1. What BTU capacity do I need to heat my swimming pool?
Several factors come into play when choosing a pool heater, such as the use of a solar blanket, the location of the swimming pool, wind directions, and so on. To help you choose the Summit heat pump model that best suits your needs, a selection chart is available on this Website for you. However, if the size of your swimming pool is not on the chart, you can make your own calculations by using one of the following formulas.

1. Without a solar blanket and not exposed to the sun :
Surface (square feet) X 150 = recommended BTU

2. Without a solar blanket but exposed to the sun :
Surface (square feet) X 140 = recommended BTU

3. With a solar blanket and exposed to the sun:
Surface (square feet) X 130 = recommended BTU

Example of a 16' X 32' In-ground swimming pool = 512 square feet
512 X 150 = 76800 BTU/hr SUM4
512 X 140 = 71680 BTU/hr SUM4
512 X 130 = 66560 BTU/hr SUM3
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2. What is the operating cost?
The operating cost per hour is:
SUM3 = $0.16 / hr
SUM4 = $0.19 / hr
SUM5 = $0.23 / hr
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3. Why use a titanium heat exchanger?
Chemicals usually added to swimming pools can be highly corrosive. If the manufacturer¹s recommendations are not followed or, for instance, a pool owner puts concentrated chlorine pellets in a skimmer, consequences can be dramatic. Most swimming pool water heater manufacturers use a copper and nickel alloy, whereas we use titanium. The metal alloy is less resistant to chemicals that eat away at exchangers. A leak in the system can cause considerable damage to a heat exchanger, because Freon will seep into the water, which in turn will infiltrate the sealed refrigeration system. When this occurs, the heat pump can no longer be repaired. We are the only manufacturer in the province of Quebec to use titanium in the composition of our heat exchangers. Titanium is the only metal strong enough to resist pool chemicals, regardless of water calibration. Our titanium heat exchanger, the most important component of our units, is guaranteed for 10 years.
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4. At what distance from the swimming pool should I install my heat pump?
As close to the filter as possible, at approximately 25 feet from the swimming pool. The unit can be installed farther, but this entails heat loss because tubing is underground. Heat loss is 3% per 100 feet distance. If in doubt, contact your dealer to find out if the capacity of your unit is adequate enough, depending on the distance between the heat pump and the filter (or the swimming pool).
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5. Why a Scroll Compressor?
Scroll compressors are manufactured by the Copeland company and generate a greater quantity of heat in comparison with piston compressors. They provide approximately 10% more heat even at lower ambient temperatures. Scroll compressors increase heating efficiency in comparison with piston compressors. In addition, they are quieter and more durable, because there are only two moving parts inside instead of 15 parts for two-cylinder piston compressors.
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6. If a hot tub or spa is integrated into my swimming pool, can I use a heat pump?
Yes, because the electronic control can memorize two temperature levels, making it easy to switch from the swimming pool mode to the hot tub or spa mode.
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7. Do I have to protect my swimming pool with a solar blanket?
We strongly recommend that you use a solar blanket. You will save 25% of heat during swimming season. Swimming pools mainly lose heat during the night because temperatures often drop below 65f degrees (18c).
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8. Up to what ambient air temperature will a Summit pump function?
Most swimming pool heaters will lose their efficiency when the ambient temperature drops below 60f (15c). However, the integrated Summit technology enables heat pumps to heat the water effectively as low as 39f degrees (4c).
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9. What maintenance do Summit water heaters require?
Cleaning the evaporator to allow an adequate flow of air and keeping the cover clean is the only upkeep required.
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10. Do Summit units function indefinitely?
Of course not. However, simply set the water temperature appropriately in spring and the electronic control will take regular readings to heat the water only when needed in order to maintain constant water temperature.
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