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correct placement of heat pumps

How Far Should the Bushes Be From My Swimming Pool Heat Pump?

Placement

The correct placement of your new swimming pool heat pump is key to it working properly. On our previous blog we discussed areas where not to install your new system. In this article we will continue to go over the correct placement of your unit, this time focusing on vegetation.

All shrubbery should be at least one foot away from the perimeter of the heater. Allow for an access point of 30’s in the front for the heater to be serviced. They should be far enough away so that a service person can get around them and gain access to the service panel of the heat pump. The same also applies to fences.

 

We recommend avoiding plants that may shed. The debris could be pulled into the heater through the evaporator coil.

Things To Consider

When choosing plants, it’s a great idea to choose something that has a small root base. With a large root spread, you can get root intrusion into the heater. There will be plenty of condensation for the roots to feed on, so be sure keep an eye on your plant and tree growth. Performing yearly planned maintenance will also help keep your heat pump free and clear of debris.

Another bush related issue is airflow. Your heat pump takes in surrounding air, removes the heat from that air, then discharges the colder out of the top. If the bushes restrict that discharge air, the performance of the heat pump will be compromised.

Any foliage that grows around from the fan discharge air should be cut back.

It’s a good idea to keep any equipment that relies on air movement and regular maintenance for proper operation to be kept as clear as possible from any type of obstructions. Also remember that technicians are not allowed to remove any bushes or trees around you heat pump. Something else to think about – How close, and how many trees do you normally see around wind turbines? The heater needs to be able to breathe. One foot around will give it enough air to operate properly.

You can download the manufacturer’s clearance requirements from our website, and have it on hand to show your installer. Any questions or ideas? Leave us a message, we would love to hear from you!

This Post Has 5 Comments

  1. Hello a lot of great reading I live in Saskatchewan and would like to get my pool going sooner I have a heat pump on a 15 x 30 pool and had thought about placing the heat pump on a 12 x 12 black pad so that it could suck up more warm air from the surrounding area to heat the pump in the earlier months would this work

    1. Hi Larry,
      Heat pumps do perform better in warmer ambient air temps. It’s hard to say how effective it would be to place the heat pump on a black pad. I guess it’s worth a try. If you have any questions, please call us at 727-823-5642.
      THanks,
      AquaCal Tech Support

  2. Hello sir
    I am interested to buy aquacal super quit heat chill pump.
    Kindly share with me its details and price.
    FYI, I have swimming pool 8x4x1.2
    Volume 10,000 gallon

    1. Hello Nasser,
      We make a few different sizes of heat/cool heat pumps; SQ120R, SQ150R, & SQ166R. To determine which unit would be best for you, go to the “Savings & sizing estimator” on our website. If you need assistance, please call us at 727-823-5642.

      To purchase a heat pump, you will need to contact a dealer. Dealers can be found on our website under the “Where to buy” tab.

      Please call us with questions.

      Mark H.

  3. Smart thought to keep any hardware that depends on air development and customary upkeep for legitimate operation to be kept as clear as could be allowed from an obstacles. Likewise recall that professionals are not permitted to uproot any brambles or trees around you warm pump.

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