Installation: Pool Fact Industries Perfectemp PT4 PT6 PT8 Swimming Pool Heat Pump Owner Manual

Overview

The Perfectemp PT4 PT6 PT8 Swimming Pool Heat Pump is an outdoor electric pool-heating system designed to transfer heat from surrounding air into circulating pool or spa water. Its sealed refrigeration system uses a hermetic compressor and is intended for swimming-pool applications rather than rapid, short-duration heating.

These heat pumps can operate for extended periods while gradually raising water temperature. Actual heating time depends on air temperature, water flow, pool size, wind, humidity, and heat loss. Using a pool cover during nighttime and other periods of non-use helps reduce evaporation and preserves heat.

Keep this guide near the Perfectemp PT4 PT6 PT8 Swimming Pool Heat Pump for future reference. Installation, electrical work, refrigeration service, and internal repairs must be performed by trained and qualified personnel.

Specifications

• Models covered: PT4, PT6, and PT8.
• Product type: outdoor swimming pool heat pump.
• Water connections: 5.1 cm (2-inch) PVC unions.
• Minimum water pressure for operation: 35 kPa (5 psi).
• Required clearance above the unit: at least 8 ft for upward air discharge.
• Recommended clearance at each side: at least 1 ft from walls, pipes, and other obstructions.
• Recommended mounting base: level and sturdy, at least 3 ft by 3 ft.
• Included mounting accessories: four black rubber sound-isolation pads.
• External bypass requirement: systems using pumps rated at 1490 joules per second or greater require a bypass adjusted to send at least 150 l/min (40 gpm) through the heat pump.

How the Heat Pump Works

The unit draws outdoor air through a finned evaporator coil. Refrigerant circulating inside the sealed system absorbs heat from that air, and the compressor raises the refrigerant pressure and temperature. The heat is then transferred to pool water passing through the water heat exchanger before the warmed water returns to the pool.

Air leaves through the top of the cabinet in an up-flow pattern. During normal heating, discharge air may be approximately 5°C cooler than the air entering the unit. Condensation can also form as moisture is removed from the air, particularly when outdoor air is warm and humid.

Named operating components include the compressor, evaporator coil, water-pressure switch, water-temperature controls, defrost switch, delay timer, low-pressure control, control selector, thermostat controls, and six indicator lamps.

Safety

Read all warning and caution labels on the heat pump before installation or operation. The sealed refrigeration circuit contains pressurized gas, and unauthorized servicing can result in serious injury or death.

• Have only qualified service personnel install, repair, or alter the heat pump.
• Disconnect electrical power before cleaning, inspecting, or servicing the unit.
• Do not install the heat pump within 3 ft of a fossil-fuel-burning heater. Air movement from the heat pump can interfere with combustion and create a safety hazard.
• Do not install the unit in an enclosed shed or garage unless adequate ventilation provides sufficient air exchange.
• Do not install the unit beneath a porch or deck, and do not allow discharged cold air to recirculate into the evaporator coil.
• Keep the support base above standing water and install the four supplied rubber isolation pads beneath the unit corners.
• Never add pool chemicals to the skimmer. Concentrated chemicals can damage the heat pump and may invalidate warranty coverage.
• Do not install an erosion-style automatic chemical feeder upstream of the heat pump. A flow check valve is required where applicable.
• Maintain pool chemistry within the limits specified by the product warranty to protect the heat pump.

Installation and Water Connections

Location

Mount the heat pump on a level, solid base such as a concrete slab or blocks. The recommended base is at least 3 ft by 3 ft. Keep every side at least 1 ft from walls, pipes, and other obstructions to preserve air intake and service access. Leave at least 8 ft of unobstructed space above the top grille.

Position the unit as close as practical to the pool pump and filter to reduce piping length. In regions subject to freezing weather, install inlet and outlet shutoff valves so the water circuit can be isolated and drained.

Plumbing order

Install the heat pump in the return-water line after the pool filter and before chlorinators or chemical-injection equipment. The water fittings are directional and cannot be interchanged.

1. Connect the filter outlet to the fitting marked WATER IN on the lower side of the heat pump.
2. Connect the fitting marked WATER OUT to the pipe returning water to the pool or spa.
3. Use approved PVC or flexible pool pipe that is at least the same size as the main circulation piping.
4. For freeze-zone installations, fit ball or gate valves at both heat-pump water connections.
5. Run the circulation pump and inspect every connection for leaks.

Bypass arrangement

For systems with pumps below 1490 joules per second (2 HP) and flow below 300 l/min, the manual indicates that an external bypass is not required. For systems using pumps rated at 1490 joules per second or more, install an external bypass and adjust it so at least 150 l/min (40 gpm) flows through the heat pump.

Electrical Connections

Use the rating plate beneath the control panel to identify the required electrical supply, circuit ampacity, and over-current protection for the specific unit. Electrical installation must comply with the applicable National Electrical Code requirements and all state and local regulations for pool equipment and hermetic refrigeration compressors.

The heat pump is pre-wired for compatible external controls, heat-on-demand options, and time-clock overrides. Follow the instructions supplied with the external control system when connecting those features. Do not attempt electrical modifications unless qualified to perform the work.

Controls and Indicator Lamps

Operating controls

• Pool thermostat: Sets the desired swimming-pool water temperature.
• Spa thermostat: Sets the desired spa-water temperature.
• Pool/Spa/Remote selector: Selects pool operation, spa operation, or an optional remote-control system. The heat pump will not run in Remote when no remote system is connected.

Built-in protection

• Water-pressure switch: Prevents operation when the circulation pump is off or water pressure is too low. At least 35 kPa (5 psi) is required.
• Defrost switch: Prevents normal compressor operation when outdoor air falls below approximately 5.5°C.
• Delay timer: Protects the compressor from short cycling. A normal restart delay is approximately 5 minutes after temperature satisfaction or another control interruption; a power interruption can initiate a delay of approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
• Low-pressure control: Stops the compressor if refrigeration suction pressure becomes too low because of a fault or loss of refrigerant charge.

Indicator lamps

• Power, amber: Electrical power is reaching the unit.
• Water Flow, green: Sufficient water flow is detected.
• Heat Demand, green: Water temperature is below the thermostat setting.
• Compressor Delay Active, amber: The anti-short-cycle timer is operating. The fan may run while the compressor remains off.
• Defrost Active, red: Ice has begun forming on the outdoor coil and the unit is in defrost operation. The fan can continue while the compressor is off.
• Low Pressure, red: A refrigeration-circuit problem has been detected and professional service is required.

Setup and Operation

Initial start-up

1. Confirm that the electrical power lamp is illuminated.
2. Start the pool circulation pump and verify that water is moving correctly.
3. Place the Pool/Spa/Remote selector in Remote or OFF first, then select Pool or Spa for local operation.
4. Raise the selected thermostat above the current water temperature.
5. Confirm that the green Water Flow and Heat Demand lamps illuminate.
6. Allow the fan and compressor to run for several minutes so operating pressures and component temperatures can stabilize.
7. Check that discharge air is approximately 5°C cooler than entering air during heating.

The circulation pump must run whenever heat-pump operation is required. If the pool is being heated from a low starting temperature, the pump and heat pump may need to operate continuously for several days. Once the desired temperature is reached, normal operation may require approximately 8 to 10 hours per day, depending on weather and heat loss.

Seasonal start-up

1. Remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris from the evaporator coil.
2. Clean the pool filter and, when necessary, the skimmer basket and pump strainer.
3. Set the circulation valves to provide proper flow through the heat pump.
4. Increase pump and heat-pump run time if the system shuts down before the desired water temperature is reached.
5. Use the warmer daylight hours when setting operating schedules, because heat-pump capacity and efficiency generally improve as outdoor air temperature rises.

Summer shutdown

1. Set the control selector to Remote or OFF.
2. Turn off the heat-pump circuit breaker or disconnect switch.
3. Leave the valves configured for circulation unless another system requirement calls for a change.
4. Do not block all water flow through the heat pump.
5. Restore the valve positions before the next heating season.

Freeze Protection

Protect the heat pump water circuit in the same way as the pool pump and filter whenever freezing temperatures are possible.

Drain-down procedure

1. Switch off the heat-pump circuit breaker or disconnect.
2. Set the control selector to Remote or OFF.
3. Turn off the pool pump.
4. Close the external inlet and outlet shutoff valves.
5. Loosen both water unions and allow the heat pump to drain. Use a shop vacuum or air pressure to remove remaining water.
6. Reconnect and tighten the unions.
7. Cover the heat pump with a waterproof cover.

Continuous circulation can provide freeze protection in some locations, but it increases pump operating costs. If a prolonged power failure occurs, drain the heat pump because continuous-pump protection will no longer be available.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Periodic maintenance helps preserve airflow, heating performance, and reliable operation. Maintenance adjustments are not the responsibility of the heat-pump manufacturer.

Evaporator coil

1. Turn off electrical power to the heat pump.
2. Remove leaves and loose debris from the coil.
3. Apply a mild solution of household liquid soap and water when dirt has collected on the fins.
4. Rinse gently with a garden hose.

Never pressure-wash the coil. High water pressure can bend the fins and may affect warranty coverage.

Cabinet

The outdoor cabinet normally needs little attention. If cleaning is desired, wash it with mild soap and water after switching off electrical power.

Condensation drains

Moisture removed from the air exits through drain openings in the unit base. Check the openings regularly and clear dirt or debris that could prevent drainage. A drain pan may be considered where condensation requires controlled collection.

Troubleshooting

The unit runs but does not heat

• Check for restricted water flow caused by a dirty filter, blocked pump strainer, obstruction, or incorrectly positioned valve.
• Confirm that discharge air is about 5 to 6°C cooler than entering air. This indicates that heat is being removed from the air.
• Look for condensation on the evaporator and internal copper piping. Condensation may be absent in cool, dry weather even when the unit is operating correctly.
• Allow sufficient operating time. Initial heating in cold conditions can take several days, and a cold pool may require about a week to reach a comfortable temperature.
• Ensure that the circulation pump runs long enough. During initial heating, continuous operation may be necessary.
• Remove shrubs, tall grass, debris, or other restrictions around the air intake and discharge.
• Use a pool blanket or cover to reduce nighttime heat loss.
• Check for other sources of heat loss, including wind, rainfall, water spillage, nighttime flow through solar panels, or a high water table.

The unit does not run

• If the Power lamp is off, check whether the circuit breaker has tripped. Switch it fully off and then back on once, provided it is safe to do so.
• Verify that the selector is not left in Remote without a connected remote system.
• Confirm that the selected thermostat is set above the current water temperature.
• Check the Water Flow lamp. Low flow can result from dirty filtration equipment or incorrectly positioned valves.
• Allow for the compressor delay after shutdown or power interruption. The restart delay may last approximately 5 minutes, or 6 to 8 minutes after a power interruption.
• If the Heat Demand lamp is off, increase the thermostat setting above the actual water temperature.
• If the Low Pressure lamp remains on, stop troubleshooting at the control level and arrange qualified refrigeration service.

Condensation appears excessive

Heat pumps can produce substantial condensation during normal operation. To distinguish condensation from a water leak, test the dripping water with a pool chemistry test kit for chlorine. Alternatively, turn off the heat pump while leaving the filter pump running. If dripping stops, the water was likely condensation rather than a heat-pump leak.

Service Call Verification

Before requesting service, check whether the issue involves power supply, water flow, timer settings, or a genuine heat-pump fault.

• Power: Confirm that circuit breakers are reset and functioning. If the Power lamp remains off, the electrical supply may require attention from the installing dealer or a qualified electrician.
• Water flow: Clean the pool filter and verify that all valves direct adequate flow through the heat pump. If the Water Flow lamp stays off despite circulation at the pool returns, recheck valve positions.
• Time clock: Confirm that the schedule allows enough daily operating time to heat the pool.
• Indicator lamps: Record which lamps are illuminated and which are off before contacting a service representative. This information can help identify the operating condition.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Transfers heat from outdoor air without burning gas or oil.
• Designed for extended operation and gradual, economical pool heating.
• Includes water-flow, defrost, delay, and low-pressure protection.
• Provides separate pool and spa temperature controls.
• Supports external controls and time-clock overrides.

Cons

• Heating is slower than high-output fossil-fuel heating and can require long operating periods.
• Performance decreases when outdoor air is cold or airflow is restricted.
• Careful plumbing is required, including a bypass for higher-powered circulation systems.
• Freeze protection requires either continuous circulation or complete water-circuit drainage.
• Refrigeration and electrical repairs require qualified service personnel.

Correct installation, clean airflow, adequate water circulation, suitable operating schedules, and regular freeze protection are essential for dependable operation of the Perfectemp PT4 PT6 PT8 Swimming Pool Heat Pump.