Comparing Pool Heat Pumps – Inverter Heat Pumps vs. Fixed Output Heat Pumps

If you are exploring electric heating options for your pool, the two primary choices you will be presented with are inverter heat pumps or fixed output heat pumps (non-inverter). Both are effective at heating your pool, but they have different modes of operation which come with different benefits.

As Sydney pool servicing and specialist pool heating installations, we have some insights on both options you should consider before purchasing a pool heater. In this blog, we’ll discuss the benefits of an inverter heat pump compared to a fixed output heat pump.

Energy Efficiency

Inverter heat pumps are far more energy efficient than fixed output heat pumps. Inverter heat pumps run on a variable speed compressor that will adjust the speed and output based on the heating demand of your pool. This translates to the heat pump using the minimum amount of energy required to heat your pool to your desired temperature, a fixed output heat pump can only operate at a fixed speed (as the name suggests) their energy consumption is constantly at 100% output regardless of the outside temperature, or the temperature of your pool water. All things considered an inverter heat pump can save you up to 50% on your power bill when compared to a fixed output heat pump.

Greater Comfort and Predictability

Due to the fact that an inverter heat pump will adjust its speed/output in accordance with the heating demand of your pool, it maintains a much steadier temperature. This translates to greater comfort and predictability in your pool as the temperature won’t fluctuate as much. On the other hand, a fixed output heat pump can cause temperature swings in your pool due to the fact that it operates at a fixed speed, and it cannot adjust to changes in the heating demand. It also should have an on/off cycle cooldown period programmed meaning that if a drop in temperature is detected due to the cooldown period the heater cannot switch back on until the cooldown timer resets.

Longer Lifespan

Generally speaking, an inverter heat pump will have a longer lifespan than a fixed output heat pump. Due to the variable speed compressor in an inverter heat pump is able to scale its running speed allowing it to start and stop far less frequently, leading to less wear and tear on the equipment. The inverter unit is capable of slowly raising its output to the required speed. Thus exerting less force on the unit than the typical ON/OFF cycle in a fixed output unit. An Inverter heat pump will have a much smoother start with a much lower load.

The opposite is true of a fixed output heat pump, you can expect a shorter lifespan because it switches on and operates at a fixed speed and due to the fact it is unable to scale performance it needs to start and stop far more frequently. You can typically expect 200,000 on/off cycles out of a fixed output heat pump compressor before it will need to be replaced.

Clarity Pool Management has chosen to partner with Madimack the industry leader in pool heat pump technology, with industry leading warranty terms of 10 years on their Elite V3 Heat Pump compressor, improved to 11 years due to our Madimack platinum dealer status you can rest assured if you ‘Make It A Madimack’ you won’t regret your choice.

Quieter Operation

The noise output of an Inverter heat pump is generally far less than a fixed output heat pump. This is due to the nature of the variable speed compressor in an inverter heat pump which will operate at a lower speed depending on the heat demand. Lower running speed=Less noise=Happier neighbours. Fixed output heat pumps by contrast operate at a constant speed producing their maximum noise output at all times.

Noise output is another reason we have chosen to partner with Madimack, their industry leading Elite V3 Inverter Heat Pump is by far the quietest on the market, the smallest mode (Elite V3 11kW) when running at maximum output produces 24.5dB(A) @ 10m which is the noise level you would expect from someone whispering 2 metres away, whereas the largest unit (Elite V3 40kW) produces 31.3dB(A) @ 10m which is only slightly louder than what you would expect to encounter at your local library.

Environmentally Friendly

Inverter heat pumps are more environmentally friendly than fixed output heat pumps. Primarily due to the energy efficiencies discussed above, however the refrigerant used in the two models varies, an inverter heat pump will typically use R32 refrigerant which has a lower global warming potential than the R134a refrigerant used in a fixed output heat pump. Taking both factors into account an inverter heat pump will have a greatly reduced environmental impact when compared to a traditional fixed output heat pump.

Having digested the above information I’m sure you will agree that the choice is clear that an inverter heat pump is the only way to go when considering electric pool heating. At Clarity Pool Management we have a platinum partnership with Madimack. This allows us to increase the already market leading warranty terms by an additional year. The Madimack Elite V3 range of heat pumps would give you a total of 6 years warranty on parts, 11 years warranty on the compressor, and 26 years warranty on the titanium heat exchanger. Combined with market leading performance you can’t beat a Madimack.

Check out our selection of pool heaters at our online shop and take advantage of Clarity’s extended warranty on these fabulous heat pumps. Contact our team today to confirm the pool heater that’s right for your pool.

Summary of Key Points

• When exploring electric heating options for your pool, you will be presented with two primary choices: inverter heat pumps or fixed output heat pumps.
• Inverter heat pumps are more energy-efficient than fixed output heat pumps, using the minimum amount of energy required to heat your pool to your desired temperature.
• Inverter heat pumps maintain a much steadier temperature and provide greater comfort and predictability in your pool, while fixed output heat pumps can cause temperature swings in your pool.
• An inverter heat pump has a longer lifespan than a fixed output heat pump, as it is able to start and stop far less frequently, leading to less wear and tear on the equipment.
• Inverter heat pumps operate at a lower noise level than fixed output heat pumps, making them a quieter option for your pool.
• Inverter heat pumps are more environmentally friendly than fixed output heat pumps, primarily due to their energy efficiencies and the refrigerant used.
• Clarity Pool Management partners with Madimack, the industry leader in pool heat pump technology, to provide customers with market-leading performance and increased warranty terms.
• Choosing an inverter heat pump is the only way to go for electric pool heating, with its numerous benefits and advantages over fixed output heat pumps.