Installation manual
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your purchase of a Built Right pool and spa heat pump, proudly made in Punta
Gorda, Florida. To ensure a long worry-free life, your heat pump has been manufactured with the
highest quality parts available today. A pool heat pump is a cost effective method of heating your
pool or spa. Your Built Right heat pump will provide you with years of pool enjoyment. Your new
heat pump takes heat from the surrounding air and transfers it into the water. The warmer the air
and the more humid the air, the more heat is available for heating your pool. The ideal or rated
condition for the heat pump is 80F air temperature, 80% relative humidity, and 80F water
temperature. This is true with all air source pool heat pumps. Under ideal conditions, a properly
sized heat pump should raise your pool temperature 1 F. per hour. As air temperature and
humidity decrease, performance will also decrease.
The most efficient time to heat your pool is during daylight hours when outside temperatures are
the greatest. Adjustments to your pool pump runtime may be necessary to maintain desired
temperature. Like your home air conditioner, it is recommended to set a desired temperature and
leave it. A heat pump is best utilized for maintaining a set water temperature. It’s not intended to
provide fast heating. When not in use for long periods of time, it is acceptable to shut off your
heat pump. When you have a desire to heat your pool, plan accordingly, because it may take the
heat pump days to heat your pool back to your desired temperature. The time it takes to heat
your pool back up, will depend on your pool temperature and outdoor conditions.
Your heat pump will operate when temperatures drop at night, but BTU output will also decrease.
When the outdoor temperature drops below 45 F, it is not advisable to operate the pool heat
pump. Below 45 F, there is insufficient heat in the air to adequately warm the pool. As with all
pool heating methods, you are advised to utilize a pool cover at night and when the pool is not in
use. A pool cover is recommended if the night temperature is 15F (8C) less than the desired
pool temperature. The cover will help reduce heat loss by limiting evaporation, greatly reducing
the overall pool heating costs. The proper use of a cover can reduce operating cost by as much as
50% under certain conditions.
Proper installation and use of your heat pump will result in increased performance and reduced
heating costs. Your pool heat pump is designed for lower maintenance at a lower cost. But if you
want your pool heated efficiently, you must follow the advice we supply in this manual.