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Most heat pumps are designed for homes, but Calorex is different. It specialises in heating pools.
Calorex claims to offer efficient, cost-effective solutions for keeping pool water warm without driving up energy bills. But does it actually perform better than standard heating systems?
In this guide, we’ll break down Calorex heat pump reviews, costs, and model options, so you can decide if it’s the right choice for your pool.
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Calorex focuses on pool heat pumps and dehumidifiers, with their current products designed for swimming pool heating rather than home heating.
Calorex did offer air to water and ground to water heat pumps for domestic use, until its acquisition by Dantherm Group in 2016. These products were discontinued or integrated into Dantherm's broader range of heating solutions.
Let’s go over Calorex pool heat pump models and their specifications:
Model | Type | Heat output | Efficiency (COP) |
---|---|---|---|
Calorex I-PAC | Air source | 5 – 20 kW | 10.3 |
Calorex Pro-PAC | Air source | 8 – 30 kW | 5.5 |
Calorex V-PAC | Air source | 5 – 12 kW | 9.9 |
As you may see, all three models are air source heat pumps, but their heat output and efficiency vary.
The I-PAC has a heat output range of 5–20 kW and the highest efficiency (COP 10.3), making it the most energy-efficient option. The Pro-PAC delivers the most heat (8–30 kW) but has the lowest efficiency (COP 5.5), meaning it may cost more to run.
The V-PAC is smaller, with a heat output of 5–12 kW and a COP of 9.9. It is a well-balanced option if you need strong efficiency while keeping energy costs down.
Calorex swimming pool heat pumps cost from £3,000 to £12,000 per unit, depending on the model. Additional costs include payments for installing a heat pump and annual maintenance, which can significantly increase the total investment.
Here are the Calorex heat pump prices to expect:
Model | Estimated price (unit only) | Estimated installation cost | Maintenance cost |
---|---|---|---|
Calorex I-PAC | £4,000 – £8,000 | £1,200 – £3,500 | £200 – £400/year |
Calorex Pro-PAC | £3,000 – £7,000 | £1,000 – £3,000 | £250 – £500/year |
Calorex V-PAC | £6,000 – £12,000 | £1,500 – £4,000 | £200 – £400/year |
The maintenance costs cover routine servicing tasks such as checking refrigerant levels, cleaning filters, inspecting electrical components, and minor repairs. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the lifespan of the heat pump.
Keep in mind that inverter models (I-PAC & V-PAC) are more expensive but offer higher efficiency.
The inverter feature means that the compressor can adjust its speed instead of just turning on or off like a standard heat pump. These heat pumps run at low power when less heat is needed and ramp up when more heating is required.
This means they are:
One more thing: the final cost of the air source heat pump will be affected by potential extras and installation costs, which vary by installer. That’s why it’s best to compare several heat pump installers in your area.
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Most users are happy with Calorex heat pumps, especially when it comes to energy efficiency. Many say their units live up to expectations, using little electricity and helping cut down on energy bills.
People who use them for home pool heating generally report good performance, especially in UK weather. The heat pumps tend to come with a solid COP (5+), meaning they turn energy into heat efficiently.
Users point out how easy Calorex heat pumps are to set up and get running. The controls are simple, and maintenance doesn’t call for much effort. Some say they can reach high water temperatures (up to 65°C), which works well for homes with traditional radiators.
Some users mention that finding a technician or spare parts can be tricky, especially now that the company no longer makes domestic heat pumps. But Dantherm still supports existing units, and some retailers selling Calorex products (especially pool heaters) have excellent ratings on Trustpilot.
As with every brand, Calorex has its advantages and disadvantages compared to other heat pump manufacturers in the UK market:
The size of your pool will determine which Calorex model would work best for you:
Pool size (m³) | Recommended Calorex model | Why it's suitable |
---|---|---|
Small (up to 20m³) | Pro-Pac 8 | Ideal for small pools. Offers efficient heating with a 7.2kW output and a titanium heat exchanger |
Medium (20–40m³) | V-PAC 12 | Provides 14.11kW capacity |
Medium-large (40–60m³) | I-PAC 12 | Offers efficient inverter technology with a 15kW heating capacity |
Large (60–80m³) | V-PAC 22 | Delivers 24.4kW capacity |
Extra Large (over 80m³) | I-PAC+ 22 | Provides a high capacity of 27.5kW |
The I-PAC Series comes with high efficiency, inverter technology, and Wi-Fi control — perfect if you want to stretch out your swimming season.
The Pro-Pac Series holds up well over time, thanks to its titanium heat exchangers. It is a solid option for smaller pools or even year-round use if you go for the "Y" models.
If you need something compact, quiet, and efficient, the V-PAC Series is a good fit for medium to large pools.
Let’s compare Calorex with other leading heat pump manufacturers in the UK. Below is a breakdown of how these brands compare in key areas:
Brand | Calorex | Daikin | Vaillant | Panasonic | Mitsubishi | Samsung | LG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | £4,000 – £12,000 | £3,900 – £11,800 | £3,100 – £8,700 | £2,870 – £7,300 | £1,100 – £8,600 | £1,700 – £3,200 | £3,300 – £6,400 |
Types | Air to water | Air to air, air to water, ground source | Air to water, ground to water | Air to air, air to water | Air to air, air to water | Air to water | Air to air, air to water |
Efficiency (COP) | Up to 10.3 | Up to 5.2 | Up to 5.2 | Up to 5.28 | Up to 4.9 | Up to 5.0 | Up to 5.19 |
Average reviews score | N/A (small brand) | 4.2 | 3.9 | 1.3 | 4.3 | 1.3 | 1.2 |
Warranty | 2 years | 12 years | 7 years | 3–7 years | 12 years | 3–5 years | 5–7 years |
If you're considering a Calorex heat pump, the key takeaway is its exceptional efficiency, with a COP of up to 10.3. Its efficiency is far higher than most competitors, meaning better energy output per unit of electricity.
One potential drawback is the shorter warranty (2 years), significantly lower than brands like Daikin and Mitsubishi, which offer up to 12 years. Another consideration is the lack of widely available customer reviews, as Calorex is a smaller brand compared to well-known manufacturers.
To help you make the final decision, here are the unique specifications that influence why homeowners choose specific heat pump brands:
Calorex heat pumps are built specifically for UK weather. They perform efficiently in mild conditions to keep your pool warm without driving up energy bills.
If you simply want a heat pump that works without a headache, Calorex is a good option. They’re built well, so you’re not dealing with rust or breakdowns anytime soon. There are different sizes to choose from: some are fine for taking the chill off in summer, others can keep your pool warm for months.
That said, they don’t perform as well in freezing temperatures. Once it drops below zero, efficiency takes a hit. If you’re planning to use your pool all year, you might need a more powerful model or a backup heating option to keep the water comfortable.
To figure out what works best for your setup, it’s always smart to talk to a pro. Getting a quick quote can help you find the right fit for your pool, climate, and budget. Get one today and compare your options.
Comparing heat pump installers can take hours and be very stressful when done alone. Fortunately, we can connect you with up to 4 approved installers near you for free! Just fill in our 30-second form, and we’ll do the rest.
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Yes, Calorex heat pumps for pools are well-regarded for efficiency and durability, especially in UK weather.
Calorex heat pumps are manufactured in the UK under the Dantherm Group. Dantherm Group has its head office in Maldon, Essex.
The cost of a Calorex heat pump varies depending on the model and size, typically ranging from £4,000 to £12,000, excluding installation.
Calorex heat pumps usually have a 2-year warranty, though some suppliers may offer extended coverage options.
Tania is an experienced writer who is passionate about addressing environmental issues through her work. Her writing aims to shed light on critical environmental challenges and advocate for sustainable solutions.
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