Cold weather pool heat pumps need clean coils and good water flow.

Clean the condenser coils, check the filter, and keep the water moving.

Heat pumps get less efficient as the air drops. Anything that blocks airflow or water flow makes it way worse. Dirty coils are the number one killer of efficiency. Hose them down once a month during heating season. Also rinse or backwash the filter — a dirty filter means the pump works harder and the heat pump gets less water.

If you get below freezing temps, make sure your pump runs enough to keep water moving so the heat pump doesn’t freeze solid. Most modern heat pumps have a freeze protection mode built in — use it. If you shut the system down for winter, drain the heat pump properly or the internal heat exchanger can crack.

Don’t let a dirty coil cost you more in electricity.