Heat Pumps Explained: Heating, Cooling, Costs & Common Questions
Brad Cook sits down with Priscilla Silva from TTI Fabrication to discuss how pool heat pumps work, what they cost to operate, and why they’ve become Aloha’s most popular pool heating option.
Meet Our Guest
Brad Cook: Today we have Miss Priscilla Silva from TTI Fabrication, our preferred heat pump vendor. We’re going to talk heat pumps today—heat and cool pumps, actually.
Before we get started, tell us a little about yourself.
Priscilla Silva: My name is Priscilla. I work as the Research and Development Director at TTI Fabrication and have been with the company since 2018. I have a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and have worked in the HVAC industry since 2015, focusing primarily on heat pump systems.
My experience includes testing system performance, studying refrigerant behavior, compressor efficiency, and optimizing heat pump operation in real-world conditions.
Why Choose a TTI Heat Pump?
Brad: Why should someone buy a heat pump from TTI through Aloha Pools & Spas?
Priscilla: First, TTI has been building heat pumps since 1986.
Pool heat pumps aren’t simple appliances—they’re thermodynamic systems exposed to humidity, corrosion, temperature swings, and outdoor weather conditions. Decades of experience means our products have been refined over time, not simply tested in a lab.
Every unit is tested before it leaves our production facility.
We also offer one of the strongest warranties in the industry:
- 5 years on parts
- 2 years on labor
- 3 years on the digital control panel
In addition, we have a dedicated service department that works directly with homeowners and certified technicians when needed.
Everything is assembled in Montreal, Canada, which helps us maintain quality control and keeps replacement parts readily available.
Brad: One thing I found interesting is that TTI sources components from wherever they can get the best quality and value, then assembles and tests everything in Canada before shipping.
Why Heat Pumps Became Our #1 Pool Heater
Brad: When I first got into the pool business, gas heaters were really the only option. We were skeptical about heat pumps because they seemed more suited for Florida than our area.
That turned out not to be true at all.
Today, heat pumps are our number-one-selling method of heating pools.
Why do you think that is?
Priscilla: The biggest reason is efficiency.
Heat pumps transfer heat from the air into the water rather than creating heat through combustion.
Our heat-and-cool models can maintain water temperatures between approximately 50°F and 104°F.
They operate most efficiently when outdoor temperatures are between 45°F and 95°F.
Brad: If I had to summarize it in one sentence, I’d say this:
They’re cheaper.
A lot of our customers turn their heat pump on in April and don’t turn it off until October.
With gas heaters, people would get excited, turn them on, then quickly turn them back off after seeing the gas bill.
Heat pumps just don’t create that kind of sticker shock.
What Does It Cost to Run a Heat Pump?
Brad: Everybody wants to know the same thing. What’s it going to cost me every month?
Priscilla: To understand operating cost, you first need to understand something called COP, which stands for Coefficient of Performance.
A heat pump can typically produce four to six units of heat for every one unit of electricity consumed.
For example, a 130,000 BTU heat pump operating under ideal conditions may cost approximately $18–$19 per day if it ran continuously for 24 hours.
Brad: But that’s worst-case scenario.
Priscilla: Exactly.
Once the pool reaches the desired temperature, the heat pump cycles on and off as needed.
Most customers will see operating costs much lower than that.
Using a solar blanket can reduce heat loss by roughly 60%, lowering costs even further.
Brad: In July and August, the system may only run a few hours per day.
That’s why our customers become our best salespeople. They tell their friends how affordable heat pumps are to operate.
What If My Pool Gets Too Hot?
Brad: Here’s something people don’t always think about.
What happens in July when it’s 99 degrees outside and the pool water reaches 98 degrees?
Nobody wants bathwater.
Priscilla: That’s where heat-and-cool models come in.
You can set your desired temperature—say 86 degrees—and the system will automatically heat or cool the water as needed.
If the water temperature rises above your setting, the unit switches into cooling mode.
If it drops below the setting, it switches into heating mode.
Brad: It’s basically climate control for your pool.
Just like your house thermostat.
The Most Common Service Call: “My Heat Pump Is Leaking”
Brad: We get this call all the time.
“My heat pump is leaking.”
What’s usually happening?
Priscilla: Most of the time it’s condensation.
As the heat pump pulls heat from humid air, moisture condenses on the evaporator coil and drains away.
That’s completely normal.
It’s not pool water leaking from the system.
Brad: Honestly, when people see that water underneath the unit, it’s usually a sign the heat pump is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.
What Affects Heat Pump Performance?
Brad: What environmental factors affect efficiency?
Priscilla: Several things:
Air Temperature
Warmer air contains more heat energy, making it easier for the heat pump to work efficiently.
Humidity
Higher humidity actually helps heat transfer because moist air carries more energy.
Wind
Wind increases evaporation from the pool surface, which means more heat loss.
Shade
Pools exposed to direct sunlight naturally gain heat throughout the day.
Solar Blankets
A solar blanket is one of the best investments a pool owner can make because it dramatically reduces evaporation and heat loss.
Can I Put My Heat Pump Inside a Pool House?
Brad: We get this question all the time.
Can someone build a structure around their heat pump?
Priscilla: No.
Heat pumps need fresh outdoor airflow.
If the unit is enclosed, the cold air discharged from the system can get pulled right back into it, creating what’s called a microclimate.
That reduces efficiency significantly.
Brad: We’ve actually had customers build enclosures around their heat pumps and then call us because the unit wasn’t heating properly.
Heat pumps belong outside.
New Technology: Control Your Heat Pump From Anywhere
Priscilla: One feature many homeowners don’t realize is available today is Wi-Fi control.
Newer models allow customers to monitor and control their heat pump through a mobile app.
You can:
- Check pool temperature
- Switch between heating and cooling modes
- Adjust settings remotely
- Monitor system operation
Brad: So if I’m flying home from vacation, I can turn my heat pump on before I land?
Priscilla: Exactly.
Brad: That’s pretty cool. I actually learned something today.
Final Thoughts
Brad: Heat pumps have come a long way.
For most homeowners, they’re the best combination of comfort, efficiency, and affordability.
If you’re investing in a swimming pool, extending your season and keeping the water comfortable just makes sense.
We appreciate Priscilla joining us and helping explain how heat pumps work, what affects performance, and what homeowners can expect when they install one.
John Watts: Thanks for joining us for another edition of the Aloha Pools & Spas Deep Dive Podcast.
As always—
Dive safely.
Watch the full episode above and contact Aloha Pools & Spas if you have questions about adding a heat pump to your pool.
