🔥 Best Practice Guide to Pool Heating
Heat Pumps & Gas Heaters Explained
Why Heat Your Pool?
Pool heating extends your swim season and adds serious value to your backyard. Whether you want early morning laps, winter dips, or just more poolside fun — heating makes your pool usable all year round.
🌡️ Heating Options: What’s the Difference?
1. Heat Pumps (Electric)
Energy-efficient heaters that extract warmth from the air and transfer it to your pool water.
- Pros:
- Super energy efficient
- Great for long, steady heating
- Low operating cost (especially with solar PV)
- Cons:
- Slower to heat (plan a day or two ahead)
- Needs warm ambient air to run efficiently
✅ Best for: Regular pool users who want reliable, cost-effective heating year-round.
2. Gas Heaters
Burn natural gas or LPG to quickly heat your pool — even in cold weather.
- Pros:
- Fast heat-up times (hours, not days)
- Works in any weather, any season
- Great for spas or occasional heating
- Cons:
- Higher running costs
- Requires gas line or LPG bottles
✅ Best for: Spas, weekend users, and those who want fast, on-demand heat.
⚙️ Products We Recommend
A. Heat Pumps
AstralPool AHP Series
Quiet, durable, and ultra-efficient inverter heat pumps.
- Models: AHP90 to AHP340
- Heating Capacity: 9 kW to 34 kW
- Noise: Ultra-quiet fan and compressor design
- Features:
- Smart inverter adjusts output based on conditions
- Wi-Fi control standard
- Operates in air temps as low as -5°C
- Corrosion-resistant titanium heat exchanger
✅ Best for: Eco-conscious pool owners who want year-round heat at low cost.
Zodiac Z400 iQ Series
Premium inverter heat pump with sleek vertical design.
- Models: Z400 iQ MD4, TD5
- Heating Capacity: 9–17 kW
- Design: Vertical airflow for tight spaces
- Features:
- Smart inverter tech
- Ultra-low noise
- Wi-Fi app control
- Winter defrost mode
✅ Best for: Stylish installations or narrow equipment areas.
B. Gas Heaters
AstralPool JX Series
Compact, wall-mountable gas heaters — great for tight spaces.
- Models: JX130, JX160
- Fuel Types: Natural Gas or LPG
- Indoor/Outdoor: Both (indoor with flue kit)
- Heat-Up Time: ~1°C per hour in medium-sized pools
✅ Best for: Fast spa or pool heating, or where space is limited.
AstralPool HX Series
Simple and robust outdoor-only gas heaters.
- Models: HX120, HX150
- Fuel Types: NG or LPG
- Features:
- Cupro-nickel heat exchanger
- Easy dial controls
- Fast startup
✅ Best for: Plug-and-play heating with reliable results.
📊 Product Comparison Table
| Model | Type | Heat Output | Installation | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHP Series | Heat Pump | 9–34 kW | Outdoor (quiet) | Year-round efficient heating |
| Z400 iQ | Heat Pump | 9–17 kW | Outdoor | Designer pools, tight access |
| Astral JX | Gas | 130–160 MJ | Wall or floor | Spas, fast heat, indoor OK |
| Astral HX | Gas | 120–150 MJ | Outdoor only | Basic fast pool heating |
🧠 How to Choose Between Heat Pumps and Gas Heaters
| Question | Go with Heat Pump | Go with Gas Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Want to heat every day? | ✅ Efficient long-term heating | ❌ High gas cost over time |
| Want fast heat for spas or weekends? | ❌ Slow to heat | ✅ Rapid heating in hours |
| On a budget to run? | ✅ Uses low electricity (or solar) | ❌ Gas can be expensive per use |
| Want low noise? | ✅ Modern pumps are whisper quiet | ❌ Gas units are louder |
| Have solar PV at home? | ✅ Makes heat pump almost free to run | ✅ Slight savings with electric boost |
🛠 Installation & Maintenance Tips
Installation Notes:
- Gas units need certified gas plumbing and adequate ventilation.
- Heat pumps need sufficient airflow and electrical connection (usually 15–32 amp).
- Placement: Avoid placing heat pumps in enclosed corners — they need air circulation.
Maintenance Tips:
- Heat Pumps:
- Clean air intake grille every few months.
- Annual professional service recommended.
- Gas Heaters:
- Check for soot, gas leaks, and corrosion yearly.
- Keep vents and flue clear of obstruction.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to heat a pool?
- Heat pump: 24–48 hours (depending on pool size and weather)
- Gas heater: 6–12 hours or faster for spas
Can I use both gas and heat pump?
Yes! Some pools use gas for fast spa heating and heat pump for daily pool heating.
Will a cover help?
Absolutely. A pool cover reduces heat loss by up to 80% and makes heating much more efficient.
Is a heat pump noisy?
Modern inverter heat pumps like the AHP or Z400 iQ are quieter than most air conditioners.
Should I turn it off when not in use?
Not always. Heat pumps are more efficient when maintaining temperature rather than reheating from cold.
📞 Ready to Heat Things Up?
Whether you’re after fast-acting gas or whisper-quiet efficiency, we’ll help you find the perfect heating solution. Contact us for expert advice or ask about our installation packages with heat pumps or gas heaters included.