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ENERGY RATING AND EFFICIENCY
Pool/Spa heat pumps are rated on B.T.U. output and
coefficient of performance (C.O.P.) efficiency.
B.T.U. (British Thermal Units) is the measured amount of heat output the unit will produce. The
B.T.U. output will fluctuate with the outside air temperature and humidity levels.
C.O.P. (Coefficient Of Performance) is the measured ratio of kilowatt usage compared to the kilowatt output. An Aquatherm heat pump produces between
6.3* and 5.4** kilowatts for every one kilowatt used to operate it, therefore every $1.00 spent in operation returns $6.30 to $5.40 worth of heat. The C.O.P. efficiency will fluctuate with outside air
temperature and humidity levels.
In 23 years of testing, Aquatherm has focused on obtaining the highest efficiency possible. A pool heat pump can be charged with
refrigerant in such a way that will increase the BTU output at the "optimum" or "easy" weather conditions but, the efficiency (or cost of operation) will be sacrificed, especially in colder
"tougher" weather conditions. A unit with a C.O.P. of 1 point less can cost 20+% more to operate than the Aquatherm.
Operating efficiently during colder weather conditions is "where the rubber meets the road"
so to speak. Aquatherm designs their heat pumps to obtain the maximum BTU, but only at the very highest efficiency possible in a wide range of weather conditions.
The greatest value a heat pump provides a pool owner is to deliver a warm pool or hot spa at the lowest possible cost of operation.
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