Sussex Air Conditioning supplies and installs swimming pool heat pumps for domestic and commercial pools across East Sussex and West Sussex. A pool heat pump is the most energy-efficient way to extend your swimming season – keeping your pool at a comfortable temperature from spring through to autumn, and year round for heated indoor pools, with running costs significantly lower than gas or electric heaters.
A swimming pool heat pump works by extracting heat energy from the surrounding air and transferring it into your pool water – the same principle as a domestic air source heat pump, but designed specifically for the demands of continuous pool heating. Because the system moves existing heat rather than generating it, a modern inverter pool heat pump can produce 5-6kW of heat energy for every 1kW of electricity it consumes. That is a coefficient of performance (COP) of 5 or 6, making it 5 to 6 times more efficient than a direct electric heater running at the same output.
Pool heat pumps work most efficiently in ambient temperatures above 10-15°C, which makes them ideal for the UK swimming season from roughly April through to October. Full inverter models extend this range and operate efficiently in cooler conditions, making them a viable year-round solution for heated pool environments.
We supply and install pool heat pump systems from leading manufacturers, specifying the right unit for your pool volume, location, and usage pattern after a free site survey.
Air source pool heat pumps are the most widely installed system in the UK. They draw heat from the ambient air and transfer it to the pool water via a refrigerant circuit. Modern units are compact, quiet, and straightforward to install alongside existing pool filtration and pipework. We install both single-speed and full inverter models – inverter units are significantly more efficient and quieter, and are our recommended choice for most domestic and commercial installations.
Full inverter technology allows the compressor to run at variable speeds, adjusting output to match the pool’s heating demand rather than switching on and off at full power. This reduces energy consumption, extends the operating temperature range, and significantly reduces noise levels compared to fixed-speed units. For pools that are used regularly and need to maintain a consistent temperature, a full inverter heat pump is the most cost-effective long-term choice.
For leisure centres, hotels, holiday parks, and spa facilities, we specify and install commercial-grade pool heat pump systems with the output and reliability required for high-use environments. Commercial installations require accurate load calculations and often involve integration with existing plant room systems – we carry out full site surveys and provide detailed system specifications before any work begins.
Cost is the most common question we are asked about pool heat pumps, and understandably so. Here is a straightforward guide based on our experience installing systems across Sussex.
For a typical domestic outdoor pool in the UK, a supply and installation package starts from around £2,500-£3,500 for a quality air source unit on a straightforward installation. Larger pools, full inverter models, and more complex installations will carry higher costs. Commercial systems for leisure facilities are priced on a per-project basis following a site survey. We provide full written quotations before any work begins with no obligation.
Running costs depend on pool size, target temperature, local climate, and how often the pool is used. As a general guide, heating a typical 8m x 4m outdoor pool to 28°C using a full inverter heat pump in the UK costs approximately £3-£6 per day during the main swimming season, compared to £10-£20 per day for an equivalent electric heater running at the same output. Over a full swimming season of around 180 days, the difference in running costs typically more than covers the cost of the heat pump itself.
For most pool owners in Sussex, yes. The combination of lower running costs compared to electric or gas heating, a typical payback period of 2-4 seasons, and the ability to extend the swimming season by 2-3 months makes a heat pump the most cost-effective pool heating solution in the UK climate. Full inverter models have come down significantly in price over the past few years and now represent strong value for domestic pool owners.
We also supply and install heat pump systems for hot tubs, outdoor spas, and commercial spa facilities. The principle is the same as a pool heat pump – extracting heat from the ambient air and transferring it to the water – but the units are specified for the smaller volume and higher target temperatures typically required for spa use.
For commercial spa facilities, we work with the facility’s plant room team to integrate the heat pump system with existing water treatment and heating infrastructure. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
We install swimming pool heat pumps throughout Sussex and the wider South East. Our service area includes:
Ready to extend your swimming season? Contact Sussex Air Conditioning today to arrange a free no-obligation site survey. We will assess your pool, specify the right heat pump system, and provide a full written quotation. Use the form or contact details below.
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