Can You Heat a Spa With a GeoThermal Heat Pump?
How we changed the heating system at Franz Ross YMCA in Port Charlotte.
Recently, we were at the Franz Ross YMCA in Port Charlotte, Florida. Our task was to convert their heating system from a combination of an air-source heat pump and a gas heater for spot heating to a GeoThermal system. Let me explain the changes we made.
Initially, they had a heat pump with a gas backup. This setup was necessary because in winter, when the outside temperature dropped to the mid to upper forties, the heat pump would shut off due to insufficient heat and could even ice over.
The issue with gas heaters is that they use copper-nickel heat exchangers, which are vulnerable to chemical imbalances. Commercial spaces like the YMCA are prone to such imbalances due to the presence of multiple people, which can affect water chemistry.
Unfortunately, the gas heater’s heat exchanger was damaged on a relatively new unit. To address this, we removed both the air source and gas heater and replaced them with a GeoThermal system. GeoThermal systems don’t rely on outside air temperature, making them a more reliable choice.
In this specific installation, we’re utilizing the pool water as a heat source, eliminating the need for drilling wells or running water lines from a nearby source. This significantly reduces the system’s cost, making it comparable to installing an air source heat pump. Moreover, the GeoThermal system can both heat and cool the pool. This versatility allows for the option of turning the spa into a cold plunge spa in the morning for its health benefits and then switching it back to a regular spa with temperatures up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit in the afternoon or evening.
One additional advantage is the titanium coils in the GeoThermal system, which come with a lifetime warranty, ensuring that the spa won’t get stained or the coils damaged. So, if you’re interested in a similar system for your property, please give us a call or send us an email, and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free estimate.
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