Swimming pool climatisation with heat pumps increases the renewable contribution to 80%
Under standard operating conditions for swimming pool climatisation (with moderate supply temperatures), heat pumps can achieve Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF) values significantly higher than their nominal ratings, providing a renewable energy contribution of near 80%, which facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements, according to ATECYR. The document addresses the integration of these solutions with other renewable technologies, such as solar panels, particularly in outdoor pools where regulations demand 100% renewable coverage.
The document addresses the integration of these solutions with other renewable technologies, such as solar panels, particularly in outdoor pools where regulations demand 100% renewable coverage.
The Spanish Technical Association of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration has published the new Reference Document ATECYR DRA 020804: Methodology for Calculating the SPF of Heat Pumps for Swimming Pool Climatisation, which provides rigorous criteria for evaluating the energy efficiency of these systems under real operating conditions. The technical document was authored by Francisco Aguilar Valero in collaboration with ATECYR's Sub-committee on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energies.
A primary contribution is the development of a specific methodology for calculating the Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF) for heat pumps used in swimming pools, accounting for key variables such as local climatic conditions, characteristic usage profiles, efficiency variations relative to outdoor temperatures, and technical data provided by manufacturers according to the UNE EN 14511 standard. Unlike existing methods, this proposal yields values more representative of real equipment behaviour, overcoming the limitations of simplified or excessively conservative approaches.
Indoor pools
The document highlights that, under standard operating conditions for swimming pool climatisation (with moderate supply temperatures), heat pumps can achieve SPF values significantly higher than nominal ratings, delivering renewable energy contributions of near 80%, facilitating compliance with regulatory requirements. Furthermore, the DRA addresses the integration of these solutions with other renewable technologies, such as solar panels, particularly in outdoor pools, where regulations demand 100% renewable coverage.
Through this publication, ATECYR continues to consolidate its role as a scientific vanguard in the sector, providing practical tools that enable designers, engineers and technicians to develop energy solutions that are more efficient, sustainable and aligned with energy transition objectives.