Dantherm HPP12R 12kW Pool Heat Pump | Single Phase | Quiet Operation | 3-Year Warranty

🌊 Heat Your Pool Efficiently and Extend Your Swimming Season by Months

The Dantherm HPP12R 12kW air source heat pump is the smart choice for medium-sized pool owners who want comfortable water temperatures without sky-high energy bills. Engineered through a collaboration between Calorex and the Dantherm Group—leaders in climate control technology for over 30 years—this heat pump delivers exceptional performance, whisper-quiet operation, and impressive energy savings of up to 80% compared to traditional electric heaters.

Perfect for Pools Between 30-50m³

Whether you have a 10m × 4m family pool or a cozy above-ground installation, the HPP12R provides reliable, consistent heating. Heat your 40m³ pool from 15°C to 25°C in approximately 39 hours under good conditions (see detailed heat-up times below), and maintain that perfect temperature efficiently throughout the season.

Slash Your Pool Heating Costs

Stop paying a fortune to heat your pool. The HPP12R’s advanced heat pump technology extracts free heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to your pool water, producing up to 5 times more energy than it consumes. With a Coefficient of Performance (COP) ranging from 4.0 to 6.5 depending on conditions, you’ll achieve 400-650% efficiency—meaning you get £4-£6.50 worth of heat for every £1 of electricity used.

Operate in Cool Weather – Down to 3°C

Unlike cheaper heat pumps that struggle in cooler conditions, the HPP12R features reverse cycle defrost technology that enables reliable operation in air temperatures as low as 3°C. Start heating your pool in early spring and keep swimming well into autumn, extending your season by 2-3 months compared to unheated pools.

Whisper-Quiet Technology

At just 38-39 dB(A) at 3 meters—quieter than normal conversation—the HPP12R won’t disturb your outdoor relaxation or annoy the neighbors. Enjoy peaceful evenings by the pool while your heat pump works silently in the background.

💰 Annual Savings: £2,160-2,880 compared to electric heaters ⏱️ Typical Payback Period: 2-3 years through energy savings 🌡️ Operating Range: 3°C to 43°C air temperature 🔇 Sound Level: 38-39 dB(A) – Whisper quiet

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📥 Downloads & Documentation

📄 Installation & Maintenance Manual

Complete owner and installation manual covering setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Includes detailed electrical and plumbing diagrams, commissioning procedures, warranty information, and technical specifications. Multi-language support included.

Download Installation & Maintenance Manual (PDF)

📄 Affordable Range of Heat Pumps – Product Leaflet

Product brochure featuring the complete Dantherm heat pump range. Includes specifications, features, performance data, and sizing guidance. Perfect quick reference for contractors and installers.

Download Product Leaflet (PDF)

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⏱️ Real-World Heat-Up Times – Know What to Expect

How Long Will It Take to Heat My Pool?

Use this table to estimate heating times for your pool. These are theoretical calculations based on ideal conditions and will vary in real-world use.

Pool Volume	Dimensions (Example)	Temperature Rise	Estimated Time*	Daily Running Cost**
20m³	8m × 4m × 0.6m avg	10°C (15°C → 25°C)	19-20 hours	£2.40-£4.80
20m³	8m × 4m × 0.6m avg	15°C (10°C → 25°C)	29-30 hours	£2.40-£4.80
30m³	10m × 4m × 0.75m avg	10°C (15°C → 25°C)	29-30 hours	£2.40-£4.80
30m³	10m × 4m × 0.75m avg	15°C (10°C → 25°C)	43-44 hours	£2.40-£4.80
40m³	10m × 5m × 0.8m avg	10°C (15°C → 25°C)	39-40 hours	£2.40-£4.80
40m³	10m × 5m × 0.8m avg	15°C (10°C → 25°C)	58-59 hours	£2.40-£4.80
50m³	12m × 5m × 0.85m avg	10°C (15°C → 25°C)	48-50 hours	£2.40-£4.80
50m³	12m × 5m × 0.85m avg	15°C (10°C → 25°C)	72-75 hours	£2.40-£4.80

*Based on electricity at £0.24/kWh **Calculation: Pool Volume (m³) × Temperature Rise (°C) × 1.16 ÷ 12kW heat pump capacity

⚠️ Important: These Are Estimates

These are ESTIMATED times under ideal conditions. Actual heating times will vary significantly based on:

• Ambient Air Temperature: Higher air temps = faster heating. At 15°C air temp, expect times near the upper range. At 25°C air temp, expect times near the lower range.
• Pool Cover: Using a pool cover can reduce heating time by 30-50% and is HIGHLY recommended
• Wind Conditions: Windy conditions increase heat loss and extend heating times
• Pool Location: Sheltered pools in sunny locations heat faster
• Starting Temperature: Heating from 10°C takes much longer than maintaining 24°C

💡 Pro Tips for Faster Heating

• Always use a solar or thermal pool cover (can save 50-70% of heat loss)
• Heat during the warmest part of the day when COP is highest
• Start heating early in the season when you need smaller temperature rises
• Consider a larger model (HPP15R or HPP20R) if you need faster heat-up times
• Ensure proper water flow (7-10 m³/hour recommended)

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💰 Running Cost Comparison – See Your Savings

Annual Operating Cost Estimates

Based on 40m³ pool, 6-month season, UK average electricity prices of £0.24/kWh

Heating Method	Energy Used	Estimated Annual Cost	CO₂ Emissions (kg/year)	Your Savings
Dantherm HPP12R Heat Pump	2,000-3,000 kWh	£480-720	520-780 kg	Baseline
Electric Resistance Heater	12,000-15,000 kWh	£2,880-3,600	3,120-3,900 kg	Save £2,160-2,880/year
Gas Boiler	8,000-10,000 kWh equivalent	£800-1,200	1,600-2,000 kg	Save £80-480/year
Oil Boiler	10,000-12,000 kWh equivalent	£1,200-1,800	2,400-2,880 kg	Save £480-1,080/year

✅ Payback Period: Typically 2-3 years depending on usage

Assumptions: Pool used 6 months/year, average 6-8 hours daily operation, maintaining 24-26°C water temperature

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📊 Complete Technical Specifications

Performance Specifications

Specification	Value
Model Number	HPP12R
Type	Air Source Heat Pump (Pool Heating)
Rated Heating Capacity	12kW (at 15°C air, 26°C water)
Power Supply	230V / Single Phase / 50Hz
Rated Power Input	2.0-2.1 kW
Maximum Current Draw	18.3A
Recommended Circuit Breaker	20A Type B MCB

Performance Data at Various Conditions

Air Temp	Water Temp	Relative Humidity	Heating Output	Power Input	COP
27°C	27°C	80%	13.0-13.5 kW	2.0-2.1 kW	6.3-6.6
15°C	26°C	70%	10.5-10.8 kW	2.0-2.1 kW	5.0-5.2
5°C	26°C	100%	8.0-8.2 kW	1.9-2.1 kW	4.0-4.3

COP = Coefficient of Performance (higher is better). A COP of 5.0 means you get 5kW of heat for every 1kW of electricity used.

Operating Parameters

Specification	Value
Operating Air Temperature Range	3°C to 43°C (reliable operation)
Water Temperature Range	15°C to 40°C (adjustable)
Maximum Water Temperature	40°C
Recommended Water Flow Rate	7-10 m³/hour
Defrost System	Automatic reverse cycle defrost
Refrigerant Type	R410A or R32 (eco-friendly)

Construction & Components

Specification	Value
Compressor Type	Scroll or Rotary (size-dependent)
Heat Exchanger Material	Titanium (corrosion-resistant)
Cabinet Material	ABS Plastic (UV-resistant)
Cabinet Color	Graphite Grey
Water Connections	1.5″ (50mm) BSP thread
Control System	Integrated touchscreen controller

Physical Specifications

Specification	Value
Dimensions (H × W × D)	Approximately 709mm × 490mm × 1130mm
Weight	Approximately 71-93 kg
Sound Pressure Level	38-39 dB(A) at 3m distance
Sound Power Level	49-50 dB(A)

Certifications & Warranty

Specification	Value
CE Marking	Yes
RoHS Compliant	Yes
IP Rating	IP24 (protected against splashing water)
Warranty	3 years (1 year parts & labor + 2 years parts)
Country of Design	Europe (Dantherm Group)

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✅ Key Features & Benefits

1. Exceptional Energy Efficiency – Cut Heating Costs by Up to 80%

What it means for you: Instead of paying £2,880/year with an electric heater, you’ll pay around £480-720/year. The HPP12R achieves 400-650% efficiency by extracting free heat from the air, producing 4-6.5 times more heat energy than the electricity it consumes. Your heat pump pays for itself in just 2-3 seasons.

2. Sized Perfectly for Medium Pools – 30-50m³ Sweet Spot

What it means for you: This 12kW model is ideally matched to family pools in the 30-50 cubic meter range (typical 10m × 4m pools). Not underpowered like smaller units that struggle to heat, and not oversized and expensive like larger models. Heat your 40m³ pool by 10°C in approximately 39 hours under good conditions.

3. Extended Season Operation – Swim 2-3 Months Longer

What it means for you: While your neighbors pack up their pools in August, you’ll be swimming into October. With operation down to 3°C air temperature and reverse cycle defrost, start your season in April and keep going until late autumn. That’s potentially 7-8 months of use instead of just 4-5 months.

4. Whisper-Quiet Performance – Quieter Than Normal Conversation

What it means for you: At 38-39 dB(A), the HPP12R is quieter than background music, a refrigerator, or normal conversation. Run it overnight without disturbing your sleep or annoying neighbors. Many customers say they forget it’s even running.

5. Premium Titanium Heat Exchanger – Built to Last 10+ Years

What it means for you: Titanium is the gold standard for pool heat exchangers. It won’t corrode from chlorine, salt, or harsh chemicals, and provides superior heat transfer compared to copper or stainless steel. This single component often determines heat pump longevity—inferior exchangers fail in 3-5 years, titanium lasts 10-15+ years.

6. Smart Integration & Simple Controls – Set It and Forget It

What it means for you: The intuitive touchscreen lets you set your desired temperature in seconds. Smart pool pump control integrates with your existing system automatically. Once programmed, the heat pump maintains your perfect temperature with no daily intervention required.

7. All-Weather Durability – Engineered for British Climate

What it means for you: The weather-resistant ABS cabinet and IP24 rating mean your heat pump handles rain, wind, sun, and frost without issues. The graphite grey finish looks sharp and won’t fade or crack. No need for daily maintenance or constant monitoring.

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📏 Pool Sizing Guide – Is This Right for Your Pool?

Pool Volume	Pool Dimensions (Example)	Suitability	Heat-Up Performance	Maintenance Heating
20-30 m³	8m × 4m × 0.6-0.9m	✅ Excellent	Fast (20-30 hrs for 10°C rise)	Very efficient
30-40 m³	10m × 4m × 0.75-1.0m	✅ Ideal	Good (30-40 hrs for 10°C rise)	Efficient
40-50 m³	10m × 5m × 0.8-1.0m	✅ Good	Moderate (40-50 hrs for 10°C rise)	Good
50-60 m³	12m × 5m × 0.85-1.0m	⚠️ Acceptable	Slower (50-75 hrs for 10°C rise)	Fair
Under 20 m³	Smaller pools/spas	⚠️ Oversized	Consider HPP8R instead	May short-cycle
Over 60 m³	Large pools	❌ Undersized	Consider HPP15R or HPP20R	Insufficient

💡 Don’t know your pool volume? Calculate it: Length (m) × Width (m) × Average Depth (m) = Volume (m³)

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🔧 Installation Requirements

Space & Clearance Requirements

• Front clearance (air intake): 500mm minimum (more is better for efficiency)
• Side clearances: 300mm minimum each side
• Rear clearance: 300mm minimum
• Overhead clearance: 1000mm minimum
• Total footprint required: Approximately 2m × 1.5m

Base & Mounting

• Foundation: Level, solid concrete pad (min. 100mm thick) or reinforced decking
• Pad size: Minimum 800mm × 600mm, ideally 1000mm × 800mm
• Leveling tolerance: Within 5mm across the unit
• Mounting: Rubber isolation feet included (reduce vibration)

Electrical Requirements

• Supply: 230V single-phase 50Hz
• Circuit breaker: Dedicated 20A Type B MCB recommended
• Cable: Minimum 2.5mm² 3-core cable
• Installation: By qualified electrician, comply with BS7671 wiring regulations
• RCD protection: 30mA RCD recommended for outdoor installation

Plumbing Requirements

• Water connections: 1.5″ (50mm) BSP threaded unions (included)
• Recommended pipe diameter: 50mm throughout
• Flow rate required: 7-10 m³/hour (approximately 120-160 liters/minute)
• Bypass setup: Highly recommended (allows heat pump isolation for maintenance)

Best Installation Locations

✅ Ideal locations:

• South or west-facing (more sunshine = better performance)
• Sheltered from prevailing winds but not enclosed
• Good air circulation around unit
• Close to pool equipment (minimizes plumbing runs)
• On firm, level ground away from foot traffic

❌ Avoid:

• Under trees (falling leaves clog coils)
• In enclosed spaces (reduced airflow = poor performance)
• Against walls or fences (restrict airflow)
• Low areas prone to flooding

Professional Installation

Typical installation takes 4-6 hours and includes:

• Electrical connection and testing
• Plumbing connections with bypass
• Commissioning and testing
• User training on controls

Estimated installation cost: £400-800 depending on complexity

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. What size pool is the HPP12R suitable for?

The HPP12R is ideal for pools between 30-50 m³ (cubic meters). This typically covers:

• 10m × 4m × 0.75m average depth = 30m³
• 10m × 5m × 0.8m average depth = 40m³
• 12m × 5m × 0.85m average depth = 50m³

It will work with pools as small as 20m³ or as large as 60m³, but performance will be faster than needed (20m³) or slower than ideal (60m³). For pools under 20m³, consider the HPP8R. For pools over 60m³, consider the HPP15R or HPP20R.

Calculate your pool volume: Length × Width × Average Depth (all in meters) = m³

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2. How long will it take to heat my pool?

This depends on your pool size and how much you want to raise the temperature:

40m³ pool (common family pool size):

• Raise temperature by 10°C (e.g., 15°C to 25°C): approximately 39 hours
• Raise temperature by 15°C (e.g., 10°C to 25°C): approximately 58 hours

30m³ pool:

• Raise temperature by 10°C: approximately 29 hours
• Raise temperature by 15°C: approximately 43 hours

Important: These are ideal conditions estimates. Real-world heating takes longer due to heat loss from the pool surface (wind, evaporation) and cooler air temperatures.

💡 Pro tip: Use a pool cover to reduce heating time by 30-50% and maintain temperature more efficiently.

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3. What are the running costs compared to other heating methods?

Based on a 40m³ pool operated 6 months per year in the UK:

• Dantherm HPP12R Heat Pump: £480-720/year
• Electric Heater: £2,880-3,600/year
• Gas Boiler: £800-1,200/year
• Oil Boiler: £1,200-1,800/year

You’ll save £2,160-2,880 per year compared to an electric heater, meaning the heat pump pays for itself in 2-3 years through energy savings alone.

The HPP12R achieves these savings because it produces 4-6 times more heat energy than the electricity it consumes by extracting free heat from the air.

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4. Can it work in cold weather? What’s the minimum operating temperature?

Yes! The HPP12R operates reliably down to 3°C air temperature thanks to reverse cycle defrost technology.

Performance by air temperature:

• 20-27°C (summer): Excellent performance, COP 5.5-6.6
• 10-18°C (spring/autumn): Good performance, COP 4.2-5.5
• 3-10°C (cool days): Reduced performance, COP 3.5-4.3
• Below 3°C: Not recommended for regular use

Practical meaning: You can start heating your pool in April when air temps hit 10°C+ consistently, and keep swimming into October. This extends your season by 2-3 months compared to an unheated pool.

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5. How noisy is it? What’s the sound level?

The HPP12R is remarkably quiet at just 38-39 dB(A) at 3 meters distance.

Comparison:

• 38-39 dB(A): About as loud as a quiet library or whisper
• 50 dB(A): Normal conversation
• 60 dB(A): Office environment

Most customers report they can barely hear it running from inside their house, and it won’t disturb outdoor dining or relaxation. Many people run it overnight without issues.

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6. Do I need planning permission to install a heat pump?

In England and Wales, most domestic heat pump installations qualify as permitted development and don’t require planning permission, BUT there are conditions:

You DON’T need planning permission if:

• It’s for domestic use on a house (not a flat/apartment)
• Volume doesn’t exceed 0.6m³
• It’s at least 1 meter from the boundary
• Sound level is under 42 dB(A) at 1 meter (HPP12R qualifies)
• Not in a conservation area or listed building

Always check with your local planning authority before installation. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules.

Good news: Most standard installations of the HPP12R meet permitted development criteria.

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7. What’s the difference between this and a standard electric heater?

Huge differences in efficiency and running costs:

Feature	HPP12R Heat Pump	Electric Heater
Efficiency	400-650% (COP 4.0-6.5)	100% (COP 1.0)
Annual running cost	£480-720	£2,880-3,600
How it works	Extracts free heat from air	Directly converts electricity to heat
Environmental impact	Low (520-780 kg CO₂/year)	High (3,120-3,900 kg CO₂/year)
Initial cost	Higher (£2,500-3,500)	Lower (£300-800)
Payback period	2-3 years	N/A

Bottom line: Heat pumps cost more upfront but save thousands in running costs. Electric heaters are cheaper to buy but incredibly expensive to run.

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8. How much does installation cost?

Professional installation typically costs £400-800 depending on:

• Distance from pool equipment (longer runs = higher cost)
• Electrical work required (new circuit adds cost)
• Base preparation needed
• Access difficulty
• Regional variations

What’s included:

• Electrical connection with dedicated circuit and RCD
• Plumbing connections with isolation valves and bypass
• Base/mounting (if existing suitable base present)
• Commissioning and testing
• User training

Most installers complete the job in 4-6 hours.

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9. What maintenance is required?

Very minimal! The HPP12R is designed for low maintenance:

Monthly (during pool season):

• Visual inspection for debris around air intake
• Check for any unusual sounds or leaks

Every 3 months:

• Clean air filter/coil face with garden hose (low pressure)
• Check water flow rate is adequate (7-10 m³/hour)

Annually:

• Professional service recommended (£80-150)
• Check refrigerant charge
• Clean condenser coils thoroughly
• Verify water flow and pressure

Before winter shutdown:

• Drain water from heat exchanger (prevent freeze damage)
• Cover unit with breathable cover
• Isolate electrically

Total annual maintenance cost: £80-150 for professional servicing, or £0 if you do basic maintenance yourself.

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10. Is it difficult to use and control?

No, it’s very simple! The HPP12R features an intuitive touchscreen controller that even non-technical users find easy.

Basic operation:

1. Set your desired temperature (15-40°C)
2. Choose your mode (heating, cooling, or auto)
3. That’s it!

Day-to-day use: Most customers set their desired temperature once at the start of the season and never touch the controls again. The heat pump handles everything automatically.

Display shows:

• Current water temperature
• Set target temperature
• Current operating mode
• Any error codes (rare)

No smartphone app required—simple physical controls that just work.

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11. What warranty is included?

Comprehensive 3-year warranty:

Year 1 (Full Coverage):

• All parts covered
• On-site labor included (engineer visits your property)
• No quibbles replacement of faulty components
• Includes compressor, heat exchanger, electronics, fans

Years 2-3 (Parts Coverage):

• All parts still covered
• Labor not included (you pay for engineer’s time)
• Major components like compressor and heat exchanger fully covered

What’s NOT covered:

• Damage from incorrect installation
• Damage from freezing (must winterize properly)
• Damage from chemical imbalance in pool water
• Normal wear and tear items

Claim process: Contact Parts4Tubs with your purchase proof and serial number. Most claims resolved within 5-7 working days.

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12. Can I run it overnight?

Yes, absolutely! Many pool owners prefer overnight operation:

Benefits of running overnight:

• Off-peak electricity: If you have Economy 7 or similar tariffs, overnight electricity is much cheaper (potentially 50% savings)
• Cooler air = quieter neighbors: Even though it’s quiet (38-39 dB(A)), nighttime reduces any potential disturbance
• Pool ready by morning: Wake up to a perfectly heated pool

Considerations:

• Lower performance: Nighttime air is cooler, so COP is slightly lower (but electricity may be cheaper, offsetting this)
• Timer function: Use the built-in timer to schedule operation during off-peak hours

Our recommendation: If you have Economy 7 tariff, definitely run overnight (peak: ~£0.40/kWh, off-peak: ~£0.15/kWh). The savings are massive. If you pay standard rate day/night, running during the warmest part of the day (2-6pm) gives best efficiency.

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📦 What’s Included

Your Dantherm HPP12R package includes everything you need for installation:

✅ Dantherm HPP12R heat pump unit ✅ 1.5″ + 50mm socket union water connectors (set of 2) ✅ Rubber mounting feet (set of 4) ✅ Condensate drainage kit ✅ User manual (English) ✅ Installation guide ✅ Warranty documentation

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🛡️ Warranty & Support

Comprehensive 3-Year Warranty

Year 1: Full parts and on-site labor coverage Years 2-3: Parts replacement coverage

UK-Based Support

• Technical support hotline
• Network of authorized service technicians
• Spare parts readily available
• Installation guidance available

Certifications

✅ CE Certified ✅ RoHS Compliant ✅ IP24 rated for outdoor use ✅ Meets UK building regulations

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🌍 Seasonal Performance Guide

Season	Air Temp Range	Performance Level	COP Range	Best Use
Late Spring (Apr-May)	10-15°C	Good	4.0-5.2	Initial pool heating
Summer (Jun-Aug)	20-27°C	Excellent	5.5-6.6	Peak performance, maintenance heating
Early Autumn (Sep-Oct)	10-18°C	Good	4.2-5.5	Extended season heating
Late Autumn/Winter	3-10°C	Limited	3.5-4.3	Basic operation possible

Recommended Operating Strategy:

• Spring: Start heating in late April/early May when air temps consistently reach 10°C+
• Summer: Maintenance mode—heat pump runs minimal hours to maintain temperature
• Autumn: Continue operation through September and into October for extended season
• Winter: Not recommended for regular use; winterize and cover pool