AstralPool Ecolite Heat Pump

The Ecolite range covers four capacities: IHP120, IHP160, IHP180 and IHP240. Sizing is not just about pool volume. Site exposure, wind, shade, whether you use a cover and the water temperature you want to hold all change the answer. Undersizing means the pool never reaches temperature on cool days. Send us your pool dimensions and a description of the site and we will size it properly.

An inverter heat pump moves heat rather than generating it, so it delivers several units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. That makes it far cheaper to run than element heating. Your actual cost depends on target temperature, how long you extend the season, and whether you use a cover. A thermal blanket typically has the single largest effect on running cost, and we always recommend running one alongside a heat pump.

From a cold start, expect a few days to bring a typical Auckland pool up to swimming temperature, depending on model, pool size and weather. Once at temperature, the unit only needs to top up the daily heat loss, which is a much smaller job. This is why heat pumps are best left running through the season rather than switched on and off.

Most Auckland pool owners with a heat pump and a cover comfortably extend their season from roughly October through to May, and some swim year round. Without a cover, the practical season is shorter because overnight heat loss undoes much of the day's gain. We will give you a realistic picture for your specific site before you buy.

A conventional heat pump runs at full output or not at all. An inverter unit varies its compressor speed to match demand, so it runs longer at lower output. That is more efficient, quieter, and gentler on the compressor, which generally means a longer service life. It also holds temperature more steadily rather than cycling.

A heat pump needs clear airflow around it and space for condensate drainage, and it must sit within reasonable pipe run distance of your filtration. Auckland plant areas are often tight, so siting is the first thing we assess. If side clearance is limited, the top discharge IHPT range may suit your site better. We check this before quoting.

Yes. A pool heat pump requires a dedicated electrical circuit installed by a registered electrician, and larger units may need switchboard capacity checked. Sparkling Pools has a qualified electrician on the team, so the plumbing, electrical and commissioning are handled together under one quote rather than across three contractors.

Keep the air intake and evaporator fins clear of leaves and debris, make sure condensate drains away rather than pooling, and keep your water balanced because unbalanced water attacks the heat exchanger. An annual service check on refrigerant performance and electrical connections protects both efficiency and warranty position.

A manufacturer backed warranty applies, with duration and conditions set by AstralPool and dependent on model, installation and maintenance. Full details are available at astralpool.co.nz, and your purchase is also covered by the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act. We register the warranty and manage any claim with the supplier directly.

Heat pumps are the most commonly undersized item in a pool plant, and a unit that cannot hold temperature is money wasted. We have worked on Auckland pools since 1992, so we size against real local conditions rather than a generic chart, and we install, commission and service the unit ourselves. Call 09 570 4797 or email info@sparklingpools.co.nz.