💡 Pro Tip: Use a solar pool cover to retain heat overnight and reduce heating time by up to 50%.

💰 Running Cost Estimates

Daily Operating Costs (UK Average Electricity Rate: £0.28/kWh)

Heating Season (May-September)

Season Cost Comparison

✅ Save £600-£1,400 per season compared to gas or electric heating!

Calculations based on 40m³ pool, maintaining 26-28°C, UK climate, electricity at £0.28/kWh. Actual costs vary with usage patterns, ambient temperature, and pool insulation.

🔧 Installation Requirements

Site Requirements

Clearance Zones:

• Front (Air Discharge): Minimum 3 meters clear space
• Sides: Minimum 500mm each side
• Rear: Minimum 300mm for service access
• Above: Minimum 2 meters overhead clearance

Location Considerations: ✅ Ideal Locations:

• South-facing for maximum sun exposure
• Well-ventilated outdoor area
• Away from bedroom windows
• Protected from prevailing winds
• Level, stable concrete base

❌ Avoid:

• Enclosed spaces or garages
• Direct sun on unit (shade is okay)
• Areas with restricted airflow
• Close to property boundaries (noise)
• Locations prone to standing water

Electrical Requirements

⚠️ Professional Installation Required – Electrical work must comply with BS 7671 wiring regulations. Installation by a qualified electrician and pool technician is mandatory for warranty validation.

Plumbing Requirements

• Flow Rate: 4.7 m³/h (minimum)
• Pipe Diameter: 50mm recommended
• Bypass Valve: Essential for flow control
• Unions: Required both sides for servicing
• Water Quality: Chlorine <3ppm, pH 7.2-7.6

🌍 Environmental Impact & Sustainability

Carbon Footprint Reduction

Annual CO₂ Savings (vs. Gas Heating):

• Gas Pool Heater: ~1,800 kg CO₂/year
• VBIV Heat Pump: ~420 kg CO₂/year
• Net Reduction: 1,380 kg CO₂/year

This is equivalent to:

• 🚗 Driving 5,500 fewer miles
• 🌳 Planting 63 trees
• ♻️ Recycling 6,900 aluminum cans

Energy Efficiency Benefits

A+ Energy Rating means:

• Up to 650% efficiency (COP 6.5) in optimal conditions
• Uses renewable heat from ambient air
• Minimal electricity consumption
• Compatible with solar PV systems
• Qualifies for eco-friendly pool certifications

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

General Operation

Q: How does a heat pump work differently from an electric heater? A: Rather than generating heat directly (like a kettle), a heat pump extracts warmth from the surrounding air and transfers it to your pool water—similar to how a refrigerator works in reverse. This process is incredibly efficient: for every 1 kW of electricity consumed, the heat pump delivers 6-13 kW of heating, depending on conditions. An electric heater only delivers 1 kW per 1 kW consumed, making heat pumps 6-13 times more energy-efficient.

Q: Will this heat pump work in British weather? A: Absolutely. The VBIV operates efficiently from -15°C to +43°C, making it perfect for the UK climate. Performance is optimal in temperatures above 15°C (typical May-September), but it will still heat effectively in cooler spring and autumn conditions. COP reduces in colder weather (e.g., COP 5 at 15°C vs COP 13 at 24°C), but it remains far more efficient than gas or electric alternatives.

Q: How quiet is it really? Can I run it at night? A: In ECO silence mode, the unit operates at just 28 dB(A)—quieter than a whisper (30dB) and significantly quieter than a refrigerator (40dB). At 10 meters distance, it’s only 30 dB(A) in silence mode. You can comfortably run it overnight without disturbing sleep, making it ideal for maximizing off-peak electricity rates. Most users report that it’s virtually inaudible from inside the house.

Q: Is professional installation necessary, or can I install it myself? A: Professional installation is required and is a condition of the 3-year warranty. The installation involves electrical work that must comply with BS 7671 regulations, plumbing integration with your pool system, proper refrigerant handling, and correct positioning for optimal airflow. A qualified installer will ensure the system operates efficiently and safely. DIY installation voids your warranty and may be illegal under UK electrical regulations.

Performance & Sizing

Q: I have a 50m³ pool—is the 12kW model powerful enough? A: A 50m³ pool is at the upper end of this model’s recommended range. It will heat your pool, but expect longer initial heat-up times (approximately 74-87 hours from cold) and higher daily running times. For pools 50m³ and above, we recommend considering the 15kW or 18kW models for more comfortable heating performance and lower running costs per degree heated. If you use a quality pool cover, the 12kW model will work adequately for a 50m³ pool.

Q: How long does it take to heat my pool initially? A: Initial heat-up times depend on pool volume, starting temperature, and weather conditions. As a realistic example: a 40m³ pool heating from 15°C to 28°C (13°C rise) will take approximately 59-70 hours of running time in typical UK spring conditions. With a pool cover, this can reduce to 35-45 hours. Once heated, daily maintenance requires only 4-6 hours of operation to compensate for overnight heat loss, making ongoing costs very manageable.

Q: Will a pool cover really make that much difference? A: Absolutely yes! A pool cover is the single most important accessory for heat pump efficiency. Benefits include:

• Reduces heat-up time by 40-50%
• Cuts daily running costs by 50-60%
• Prevents evaporation (which causes 70% of heat loss)
• Keeps pool cleaner, reducing filtration costs
• ROI typically achieved within one season

Without a cover, your heat pump fights a losing battle against evaporation. With a cover, you’ll reduce running costs from ~£100/month to ~£50/month.

Smart Features & Control

Q: How does the WiFi control work? Do I need a subscription? A: The WiFi module connects to your home network via the included setup wizard. Download the free app (iOS or Android), pair with your heat pump, and you’re ready to control it from anywhere. There are no subscription fees or ongoing costs—the app is completely free forever. You can set schedules, adjust temperatures, monitor energy usage, and receive notifications. The app even allows multiple users, so family members can all have control access.

Q: What happens if my WiFi goes down? A: The heat pump operates completely independently of WiFi. If your internet connection drops, the unit continues running according to its programmed schedule and local touchscreen settings. WiFi is purely for remote monitoring and control convenience—it’s not required for operation. You can always control the unit manually using the 5-inch touchscreen on the unit itself.

Costs & Energy

Q: What will it cost to run per month in summer? A: For a typical 40m³ pool with a cover, maintaining 26-28°C from May to September, expect £50-£67 per month in electricity costs (based on £0.28/kWh). Without a cover, this increases to £84-£118 per month. Weekend-only heating with a cover can be as low as £34-£50 per month. Compare this to £170-£240/month for gas heating or £240-£360/month for direct electric heating—the heat pump saves £600-£1,400 per season.

Q: Can I connect it to solar panels? A: Yes! Heat pumps pair excellently with solar PV systems. The heat pump draws 0.3-2.77 kW, which is well within the capacity of most residential solar arrays (typically 3-5 kW). By running the heat pump during sunny daylight hours, you can heat your pool essentially for free using solar electricity. Many users report 70-90% of their pool heating costs eliminated when combining solar PV with heat pump technology and smart scheduling.

Maintenance & Reliability

Q: How much maintenance does it need? A: Heat pumps require minimal maintenance:

• Monthly: Visual check of the unit, clear any debris from air intake
• Quarterly: Clean the air filter (rinse with garden hose)
• Annually: Professional service check (recommended, not mandatory)
• Winter: Drain water from heat exchanger, fit the included winter cover

The Mitsubishi compressor is designed for 15+ years of operation with proper care. Unlike gas heaters, there are no combustion chambers to clean, no flames to adjust, and no complex parts to fail. Most issues are preventable with basic care.

Q: What’s covered under the 3-year warranty? A: The comprehensive 3-year warranty covers all manufacturing defects, parts, and labor for the entire unit including the compressor, heat exchanger, controller, and all electronic components. Warranty activation requires professional installation with proof of installation certificate. The warranty does NOT cover damage from improper installation, incorrect water chemistry (pH, chlorine), physical damage, or lack of basic maintenance. Register your warranty within 30 days of installation.

Technical Questions

Q: What does COP mean and why does it vary so much? A: COP (Coefficient of Performance) measures efficiency—it’s the ratio of heat output to electrical energy input. A COP of 7 means you get 7 kW of heating for every 1 kW of electricity. The COP varies because heat pumps extract heat from air—the warmer the air, the easier (and more efficient) this process becomes. At 24°C air temperature, this model achieves COP 13.6. At 15°C, it drops to COP 5-8. Even at reduced efficiency, it’s still 5 times more efficient than direct electric heating.

Q: What’s the difference between full inverter and on/off heat pumps? A: Traditional on/off heat pumps work like a light switch—they’re either fully on or fully off. This causes temperature fluctuations, noise spikes, high start-up power surges, and energy waste. Full inverter technology continuously varies the compressor speed between 20-100%, matching the exact heating demand. This results in steadier temperatures, 30% energy savings, quieter operation, longer equipment life, and better performance in cooler weather. It’s worth the premium price.

Q: Can it also cool my pool in hot weather? A: No, this is a heating-only model designed specifically for UK pool heating applications. Some commercial heat pumps offer reversible cooling, but for UK residential pools, cooling is rarely needed. If you require cooling capability (e.g., for a tropical climate or spa application), please contact the supplier about reversible models. However, in the UK, cooling is generally unnecessary and would increase equipment cost significantly.

🛡️ Warranty & Support

3-Year Comprehensive Warranty

• Full parts and labor coverage
• Mitsubishi compressor: Industry-leading reliability
• Professional technical support hotline
• UK-based service network
• Spare parts readily available

Warranty Registration: Register within 30 days of installation at the manufacturer’s website (details included with unit) or through your installer. Professional installation certificate required for warranty validation.

Customer Support: For technical support, installation queries, or warranty claims, contact Parts4Tubs customer service team who can assist with all aspects of your heat pump ownership.

🎯 Perfect For

✅ Residential swimming pools 35-60m³
✅ Homeowners seeking energy efficiency
✅ Noise-sensitive locations
✅ Year-round pool enthusiasts
✅ Properties with solar PV systems
✅ Families wanting smart home integration
✅ Pool owners replacing gas/electric heaters
✅ New pool installations

📦 What’s Included

• ✅ VBIV 12kW Full Inverter Heat Pump Unit
• ✅ WiFi Control Module (pre-installed)
• ✅ 5-Inch Color Touchscreen Controller
• ✅ Winter Protection Cover
• ✅ Installation Manual & User Guide
• ✅ 3-Year Warranty Certificate
• ✅ Mounting Feet & Hardware

Not Included (Available Separately):

• Electrical connection materials
• Plumbing connections & unions
• Base mounting pad
• Pool cover (highly recommended)

🚚 Delivery & Installation

Delivery Information:

• Free UK mainland delivery
• Typical delivery: 3-5 working days
• Kerbside delivery standard
• Unit weight: ~85kg (two-person lift required)

Installation Services: Parts4Tubs can recommend qualified installers in your area. Professional installation typically takes 4-6 hours and costs £400-£700 depending on location and site complexity. Installation includes electrical connection, plumbing integration, system commissioning, and warranty registration.

💡 Final Recommendations

Maximize Your Investment:

1. Install a quality pool cover – Reduces costs by 50% and pays for itself within one season
2. Schedule heating for off-peak hours – Take advantage of cheaper night-time electricity rates
3. Use ECO silence mode at night – Maintain temperature quietly while you sleep
4. Combine with solar PV – Achieve near-zero running costs with solar-powered heating
5. Maintain water chemistry – Proper pH and chlorine levels protect the heat exchanger and maintain efficiency
6. Professional installation – Ensures optimal performance and protects your warranty
7. Register your warranty – Don’t miss the 30-day registration window

📞 Ready to Transform Your Pool Experience?

The VBIV Summer Season 12kW Full Inverter Heat Pump represents the pinnacle of residential pool heating technology—combining exceptional energy efficiency, whisper-quiet operation, and intelligent smart control in one premium package.

Add to basket now and enjoy extended swimming seasons, dramatically reduced heating costs, and the comfort of perfect water temperature at your fingertips.

Questions? Contact our expert team for personalized advice on sizing, installation, and maximizing your heat pump’s performance.