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Calorex is a leading brand in the UK of energy-efficient air source heat pumps. They specialise in swimming pool heating solutions and are known for robust designs tailored to British weather conditions. Their models like the I-PAC, Pro-PAC, and V-PAC deliver industry-leading COP ratings (up to 10.3) along with quiet operation and smart controls. This makes them a top choice for extending your swimming season effectively.
This comprehensive guide will delve into Calorex heat pump reviews, pricing, and model options to help you determine if they are the ideal choice for your swimming pool.
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Calorex offers a range of air source heat pumps designed for UK swimming pools, categorised by technology type, capacity, and efficiency. Below we have a breakdown of those 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 shown in the table, all three models (I-PAC, Pro-PAC, and V-PAC) operate as air source heat pumps but differ significantly in performance:
Each model caters to distinct needs: the I-PAC for year-round efficiency, the Pro-PAC for high-output seasonal heating, and the V-PAC for compact, cost-effective performance.
Calorex did offer air to water and ground source heat pumps for domestic use, until 2016 when it was acquired by the Dantherm Group. These heat pumps were discontinued or integrated into Dantherm's broader range of heating solutions.
Calorex offers three main air source heat pump models for swimming pools, with prices varying significantly based on capacity, efficiency, and technological features. Below is a breakdown of unit costs, installation expenses, and maintenance considerations:
Model | Estimated Price (Unit Only) | Estimated Installation Cost | Maintenance Cost (Per Year) |
---|---|---|---|
Calorex I-PAC | £4,000 - £8,000 | £1,200 - £3,500 | £200 - £400 |
Calorex Pro-PAC | £3,000 - £7,000 | £1,000 - £3,000 | £250 - £500 |
Calorex V-PAC | £6,000 - £12,000 | £1,500 - £4,000 | £200 - £400 |
The costs are estimates. |
The key factors influencing the air source heat pump cost of your swimming pool are:
The maintenance cost covers routine services such as checking refrigerant levels, cleaning out filters, inspecting electrical components, and other small repairs that might be required. Regular maintenance helps keep your heat pump’s performance high and extends its lifespan.
The higher-end V-PAC requires slightly more expensive heat pump installation due to its larger footprint, while Pro-PAC models are often chosen for smaller pools where lower upfront costs are more important than high efficiency.
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As with every brand, Calorex has its advantages and disadvantages compared to other heat pump manufacturers in the UK market. Take a look at our compiled list of pros and cons:
Customer feedback consistently shows Calorex’s energy efficiency and reliability for UK pool heating. Users frequently commend the impressive COP ratings of up to 10.3, which significantly reduce electricity consumption. Many users have reported saving up to 60% on their energy bills, compared to traditional gas heaters.
The straightforward installation process and user-friendly controls like the Wi-Fi-enabled I-PAC models that allow remote temperature adjustments have been a major hit with the users. They have also praised the heat pumps’ stable performance in typical UK weather conditions. These heat pumps are compatible with both pools and radiator systems, with units achieving water temperatures up to 65°C.
However, there are some challenges noted by the users. Efficiency of the system reduces when the temperature hits below 0°C. This means it would often require extra heating for year-round use.
Although Danthem still supports existing units, a few users have mentioned difficulties sourcing spare parts since Calorex discontinued some of their domestic models. But some retailers in the Uk selling Calorex products (especially pool heaters) are maintaining a strong Trustpilot rating for ongoing product support and service.
It is difficult to find an exact review score for Calorex due to its niche focus but their feedback for pool heating remains overwhelmingly positive. Competitors like Daikin (4.2/5) and Mitsubishi (4.3/5) score higher for general heating applications, but Calorex maintains a strong reputation for specialised pool heating solutions.
Your swimming pool’s size will determine which Calorex heat pump model would work best for you. Here is what we recommend:
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 combines inverter-driven efficiency (COP up to 10.3), smart Wi-Fi controls, and variable-speed operation. This is ideal for extending your swimming season while keeping your energy bills lower.
For durability-focused heating, the Pro-PAC series is a great option. It has titanium heat exchangers and robust on/off compressors, making it a reliable choice for smaller pools or year-round use with its upgraded "Y" models.
The V-PAC series offers compact, whisper-quiet performance as low as 40.8 dB. It is also equipped with multi-function heating/cooling making it the perfect choice for medium-to-large pools where space and efficiency matter equally.
Let’s check how Calorex heat pumps compare to other heat pump manufacturers in the UK market. Here is the detailed breakdown of how they compare to Vaillant heat pumps, Daikin heat pumps, Panasonic heat pumps, Samsung heat pump, Mitsubishi heat pumps and LG heat pumps:
Brand | Types of Heat Pump | Output Sizes (kW) | Price Range (Incl. Installation) | Warranty | USP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Calorex | Air to water | 5 - 30kW | £4,000 - £12,000 | 2 years | Energy-efficient air source heat pumps, specialising in swimming pool heating solutions |
Vaillant | Air to air, air to water, and ground source | 3.5 - 19kW | £4,000 - £15,000 | 2 - 7 years | Quiet operation and compact design |
Daikin | Air to air and air to water | 2 - 16kW | £1,500 - £9,000 | 5 - 7 years | Advanced air purification and versatility |
Panasonic | Air to air and air to water | 2 - 16kW | £3,000 - £15,000 | 3 - 7 years | Eco-friendly refrigerants and durability |
Samsung | Air to air and air to water | 9 - 16kW | £3,400 - £7,400 | 2 - 7 years | Affordable pricing with modern designs |
Mitsubishi | Air to air and air to water | 4 - 16kW | £6,000 - £12,000 | 3 - 5 years | Reliable in extreme climates |
LG | Air to air and air to water | 9 - 16kW | £6,000 - £12,000 | 5 - 7 years | Stylish designs and smart controls |
Calorex heat pumps stand out as a sustainable, cost-effective solution tailored to UK pool owners seeking year-round comfort without excessive energy bills. Their inverter-driven models like the I-PAC deliver industry-leading efficiency and COP up to 10.3, while durable titanium heat exchangers in Pro-PAC models ensure longevity even in demanding conditions.
Though they are less suited to sub-zero temperatures, their smart Wi-Fi controls, quiet operation, and compatibility with pools of all sizes make them one of the best heat pumps for extending swimming seasons responsibly.
If you’re looking for the best deals on heat pumps and their installation, we recommend checking out multiple installers before you make your decision. A good installer can provide A-grade service and swift installation at reasonable prices.
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Calorex heat pumps come with a 2-year warranty, though some suppliers may offer you extended coverage options.
Calorex heat pumps are renowned for durability, with 20+ years of reliable operation reported if the units are well-maintained.
The cost of a Calorex heat pump typically ranges from £4,000 to £12,000, excluding installation and varies depending on the type of model and output size.
Yes, Calorex heat pumps for swimming pools are often praised for their efficiency and durability, especially in UK weather.
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