The case for pool and spa heat pumps has never been stronger…
With the cost of energy at the forefront of everyone’s minds, there are just three words to some up the current status of the heat pump market: Sell, sell and sell some more! There has never been a better time to approach customers to convert from energy-guzzling boilers and there has never been more cost-effective choice when it comes to investing in heat pump alternatives. “Oil and propane boilers are no longer a valid proposition, so now is the time to approach your customers and get selling,” urges Alan Thorne, Managing Director of Ocea UK.
“The pool and spa trade need to be pro-actively approaching their end-user customers to offer a heat pump and take advantage of a saturated market that offers good prices and reliable units that come with strong availability. “This is all backed by a topical sales story for switching from old fashioned heating methods to modern technology,” urges Alan. “Look for the very latest heat pump technology as the latest models are far more advanced than when they were first developed,” urges Alan. “The latest heat pumps are super-efficient,” he adds.
“Now the cost of energy is going to be capped at triple the cost; it is a no-brainer to invest in a heat pump but you need to choose your supplier wisely by partnering with a supplier that is going to stick with its stock of heat pump and not leave you isolated in what is now a mass market. “People are switching and swapping on supply chain and you must not be left in the lurch and unable to offer clarity and consistency to your own customers.” Alan adds: “After-sales servicing is not something the trade needs to trip up on,” Alan continues.
“Today’s heat pumps are very reliable and come with a reputable parts supply; nowhere near as expensive as they used to be. “With new models of heat pumps, many parts are now common between manufacturers so long term servicing can be carried out by linking with a local air conditioning company for yearly service and re-gassing requirements.” In 2015, Pollet Pool Group was the first to introduce full-inverter technology to the pool market offering a 50% reduction consumption costs, 10 times quieter than the traditional pool heat pump the units also offer faster heating of pool water.
BIGGEST SUPPLIERS
Now promoting a three-pronged attack with its Comfortline Inverter, Inverter+ and InverX units, PPG proudly boast as they are the number one supplier in the UK for swimming pool heat pumps. PPG’s Comfortline Inverter can adjust heating capacity from 20% to 100% intelligently according to different heating.
When maintaining the pool temperature, the Comfortline Inverter runs at low speed for energy saving with higher COP efficiency rates/ Comfortline Inverter’s average COP is 9.9 (Air 26°C/ Water 26°C/ Humidity 80%), which means lkW electricity consumption can provide up to 9.9kW heat in return. Alternatively, PPG’s full-inverter HP delivers half running cost and ten times quieter swimming environment based on average performance. All Inverter+ models have a dual rotary compressor to minimise vibration. The pump operates at an average of 50% of its power to keep the pool water at the right level throughout the swimming season. 10 times less noise.
Soft start function and therefore no adverse effect on an electrical home installation. Marketed as intelligent swimming pool technology, PPG say the InverX is without a doubt the most revolutionary heat pump in recent years. InverX combines a silent operation with a powerful turbo performance. The patented Turbo silence Tech control perfectly balances the Inverter compressor control and heat exchanging technology. The result is faster heating, a lower electricity bill – and the sound of silence.
COST-EFFECTIVE
Available from PPG’s new sister company, Golden Coast, the Dura Pro range is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to electric heaters, thanks to clever inverter technology. For each kilowatt of energy consumed, a Dura Pro heat pump offers an output of up to 13 kilowatts of heat — that’s 13 times more efficient than a standard electric heater. The inverter-driven air source Dura Pro pump can reach extremely high coefficients of performance to maintain a consistent temperature of up to 40°C, regardless of the outside temperature.
Dura Pro is available in a variety of sizes to suit a range of hot tubs and spas. “The Dura Pro heat pump’s lockable, full-colour touchscreen is easy to use, and it provides real-time information on temperature and pressure,” says Adam Clark, General Manager at Golden Coast. “Owners can adjust water temperature in increments of 0.1°C and track energy consumption over time to keep costs under control, avoiding any costly surprises.”
Dura Pro heat pumps are built to last, with titanium heat exchangers that resist corrosion by salt, chlorine and bromine. And thanks to a unique ventilation structure, they are designed to keep noise levels as low as 25dB — keeping things relaxing and peaceful for those using the hot tub. Adam says: “Dura Pro pumps are perfect year-round and have been tested all across the UK in all sorts of temperatures. As they’re cheaper to run and reduce the environmental impact with lower energy usage they’re very much a win-win for owners, with an excellent return on investment.”
ECO-FRIENDLY
Offered with a five-year warranty on site parts and labour, Certikin’s Calorex I-PAC and V-PAC inverter heat pump range are designed in the UK for the UK climate. The small footprint makes these heat pumps compliant with permitted development rights and are available in side or top outlet versions. For added-value, the side outlet also has the added benefit of Wi-Fi capability for remote control. The HPP range is designed for heating small and medium sized outdoor pools and spas, producing up to five times the energy it consumes and is super easy to install.
The low energy consumption, coupled with high heat production, makes the HPP pump an environmentally friendly way to heat swimming pool water. The 5 models (6,8,12,15 and 20kW) include a reverse cycle defrost, quiet operation and a three-year warranty. AstralPool UK are the exclusive distributor of Heatstar, the manufacturer of modern and highly energy efficient environmental control systems for swimming pools and more. Heatstar itself has been operating for over 40 years and for more than half of that time, the company had a close, working relationship with AstralPool UK.
With Heatstar based on the Isle of Wight and AstralPool UK located in Fareham, the two companies are both partners and neighbours, but with such a long-standing and successful partnership, of 20 years, plus, clearly there had to be much more to the relationship than pure convenience. AstralPool provides a key dedicated Heatstar Business Development manager who provides a key link between the pool trade customer and the manufacturer.
The main services provided include site surveys, troubleshooting, product development, training, and specification support. Says Dyfed Thompson-Smith, General Manager: “By providing a manager, we ensure that there is a true ‘partnership’ approach to the UK pool dehumidification and environmental control market. “It’s a ‘win win’ all round – for us, for Heatstar and perhaps most importantly, for our customers,”
Dyfed continues: “There’s coordination of marketing and promotional activities between Heatstar as the manufacturer, and ourselves as the distributor, to ensure that the Heatstar brand continues to be the market leader in the niche sector of swimming pool dehumidification and environmental control. With the recent relocation of their senior service engineer, to the West Country, Heatstar has extended their UK coverage to offer a greater level of service and maintenance support on both a planned and reactive basis.
SERVICE SUPPORT
“This new location will mean Heatstar can offer a speedier response time for callouts in the south west of the UK keeping all important callout times to a minimum,” says Heatstar’s Mark Osman. “It is worth noting that the area taken up by Heatstar’s service engineer not only ensures that the south-west of the UK receive the best after sales service from the companies’ most highly experienced senior engineer, but the rest of the UK can be rest assured they will not miss out on his expertise as he will also continue to fulfil his duties around the country,” Mark adds.
With a team of dedicated engineers located throughout the UK, Heatstar are able to deliver an unrivalled level of after sales, preventative maintenance and response support service. This national network of service engineers are directly employed by Heatstar, with extensive experience, and are completely knowledgeable about the entire Heatstar product range. Each engineer works from an optimally equipped and GPS tracked vehicle carrying an array of specialist tools and a wide range of spare parts to cover most eventualities.
Mark points out: “Heatstar do not like ‘downtime’ and are passionate about keeping the downtime of client’s units to an absolute minimum. “To combat this Heatstar offer planned maintenance agreements on all of their products to not only increase the longevity of the Heatstar system but to also ensure it continues to operate to its optimum performance, and the chances of any downtime down to a minimum.”
These service and maintenance contracts are renewable annually and there is no obligation for the client to commit themselves to a contract prior to the initial manufacturers’ warranty expiring. Heatstar also have a Technical Helpline available which can often resolve common faults over the telephone. With a plethora of choice, there is no time to lose to secure your supplies and launch an added revenue stream in heat pump sales.
COMPANY CONTACTS
AstralPool UK
01329 514000
www.astralpool.co.uk
Certikin
Tel. 01993 777200
Email. info@certikin.co.uk
www.certikin.co.uk
Golden Coast
Tel. 01271 378100
Email swimmer@goldenc.com
www.goldenc.com
Heatstar
Tel. 01983 521 465
Email info@heatstar.com
www.heatstar.com
Ocea UK
Tel. 01993 707910
Email info@oceacovers.com
www.oceauk.com
PPG UK & Ireland
Tel. 01635 227 999
sales@polletpoolgroup.co.uk
www.polletpoolgroup.co.uk
