At present, pool heat pumps use either R410a or R32 refrigerant gas to operate.
The refrigerant gas is contained inside the heat pump in a pressurised and sealed circuit. The compressor pumps the refrigerant gas around the refrigerant circuit in the heat pump so that the refrigerant gas can absorb heat from the air and transfer this heat to the heat exchanger in the heat pump to heat your pool water.
Both R410a and R32 gases are environmentally friendly
They are also very efficient and there is virtually no difference in the operating efficiency of the two gases.
R32 is slightly more environmentally friendly than R410a gas and has a lower GWP rating (global warming potential). This is only relevant if the refrigerant gas were to leak into the atmosphere. Under normal operation, the refigerant gas remains in the sealed refrigerant circuit – like your fridge and should never leak.
The disadvantage of R32 gas is that is is highly flammable and also runs at a higher pressure than R410a. Many airlines therefore will not carry heat pumps that contain R32 gas whereas they will carry those with R410a gas.
Both gases are well serviced and maintained by engineers.
As there is no operating difference between the two gases and they are both well supported, we believe that it should not be a major factor in selecting a pool heat pump.
