As the swimming pools have become an important place for many families, energy efficiency in pool heating has become a crucial consideration. The performance of a pool heat pump, particularly its energy efficiency, directly impacts both the user experience and operational costs. This video explains the difference between the COP and SCOP, two key performance indicators that should guide the choice of a pool heat pump.

Why the SCOP is an important consideration when choosing a heat pump

This video shows that SCOP offers a more comprehensive evaluation of a pool heat pump's energy efficiency compared to COP. While COP measures performance at a single point in time, SCOP provides a year-round perspective, accounting for different seasons and temperatures. 

Find out why the SCOP is an important factor to consider

What is COP?

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is a measure of a pool heat pump's energy efficiency at a specific moment and indicates the ratio between the heating capacity of the pool heat pump and the total electrical input power under specific conditions. It's calculated by dividing the heating capacity by the total electrical power input.

While COP provides insight into the pump's performance under specific conditions, it doesn't account for variations in temperature or seasonal changes. This is where the Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) becomes crucial.

Why SCOP matters?

SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance) represents the average efficiency of a pool heat pump over an entire heating season, making it a more comprehensive indicator of energy efficiency. SCOP is calculated using a weighted average of COP under different operating conditions, which reflects the pump's performance across varying temperatures: SCOP = 0,2 * COPTf + 0,35 * COPTm + 0,45 * COPTc.

This method, adhering to the EN 17645: 2022 standards, considers the time the pump spends operating at different temperatures, providing a realistic picture of its overall efficiency. Unlike COP, SCOP is more stable and less affected by external factors, offering a better reflection of the pump's performance throughout the year.

The role of SCOP in choosing a pool heat pump

SCOP offers a more comprehensive evaluation of a pool heat pump's energy efficiency compared to COP. While COP measures performance at a single point in time, SCOP provides a year-round perspective, accounting for different seasons and temperatures. Therefore, when choosing a pool heat pump, focusing on SCOP will help you make a more informed decision, ensuring long-term savings and comfort.

Therefore, when choosing a pool heat pump, focusing on SCOP will help you make a more informed decision, ensuring long-term savings and comfort.