14.
DEFROST CYCLE
When air temperatures are below 50° F, your pool may go into a defrost cycle. The
defrost cycle is initiated by a sensor on the evaporator (air coil). When the evapora-
tor temperatures fall to a point where they start to form ice on the
fi
ns, the heat pump
will shut down. The heat pump will remain in the defrost mode until the evaporator
coil temperature rises above 40° F. In the event the air temperature is below 40° F,
the heat pump will remain in the defrost mode until the temperature rises above 40°
F. The lenght of time the heat pump is in the defrost mode is dependent on the air
temperature. The warmer the air temperature, the shorter the defrost cycle; the colder
the air, the longer the defrost cycle. This is another reason why you should operate
your heat pump only during the warmest part of the day. Late night and early morn-
ing is usually the coolest time of the day and least ef
fi
cient for heat pumps.
G. MAINTENANCE
All Aquatherm heat pumps are designed for outdoor use, but some maintenance is
required to maintain your warranty. In coastal areas where salt-laden air or salt water
spray can come in contact with the heat pump, or where blowing sand can accu-
mulate inside a heat pump, regularly scheduled planned maintenance by a certi
fi
ed
Aquatherm technician is required. If your heat pump is situated where falling leaves
can accumulate on the inside of the machine, annual maintenance is recommended.
It is recommended that annual planned maintenance be performed on your heat pump
by a certi
fi
ed Aquatherm Service Contractor. Call Aquatherm at 888-297-3826 to
schedule service.
H. TROUBLESHOOTING
2. IS MY HEAT PUMP HEATING?
After the heater has been running for a few minutes, you can do a simple test
to see if it is heating.
a. Feel the air exiting the top of the cabinet. It should be 8-12° cooler than the surround-
ing air.
b. Place your hand, or better yet, a thermometer in the pool water away from the pool
returns. Leave your hand or thermometer there for at least one minute, then move
your hand slowly towards one of the returns. You should be able to detect a slight rise
in temperature, or see a 2-4° rise on your thermometer.
c. When the heat pump has been running for approximately 15 minutes, you should be
able to see water starting to drain around the base of the unit. This is not water from
your pool or spa. This is condensation, which is produced naturally by removing
heat from the air. The cool air cannot hold as much moisture as the warm air and
condensate is produced. A heat pump can produce 6 - 8 gallons of water per hour,
depending on the outside humidity. The higher the humidity, the greater the amount
of condensate produced. Running the heat pump during periods of low humidity may
produce little or no condensate.
2. POOL AND SPA COMBINATION HEATING
Everything stated for pool heating applies to heating a spa; only the volume of water
10.
