Every pool heat pump gets a score from 0 to 100% built from six factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Heat pumps are ranked within their size: under 75,000 BTU, 75,000 to 112,000 BTU, and over 112,000 BTU of rated output.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | COP at the standard 80 °F air test point | 25% |
| Cool weather | COP and output kept at 50 °F air | 20% |
| Value | current price per 1,000 BTU of rated output | 20% |
| Warranty | compressor, parts and labor cover, on dealer-installed terms | 15% |
| Cold air | lowest air temperature it heats in | 10% |
| Noise | sound level while running | 10% |
Where the numbers come from
Pool heat pumps are rated under the AHRI 1160 test standard at two points: 80 °F air, 80% humidity and 80 °F water (the “high temperature” rating that sets the BTU size on the box), and 50 °F air, 63% humidity and 80 °F water (the “low temperature” rating). Both come from the maker’s spec sheet, installation manual or AHRI certificate, which each product page links. A rating at 27 °C (80.6 °F) air and water is treated as the 80 °F point.
Variable-speed (inverter) models are rated here at full output. Their makers often quote a much higher COP from a slow setting, or an average across speeds; those figures are noted on the product page but not scored, because a single-speed unit has no slow setting to compare against. A rating published only at other conditions, such as 15 °C (59 °F) air, isn’t converted; that figure is left empty and the factor marked estimated.
The factors
Efficiency is the COP (coefficient of performance) at the 80 °F air point: the units of heat delivered to the water for each unit of electricity. A COP of 5.0 scores zero and 6.6 full marks.
Cool weather is how well the heat pump keeps working in 50 °F air, the spring and fall weather when a pool most needs heat. Half is its COP at 50 °F (3.8 scores zero, 4.5 full marks) and half is the share of its rated output it still delivers at 50 °F (45% scores zero, 70% full marks). If only one of the two is published, the other counts as the neutral middle and the factor is marked estimated.
Value is the current price for each 1,000 BTU of rated output at 80 °F, on a log scale: $75 per 1,000 BTU scores zero and $25 full marks. Sizing by output means a bigger unit isn’t marked down for costing more. Prices are checked and dated on each product page.
Warranty combines the compressor warranty (45%: 2 years scores zero, 10 years full marks), the parts warranty (35%: 1 year scores zero, 5 years full marks) and any labor cover (20%: none scores zero, 3 years full marks). A term the maker doesn’t state counts as the neutral middle and the factor is marked estimated. The heat exchanger warranty, often lifetime, is shown but not scored, since nearly every unit has a titanium exchanger.
The terms scored are the maker’s best residential terms, which for Hayward, Pentair, Jandy and AquaCal means a unit bought from an authorized dealer and professionally installed. Bought online, those makers give much less: Hayward’s online version and Pentair cover 1 year of parts only, and Jandy covers nothing. Each product page lists the full warranty terms, including these conditions.
Cold air is the lowest outdoor air temperature the maker says the heat pump heats in. It decides how early the pool can open and how late it can close. 50 °F scores zero and 20 °F full marks.
Noise is the maker’s sound level while running: 66 dB(A) scores zero and 46 dB(A) full marks. Makers measure at different distances, so it’s a rough guide; each product page notes the distance where it’s given.
What isn’t scored
Heating and cooling. Some models can also chill the pool. It’s listed and filterable but not scored, since few pools need it.
Wi-Fi, apps and automation. Listed but not scored. Pool automation compatibility (OmniLogic, IntelliCenter, iAqualink) matters if you already have one of those systems.
Recommended pool size. Makers’ pool-size ratings assume different climates and covers, so they’re shown but the ranking uses rated output instead.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each size. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.