Setup: Waterco Heat Pump Swimming Pool Heaters Owner Manual

Overview

Heat Pump Swimming Pool Heaters provide an efficient way to warm pool water by transferring heat from the surrounding air rather than producing heat through combustion or electrical resistance. This type of pool heater is designed for outdoor installation and is suitable for pool owners who want steady water-temperature control during the swimming season.

The Waterco heat pump pool heater uses a refrigeration cycle to collect available heat from sun-warmed air and transfer it to circulating pool water. Because heating performance depends on air temperature, pool size, water temperature, airflow, and heat loss, the unit may need to run for extended periods during initial heating or cooler weather.

Specifications

• Standard electrical supply: 208/240 V, 60 Hz, single phase.
• Optional electrical supplies: 208/240 V, 50 Hz, single phase; 380/420 V, 50/60 Hz, three phase; or 200/230 V, 50/60 Hz, three phase.
• Minimum stated water circulation: 113 L/min.
• Recommended plumbing material: rigid PVC with glued joints.
• Flexible pipe may be used where necessary with stainless-steel clamps.
• Recommended equipment spacing: approximately 3 m from the pool pump and filter where practical.
• Operating temperature display: degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
• Normal water-quality ranges: pH 7.4–7.8; chlorine 1.0–4.0 ppm; total alkalinity 100–120 ppm; calcium hardness 200–300 ppm.
• Total dissolved solids: below 1,800 ppm for regular pools or below 3,500 ppm for salt pools.

Detailed Description

The heater is a self-contained unit that draws outdoor air across an evaporator coil. Refrigerant absorbs available heat from the air, and the compressor raises the refrigerant temperature. The heat exchanger then transfers that energy to pool water before the warmed water returns to the pool.

The main components are the heat control, evaporator, cabinet, fan and motor, heat exchanger, and compressor. The fan moves air through the evaporator while the compressor and heat exchanger provide the temperature transfer needed for pool heating.

Compared with gas or oil-fired equipment, a heat pump generally provides lower heating output for a given kilowatt-hour of operation. It compensates by operating for longer periods, sometimes continuously for up to 24 hours during initial heating. A pool cover is strongly recommended because evaporation is one of the largest sources of heat loss.

Safety

• Installation and servicing must be completed by a qualified technician or licensed electrician in accordance with local electrical codes.
• Disconnect the main electrical supply before opening or removing the access panel.
• Use a dedicated circuit breaker and correctly sized copper wiring.
• Connect the power-cable ground to the electrical panel and the heater grounding lug.
• Bond all metal and electrical pool components, including the pool structure, pump, filter when metallic, heater, lights, and automatic chlorine equipment.
• If the pool has no existing bonding wire, a solid copper grounding rod between 0.9 m and 1.2 m may be required by the installation instructions and local code.
• Install the unit outdoors unless an approved enclosure provides sufficient ventilation and air exchange.
• Keep the evaporator air intake and discharge clear. Recirculated cold discharge air reduces heating capacity and efficiency.
• Do not operate the heater without sufficient water flow.
• Do not leave the heat exchanger without water circulation for more than 24 hours unless the heater has been fully drained.
• Balance pool water chemistry before circulating chemically aggressive water through the heat pump.
• Place automatic chlorinators and chemical feeders downstream of the heater.

Setup and Installation

Choose the Location

Position the heater on a stable base, such as a concrete slab or suitable blocks. The base must be at least as large as the heater and should be isolated from building foundations or walls to reduce vibration and sound transmission.

Leave adequate clearance around the cabinet for unrestricted airflow, air discharge, and service access. Avoid sheds, garages, or other enclosed areas unless the space has been specifically designed to provide adequate ventilation.

Connect the Water Lines

Use the following plumbing order:

Pool pump → filter → heat pump → pool

Install chemical feeders or automatic chlorinators after the heat pump. Keep the piping run short and reduce the number of sharp bends and short-radius elbows. A bypass assembly is recommended on every installation so the water flow can be adjusted and the heater can be isolated for servicing.

1. Install the pump and filter before the heat pump.
2. Connect the filtered-water outlet to the heater inlet.
3. Connect the heater outlet to the pool return line.
4. Install the bypass valves and verify their direction.
5. Hand-tighten the heater water connections only. Excessive force can damage the heat exchanger connections.
6. Start the pool pump and inspect every joint for leaks.
7. Check the filter pressure gauge for unusually high pressure.
8. Balance the pool chemistry before directing the treated water through the heater.

Above- and Below-Water-Level Installation

When the heater is installed above pool-water level, the water flow must be sufficient to activate the pressure switch. Adjust the bypass so enough water passes through the heater for reliable operation.

When the heater is installed more than 1.5 m below the pool-water level, water pressure can keep the pressure switch activated after the circulation pump stops. A flow check valve installed in line with the pressure switch prevents the heater from continuing to run without pump circulation. The valve must be installed horizontally with its stem facing upward, and its lead wire should be protected from damage and trip hazards.

Electrical Connection

The electrical supply must match the heater model and the wiring diagram inside the access panel. Three-phase installations require particular care. The supply and heater conductors must be connected to the corresponding tagged terminals. A qualified electrician should be present during first startup.

If a three-phase compressor runs backward and produces excessive noise after its time delay, switch the unit off immediately. A qualified electrician must correct the phase sequence by exchanging any two phases while leaving one phase in its original position.

Operation

Using the Digital Control

1. Press the ON/OFF button to power the temperature controller.
2. Press and hold both temperature arrows for approximately three seconds, until the displayed temperature flashes.
3. Use the up or down arrow to select the desired pool-water temperature.
4. Wait until the display stops flashing to save the setting.
5. Press the °C/°F button to change the temperature display format.

After startup, the display shows either the off condition or the temperature of the water moving through the heater. The fan normally starts first, while the compressor begins after a protective delay of approximately three to five minutes.

The heater stops when the selected temperature is reached and restarts automatically when the circulating water falls below the set point. It can also be stopped by switching off its electrical supply or by setting the desired temperature below the actual pool temperature.

Initial Heating and Daily Operation

Initial heating time depends on pool volume, the required temperature increase, outdoor air temperature, heater size, and whether a solar blanket is used. The pool pump and heat pump may operate for up to 24 hours per day until the target temperature is reached.

After initial heating, operation can usually be reduced to match the pool’s daily heat loss. Many installations operate during the normal filtration cycle, commonly eight to twelve hours per day. A properly fitted pool cover can substantially reduce heat loss and shorten operating time.

Defrosting

When outdoor air temperatures are approximately 3°C to 7°C, moisture may freeze on the evaporator fins. Dirty coils or insufficient clearance can make frosting more likely. The control system may stop the compressor and begin a defrost cycle lasting approximately five to ten minutes. More frequent defrosting can occur in colder conditions, and this does not by itself indicate damage.

Adjusting Water Flow

Use the bypass valves to regulate the portion of pool water passing through the heater. The manual provides three general settings: approximately 60 percent flow through the heater for cold water, approximately 80 percent for warm water, and full flow for hot water. The correct setting depends on pump capacity and operating conditions.

Calibrating the Temperature Display

If the heater display differs from a reliable pool thermometer, calculate the difference between the two readings. Enter the programming mode by pressing both temperature arrows simultaneously. When the display flashes, press the ON/OFF button to show the calibration value, then use the arrows to enter the required correction. Positive values remain steady; negative values flash. Wait for the normal temperature display to return.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Exterior and Evaporator Care

• Clean plastic cabinet surfaces with mild soapy water and a soft, clean cloth.
• Do not use solvents, abrasive cleaners, or scouring materials.
• Remove dirt from the evaporator with a gentle water spray and soft brush.
• Work carefully around the aluminum fins because bent fins reduce airflow.
• Never use a pressure washer on the evaporator.

Water Chemistry

Correct water chemistry protects swimmers and reduces corrosion inside the heat exchanger. Check chlorine every two to three days, pH weekly, total alkalinity every two to three weeks, and calcium hardness and total dissolved solids monthly. Automatic chlorine or bromine feeders may require more frequent alkalinity checks.

• pH: 7.4–7.8
• Chlorine concentration: 1.0–4.0 ppm
• Total alkalinity: 100–120 ppm
• Total dissolved solids: below 1,800 ppm in regular pools or below 3,500 ppm in salt pools
• Calcium hardness: 200–300 ppm

Winterizing

1. Set the water-temperature control to the off condition.
2. Switch off the heater circuit breaker.
3. Disconnect the water inlet and outlet piping.
4. Drain the heat exchanger completely before temperatures reach 0°C.
5. After disconnecting the piping, tilt the unit approximately 75 degrees if necessary to remove trapped water.
6. Flush the inside of the heat exchanger with a garden hose and drain it again.
7. Use pool-return caps to block the water connections against debris or vermin.
8. Do not leave the water pipes connected during freezing weather.
9. Do not place objects beneath the water connections to lift the heater, because this can trap water inside.
10. If the unit is covered, use a breathable material that allows air to enter the cabinet.

Pool antifreeze may be used inside the heat exchanger only with suitable equipment and a product whose pH will not promote corrosion.

Troubleshooting

The Heater Does Not Run or Stops Soon After Startup

• Confirm that the temperature setting is above the current pool temperature.
• Check that the main circuit breaker is on and reset it if it has tripped.
• Verify that the pool pump is running and that the filter is clean.
• Inspect the bypass position and confirm that sufficient water is moving through the heater.
• Check for blocked skimmers, restricted plumbing, or air in the circulation system.

The Fan Runs but the Compressor Does Not

• Allow the three- to five-minute compressor protection delay to finish.
• Check whether the heater is in a defrost cycle; the compressor should restart automatically after defrosting.
• If the condition continues, have a qualified technician inspect the electrical controls and compressor circuit.

The Compressor Runs but the Fan Does Not

A newly installed unit may have an incorrect electrical connection. The fan motor, fan capacitor, or relay may also be defective. Switch off the heater and have a qualified electrician or service technician diagnose the wiring and components.

Water Appears Around the Unit

Condensation is normal when warm, humid air passes over the cold evaporator. To distinguish condensation from a leak, stop the heater while leaving the pool pump running for more than five hours. Continued water discharge after this test indicates that service is required.

The Heater Runs Continuously but the Pool Does Not Reach the Set Temperature

• Cover the pool whenever possible to reduce evaporation and heat loss.
• Clean the evaporator carefully if dirt is restricting airflow.
• Remove obstructions around the air inlet and outlet.
• Check the bypass adjustment and water flow.
• Consider whether the pool surface or required temperature rise exceeds the heater’s capacity. A larger or parallel heating installation may be necessary.

Warranty

The stated warranty provides limited coverage for parts and labor for one to five years from the purchase date, depending on the heater model. Covered repairs must address defects in materials or workmanship and must be performed by an authorized service company.

Coverage excludes installation inspections, operating instruction, household electrical corrections, water-flow adjustments, unnecessary service visits, improper installation, misuse, accidents, fire, flooding, severe environmental conditions, poor water chemistry, freezing damage, unauthorized modifications, unauthorized repairs, and transportation of parts or the heater.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Transfers available outdoor heat instead of relying on combustion.
• Can operate continuously when extended initial heating is required.
• Digital temperature control supports Celsius or Fahrenheit display.
• Bypass plumbing simplifies flow adjustment and service isolation.
• Pool-cover use can significantly reduce heat loss and operating demand.

Cons

• Heating is slower than high-output fuel-based systems because performance depends on outdoor air conditions.
• Cold, humid weather can increase defrost cycles and reduce heating performance.
• Installation requires correct electrical grounding, bonding, water flow, and chemical management.
• Freezing conditions require complete draining to protect the heat exchanger and internal piping.
• Poor airflow, dirty evaporator fins, restricted filtration, or incorrect bypass adjustment can prevent the pool from reaching its target temperature.