the need for accessory kits.
Hayward HP50TA | Features Overview
Intex Solar Pool Cover
Features (Intex Solar Cover):
- Solar-heat-retaining cover for 10-foot round pools
- Reduces evaporation by 95 percent; retains heat
- Includes carry bag for storage when not in use
- Fits just inside edge of pool and floats in place
If you own an above ground swimming pool and you don’t own a solar cover then I recommend getting one. Why? So you can maintain the pool temperature even when you’re heat pump is not running. Evaporation is the single biggest source of heat loss for swimming pools. A pool cover will greatly reduce heat lost and save you a lot of money in pool heating costs.
Covering your pool when you’re not using it is the most effective thing you can do to reduce your pool heating costs. It’s possible to save as much as 50%–70% so if you’re not doing it, you should start.
Learn more by reading: How Pool Covers Work? (at Energy.gov)
Evaporating water requires tremendous amounts of energy. It only takes 1 Btu (British thermal unit) to raise 1 pound of water 1 degree, but each pound of 80ºF water that evaporates takes a whopping 1,048 Btu of heat out of the pool.
Other Swimming Pool Covers:
- Intex Solar Cover | Rectangular pool 18 feet X 9 feet)
- Blue Wave Above Ground Solar Pool Blanket (Various Sizes)
Installation Tips / HeatPro Heat Pumps
Learn more from reading the manual.
The pool heat pump is engineered for outdoor installation and should never be installed indoors or in a fully enclosed area, such as a shed, garage, etc. You want to avoid re-circulating cold discharged air back into the evaporator coil of the HeatPro heat pump as it will significantly reduce the heating capacity and overall efficiency.
The heat pump should be located as close as possible to your pool pump and filter to reduce water piping. The goal is to reduce 90 degree bends and short radius elbows in the water piping.
The unit must be mounted on a solid base, preferably a concrete slab or a set of blocks. The base should be completely separate from the building foundation wall to eliminate sound or vibration transmission into your home.
Never place the Hayward HeatPro heat pump in an area where large amounts of water may run-off from the roof overhang and into the unit. Sharp sloping roofs without gutters will cause massive amounts of rainwater, mixed with debris from the roof to be forced through the heat pump. Failure to follow the instructions may result in property damage and a voided warranty.
Do not place the pool heat pump near sprinkler heads where if they can spray on or into the unit.
Sprinkler damage will not be covered under the warranty.
The heat pump is actually designed to withstand the wettest weather conditions that are common with rain and high humidity. Sprinklers force water in from the side, at high pressure, which the unit is not designed to handle.
Hayward | The Company
Hayward is a company that’s been around for over 80 years. They are experts when it comes to equipment for swimming pools and water in general. If you want to learn more about Hayward then visit their site, and browse their full range of pool products. We’ve covered many of their products and they are a company you can trust with your hard earned money.
“…Our products include a complete line of technologically advanced pumps, filters, heaters, heat pumps, automatic pool cleaners, lighting, controls and salt chlorine generators—high-quality components engineered to work together to keep your pool at its best…”
If you have additional questions then I strongly recommend contacting Hayward directly before making a purchase. Make sure that the pool heater you are buying is compatible with your existing setup or if you you’re unsure about something then get a Hayward representative to clarify it for you. Use the contact information below:
- (908) 355-7995 (U.S.) — Mon-Fri | 8 AM – 5 PM
Or you can contact them online. I recommend calling as it will be much quicker.
- Check the Haward Rebate Page for rebates in your area. Many states offer rebates when you buy energy efficient pool equipment. Sadly, most pool owners don’t take advantage of these rebates.
- Check their database in their Frequently Asked Questions sections (FAQS)
- Find out how much money you can save by using the Hayward Heat Pump Analysis Form.
What’s the Best Pool Heater?
Well, for starters, the Hayward HeatPro (any model) is an exceptional series that has stood the test of time. Customers absolutely love the Hayward HeatPro heat pump, which is why we’ve covered it in detail here in this article and we always recommend it in other articles as well.
If you’re looking for a long-term investment and you can afford the cost of a Hayward HeatPro pool heater then we highly recommend you do exactly that. These heat pumps are very well made and are designed to run efficiently, costing you less money than a gas pool heater in operating costs.
Although you may need a pool heater immediately, it is wise to do your research beforehand. Reading online reviews is highly beneficial. We created this buying guide to help you make the best decision rather than spending countless hours doing research. Buying a heat pump online will surely save you money and if you’re an Amazon Prime member the shipping for a pool heater will be free. Pretty good deal if you ask me.
You’ll notice that all of these Hayward HeatPro heat pumps are very well rated on Amazon. Customer satisfaction is high. You should know that only a small percentage of people who buy products online leave reviews. Perhaps as few as 5% of purchasers actually leave a review. Amazon reviews are a very strong indicator of product quality. Trust the consensus rather than the opinion of one person.
No product has a 100% satisfaction rate. Pool heaters are complicated machines and sometimes customers receive a defective unit. This is true for any product. When reading reviews you have to account for the fact that some people who complain received a defective unit. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a product is poorly designed because, on occasion, a unit fails due to a defect during the manufacturing process. Listen to the voice of the majority, not the vocal minority.
Take a look at different review sites. Glance through both the good and the bad reviews. People have a tendency to be biased. Try to sort through the bias on your own. Add in your own limitations and you will soon find that you will be able to narrow down your search. Selecting a pool heater isn’t hard once you get your facts right!
Video | Pool Heater Troubleshooting & Tips
