Solar versus AC Heat Recovery Pool Heater

[OvertheSun]

Has anyone installed an air conditioner heat recovery systems (e.g., Hot Spot Energy) or compared them to solar pool heaters? We have a solar pool heater but are considering replacing or moving it to accomodate solar PV panels. We are also considering AC upgrades and possibly a pool heating add-on. The manufacturer claims that they increase the AC efficiency and are effective at heating your pool. Makes sense to me, but I'm wondering if anyony has any thoughts or experiences?

[vacationtravel]

AC Revcovery for Pool Hot Spot Energy

I have a Solar System and I too am looking at the Hot Spot Energy AC Recovery System. Did you ever move forward with it? I am talking with them now and it looks like it would do what it says....

Let me know.
Thanks

Has anyone installed an air conditioner heat recovery systems (e.g., Hot Spot Energy) or compared them to solar pool heaters? We have a solar pool heater but are considering replacing or moving it to accomodate solar PV panels. We are also considering AC upgrades and possibly a pool heating add-on. The manufacturer claims that they increase the AC efficiency and are effective at heating your pool. Makes sense to me, but I'm wondering if anyony has any thoughts or experiences?

[Naptown]

They work, However the times of year you need the heat in the pool (assuming it is in full sun, spring and fall) are the times when the heat pump or AC is not running, at least around here.

[OvertheSun]

I have a Solar System and I too am looking at the Hot Spot Energy AC Recovery System. Did you ever move forward with it? I am talking with them now and it looks like it would do what it says....

Let me know.
Thanks

Rich definitely knows more than I do about this. I ran into a lot of dead ends, primarily because we installed a new HVAC system that maximizes efficiency by controlling the condenser and fan speeds (along with other parts in the system). The hotspot system takes over the control of the compressor and fan,as i understand it, so I don't think it would work for me unless I found someone to redesign the controls. That starts putting it outside where I'm willing to go at this point.

If you do install one, let us know how it works - i might change my mind!

[russ]

We have been around about this before - a total loser. Not to mention it is low grade heat which would require a rather large exchanger with it's own cleaning problems.

A solar heater would work a few thousand percent better.

[Naptown]

We have been around about this before - a total loser. Not to mention it is low grade heat which would require a rather large exchanger with it's own cleaning problems.

A solar heater would work a few thousand percent better.

Why would it be any different than an air-water heat pump?

[russ]

With the heat pump you are working with refrigerant and water - much more efficient.

When trying to utilize the waste heat from an A/C you are trying to recover heat from low temperature air.

[vacationtravel]

Solar and AC Recovery

I understand the positives of solar however, my roof is currently out of space for more panels. I was thinking that the AC Recovery Exchanger would give me the extra 6-7 (equivalent) more panel heat I needed to be able to regulate my temperature. My solar panels can bring my pool up on a sunny day 5-6 degrees. I want the ability to go 10. Anyone think this scenario is viable?

We have been around about this before - a total loser. Not to mention it is low grade heat which would require a rather large exchanger with it's own cleaning problems.

A solar heater would work a few thousand percent better.

[russ]

Roof is out of space - what about a wall?

[Naptown]

With the heat pump you are working with refrigerant and water - much more efficient.

When trying to utilize the waste heat from an A/C you are trying to recover heat from low temperature air.

Russ that is not how those systems work. They use the refrigerant loop and install a secondary heat exchanger and diverter valve in the condenser loop

[russ]

OK - I misunderstood - then it is simply a case of running the heat pump to heat the pool which is a waste

[russ]

If you have a place and can fit such a thing into the surroundings a black pipe heater might be of use.

http://rimstar.org/renewnrg/solar_pool_heater_diy_fp.htm

[Naptown]

OK - I misunderstood - then it is simply a case of running the heat pump to heat the pool which is a waste

Agreed but if recovering the waste heat while the AC is running anyway it makes sense.
Up side
1- It will turn off the fan when operating reducing a bit of the heat pump load.
2- May increase the efficiency of the AC if pool water is lower temp than air.
Downside
If running pool pump 24/7 to capture heat it will use more electric. a seperate smaller pump should be incorporated into the system to provide flow when filter is not needed
Doesn't work well spring or fall when cooling needs are low and pool heating needs are high.

[LucMan]

Depends on what size heatpump is installed in your home and how many gallons of water are in the pool. A 3 ton heat pump won't reject enough heat to heat a medium or large pool in a reasonable amount of time. Most pool heaters that I have seen were at least 100k BTU'S
Why not just install a heat pump pool heater, you will get heat when it is required and get 3 times more efficiency. As stated before low cooling demand = low heating supply.
Another consideration is what type of disinfection system you are using. The ozone / salt systems only work well with Titanium heat exchangers, the stainles HX last less than a year.

[Naptown]

Depends on what size heatpump is installed in your home and how many gallons of water are in the pool. A 3 ton heat pump won't reject enough heat to heat a medium or large pool in a reasonable amount of time. Most pool heaters that I have seen were at least 100k BTU'S
Why not just install a heat pump pool heater, you will get heat when it is required and get 3 times more efficiency. As stated before low cooling demand = low heating supply.
Another consideration is what type of disinfection system you are using. The ozone / salt systems only work well with Titanium heat exchangers, the stainles HX last less than a year.

The OP's suggestion actually uses a titanium HE