How to Winterise Your Pool Heat Pump

Pool heat pumps are robust pieces of kit and can be used after the traditional end of the swimming season. However, like with any of your key pool components, you’ll need to give your heat pump a bit of extra attention when winter rolls around again to ensure it stays working at its best.

As the temperatures start dropping, it’s a good idea to think about winterising your pool. Many of us are careful about properly closing our pools down for winter, but is your heat pump on your winterising checklist?

Do Air Source Pool Heat Pumps Work in Winter?

Yes, heat pumps can function in winter. Some air source pool heat pumps can operate in air temperatures of as low as -15°C and will be capable of heating your water all year round. Many heat pumps are also equipped with an auto-defrost setting to protect the unit in winter.

So, if you’re a lover of those winter swims, you may choose to keep your pool and heat pump running long past others have packed away for the season – just ensure that there is always water flow if using your heat pump at lower temperatures.

Do Heat Pumps Need to Be Winterised?

However, if you’re not planning on using your pool throughout the depths of winter, it’s best to winterise your heat pump when you start closing everything else down. This will ensure there is no chance of freeze damage. If water freezes inside the heat pump unit, it could damage the heat exchange or other elements.

A pool heat pump is hardy, but it still pays to ensure it’s properly prepared for harsh winter weather and temperatures when you’ve decommissioned it for the off-season. General care and maintenance now will mean you can continue reaping the benefits of your heat pump season after season as its life is prolonged.

This year, we’ve heard from numerous 1st Direct Pools customers who’ve seen problems with their heat pumps as a result of not winterising them. To protect your investment and keep it functioning at its best for as long as possible, we recommend following these general winterising steps.

Step By Step Guide to Winterising Your Pool Heat Pump

If you’re ready to undertake all your winter closing duties, here’s where you can start with your heat pump.

Turn off the heat pump and disconnect the power.
Disconnect the plumbing unions for the water inlet and discharge lines/unscrew the drainage plug.
Allow the water to completely drain out of the pipes/condenser/exchanger.
Blow air through the lines to ensure no water remains in the heat pump.
Reconnect the connection unions/external plug to prevent debris from entering the heat pump.
Cover the heat pump with a winter cover to protect it from the elements and any debris.
Keep an eye on the heat pump over the winter months to check the cover is in place and there isn’t any sign of damage.

Covering Your Pool Heat Pump During Winter

Using a heat pump cover will mean you can come back to your heat pump in spring, confident that it’ll still be in great condition and ready to get back into action. We stock these handy covers in several sizes to suit your heat pump.

Pool Heat Pump Maintenance Checklist

Whether you’re having a heat pump installed or want to keep on top of general maintenance, you can use our heat pump checklist to help ensure your equipment stays at its best.

Download the checklist.

A little winterising prep can go a long way! With a bit of extra care this winter, you can ensure your swimming pool heat pump avoids damage, helping you avoid costly repairs.

Need any other winterising essentials? Head over to our winter pool covers to keep your pool properly protected.