Get £7,500 off your heat pump installation with the BUS grant

Answer these simple questions and we will find you the BEST prices

Which type of solar quotes do you need?

1
2
3
4
5
Answer these simple questions and we will find you the BEST prices.
Save hours of research time
Save hours of research time

Get up to 4 quotes by filling in only 1 quick form

Get £7,500 off installation 
Get £7,500 off installation 

Install a heat pump for less with the BUS grant

Save the planet
Save the planet

We’ve helped over 500,000 homeowners reduce their carbon footprint

Mentioned in
The Guardian logoHarvard University logoIndependent logoSPACE.com logoForbes logo
Last updated: 14 March 2025

Calorex Heat Pumps: Reviews, Costs & Model Range (2025)

Calorex Heat Pumps
  • The average cost of installing a Calorex heat pump is between £5,200 and £13,500, depending on the model and installation complexity.
  • User reviews on the web praise Calorex heat pumps for their efficiency and ease of use, while some note performance drops in very cold weather.
  • Calorex sells air source heat pumps for pools, with capacities ranging from 5 kW to 30 kW.

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.

Interested in installing a heat pump? We can help you get the best deal!

Don’t waste hours contacting installers on your own. Simply fill out our 30-second form, and we’ll do the rest. We’ll connect you with up to 4 trusted installers near you for free no-obligation quotes.

Click below to get started!

Get your best deal
Quickly compare 4 FREE quotes
  • Quotes from local engineers
  • Payment by finance available
  • Save £7,500 with BUS grant

It only takes 30 seconds

Earth globe icon
Optimise your home and save the planet
Earth globe icon
Call us to get quotes
We will get you the best deal

Calorex heat pump model range

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:

Calorex Heat Pump Models
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 heat pump costs

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:

Estimated Costs of Calorex Heat Pumps
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
These costs are estimates. It is recommended to get a local installer quote tailored to your home.

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:

  • More energy-efficient (up to 30–50% lower running costs).
  • Quieter (as they run at lower speeds most of the time).
  • Longer-lasting (less wear and tear since they avoid frequent on/off cycling).
Heat pump inverter

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.

Instead of spending days on research and comparisons on your own, why not fill out our 30-second form and let us do the rest? We’ll find you up to 4 free heat pump quotes from trusted installers in your area. 

Click below to get started!

Get your best deal
Quickly compare 4 FREE quotes
  • Quotes from local engineers
  • Payment by finance available
  • Save £7,500 with BUS grant

It only takes 30 seconds

Earth globe icon
Optimise your home and save the planet
Earth globe icon
Call us to get quotes
We will get you the best deal

Calorex heat pump reviews

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.

Calorex air source heat pump advantages & disadvantages

As with every brand, Calorex has its advantages and disadvantages compared to other heat pump manufacturers in the UK market:

Calorex air source heat pump advantages
  • The best option for pools: Calorex models are among the best air source heat pumps in the UK because they use inverter technology, which allows for precise pool temperature control and reduces energy consumption.
  • High efficiency: Calorex air-to-water pumps can achieve COPs of 5–10 in real-world use, meaning 500–1000% efficiency​. Under favourable conditions, they deliver up to 5–10kWh of heat per 1kWh of electricity.
  • Easy installation & integration: Calorex heat pumps come as monobloc units with straightforward controls. They have a user-friendly design that installers find easy to set up​.
  • Low maintenance & durability: Users and air source heat pump installers note that Calorex pumps require minimal maintenance​. The build quality is solid, and the units are built to withstand UK weather (powder-coated chassis, etc.).
  • Low noise: Noise levels are on par with other heat pumps (around 45–55 dB at 1m, the level of a refrigerator humming or light rainfall). Newer Calorex inverter models (I-PAC and V-PAC) even advertise whisper-quiet modes.
Calorex air source heat pump disadvantages
  • Reduced performance in cold weather: Their output and efficiency drop when outside falls near freezing. They are not recommended to be adopted in areas with harsh climates.
  • Shorter warranty: Calorex offers an industry-standard 2-year warranty on its heat pumps​. This is basic compared to competitors — many rival brands now offer 5 to 7 years (sometimes 10) with accredited installation.
  • Availability & support: As a niche brand in the domestic market, Calorex does not have the same nationwide installer network as, say, Mitsubishi or Vaillant. Some customers report difficulty finding local engineers experienced with Calorex units.
  • Not eligible for grants: To be eligible for the air source heat pump grant in the UK, the heat pump must primarily serve the property’s space heating and domestic hot water needs. Heating a swimming pool can be an additional function but cannot be the main purpose of the heat pump.

Calorex heat pumps per pool size

The size of your pool will determine which Calorex model would work best for you:

Recommended Calorex Models for Pool Sizes
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. 

Which Calorex model to choose

How do Calorex heat pumps compare to other heat pump brands?

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:

Heat pump brands comparison
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 niche models, they’re designed for heating domestic and commercial swimming pools.
  • Daikin heat pumps are packed with smart inverter technology. They keep temperatures steady and work well even when it gets really cold.
  • Vaillant air source heat pumps are trusted for their German engineering, high efficiency, and strong after-sales support
  • Nibe air source heat pumps are a strong choice in areas with harsh winters where reliable heating is highly important.
  • LG heat pumps focus on energy efficiency and quiet operation. They also offer smart controls and flexible installation to suit different home setups.
  • Mitsubishi heat pump models are made with UK homes in mind—reliable, low-noise, and easy to install.
  • Panasonic air source heat pumps are known for being highly efficient and working well with existing radiator systems.
  • Samsung air source heat pumps are small, quiet, and great if you’re worried about noise. The EHS Monobloc is one of the quietest heat pumps on the market.
  • Viessmann air source heat pumps are well-liked for their smart home integration.
  • Worcester air source heat pumps, manufactured by the Bosch family, are praised for low noise levels during operation. They even received Quiet Mark accreditation for that.
  • Hitachi air source heat pumps are a solid mid-range option. They are efficient, compact, and have a good balance between price and performance.

Is a Calorex heat pump the right choice for your pool?

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.

Click below to begin!

Get your best deal
Quickly compare 4 FREE quotes
  • Quotes from local engineers
  • Payment by finance available
  • Save £7,500 with BUS grant

It only takes 30 seconds

Earth globe icon
Optimise your home and save the planet
Earth globe icon
Call us to get quotes
We will get you the best deal

FAQ