Why a defrost function for the swimming pool heat pump?

What is the purpose of the pool heat pump defrost function?

To fully understand how the pool heat pump works, you should know that frost may appear on the heat pump motor. This may surprise, but nothing more normal. So why does frost form? What to do to eliminate it?

Why frost on the heat pump?

Frost is condensation that is created. This phenomenon occurs under certain conditions and can appear as soon as the outside temperature indicates 5°C. The air always contains more or less humidity, the appearance of frost on the heat pump can occur frequently. Drops of water fall near the cold refrigerant. The temperature difference between that of the surrounding outdoor air and that of the heat pump's indoor circuit causes a thermal shock and frost forms and accumulates on the exchanger.

Excess ice can lead to device malfunctions, loss of performance and even failure. But fortunately, heat pumps are most often equipped with automatic defrosting.

What is the purpose of the pool heat pump defrost function?

Defrosting a swimming pool heat pump is done automatically using two different methods.

Forced air defrosting is a simple but time-consuming operation. When the evaporator is caught in ice, the compressor stops, the fan sends forced air at room temperature to melt the ice.

Reverse cycle defrost is managed by the circuit electronic device that triggers de-icing when the sensor or pressure switch reaches the set temperature. The fan stops. Thanks to a 4-way valve which reverses the direction of the refrigerant, the evaporator which normally captures the calories from the surrounding air will become a condenser and vice versa. The heat brought to the exchanger gradually melts the ice. As soon as the evaporator temperature conforms to that at the end of defrosting, the 4-way valve returns to its initial position, the fan restarts, the heat pump resumes normal operation. This type of defrost is faster and more efficient than forced air.

What solutions if the icing of the heat pump is recurrent?

If, despite automatic defrosting of the heat pump, frost remains or appears too frequently, there is a problem. First of all, re-reading the user manual of the device will perhaps allow you to solve the problem on your own. But if there is any doubt about the merits of an intervention on your own, it is best not to try to resolve this situation. Better to call a professional. Thus the warranty is preserved.

The cause of persistent frost can be caused by a bad contact of the defroster, a malfunction of the thermostat or the inappropriate position of the heat pump which is perhaps too exposed to the winds, weather. Only a professional is able to resolve these anomalies.

Having a good knowledge of the technical elements of a swimming pool heat pump and knowing which refrigerants for the swimming pool heat pump are used will allow you to better understand the operation of a swimming pool heat pump and thus help you to choose the heat pump best suited to your installation.