1. Safety Information
Please read all safety instructions carefully before installing, operating, or performing maintenance on the POOLCOMFT PLC50 heat pump. Failure to follow these instructions may result in property damage, serious injury, or death.
- Ensure the unit is installed by a qualified professional in accordance with all local and national electrical and plumbing codes.
- Always disconnect power to the unit before performing any service or maintenance.
- Do not operate the heat pump if any part is damaged or missing.
- Keep children and pets away from the unit during operation.
- The unit must be properly grounded.
- Do not block the air intake or exhaust vents.
- This heat pump is designed for above-ground pools only.
2. Product Overview
The POOLCOMFT PLC50 is an electric swimming pool heat pump designed to efficiently heat above-ground pools, extending your swimming season. It utilizes heat pump technology to transfer heat from the ambient air to your pool water.
Key Features:
- Energy-Efficient Heating: Achieves a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of up to 5.6, maximizing heat transfer with minimal electricity consumption.
- Titanium Heat Exchanger: Durable and corrosion-resistant, suitable for various pool water chemistries, including saltwater.
- Smart Control: Integrated IC for automatic temperature maintenance, requiring no manual adjustments after initial setup.
- Built-in Flow Detector: Automatically controls operation based on water flow, ensuring safe and efficient heating.
- Quiet Operation: Engineered for low noise levels during use.
- Easy Installation: Designed for straightforward integration with existing above-ground pool filtration systems.
Components:
The PLC50 heat pump unit includes:
- Heat Pump Unit
- Power Cable (10ft, 120V plug)
- User Manual
Figure 2.1: Various views of the POOLCOMFT PLC50 heat pump, showing the front fan, side vents, and control panel.
3. Setup & Installation
The PLC50 heat pump is designed for easy integration with your existing above-ground pool filtration system. Follow these steps for proper installation.
3.1 Site Selection
- Place the heat pump on a stable, level surface, preferably concrete or a sturdy pad.
- Ensure adequate clearance around the unit for proper airflow (at least 20 inches from walls or other obstructions).
- Locate the unit within 10 feet of a grounded 120V/60Hz electrical outlet.
- Position the unit to minimize noise disturbance.
3.2 Plumbing Connections
The heat pump should be installed after the pool filter and before any chemical feeders. Water flows from the pool pump, through the filter, then through the heat pump, and back to the pool.
- Ensure your pool pump and filter system are already installed and operational.
- Connect the outlet of your pool filter to the 'Water Inlet' port on the heat pump.
- Connect the 'Water Outlet' port on the heat pump to the return line of your pool.
- Secure all connections with appropriate clamps to prevent leaks.
Figure 3.1: Diagram showing the POOLCOMFT PLC50 heat pump plumbed into an above-ground pool system, illustrating the water flow path from the filter to the heat pump and back to the pool.
3.3 Electrical Connections
- The PLC50 operates on 120V/60Hz power.
- Plug the heat pump's power cord into a dedicated, grounded 120V electrical outlet.
- Do not use extension cords.
- Ensure the electrical circuit can handle the heat pump's current draw (Max 8.1 Amps).
Video 3.1: An animation demonstrating the simple panel operation of the PLC50 heat pump, showing how to connect it to an existing pool filtration system and set the desired temperature.
4. Operating Instructions
Once installed, operating the PLC50 heat pump is straightforward thanks to its smart control system.
4.1 Initial Startup
- Ensure the pool pump is running and water is flowing through the heat pump.
- Plug in the heat pump. The control panel will illuminate.
- Press the power button (U) to turn on the unit.
4.2 Setting Desired Temperature
- Use the up (^) and down (v) arrow buttons on the control panel to adjust the desired pool water temperature.
- The display will show the set temperature. The unit will automatically begin heating or maintain the set temperature.
- The smart control IC will maintain the set temperature automatically, activating and deactivating the heating cycle as needed.
4.3 Normal Operation
- The heat pump will only operate when there is sufficient water flow from the pool pump. The built-in flow detector ensures this.
- Heating performance is optimal in ambient temperatures between 40°F (4.4°C) and 100°F (37.8°C).
- It may take several hours or even a day to reach the desired temperature, depending on pool size, initial water temperature, and ambient conditions.
Figure 4.1: The POOLCOMFT PLC50 heat pump highlighting its maximum BTU output and high Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 5.6.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and efficient operation of your POOLCOMFT PLC50 heat pump.
5.1 Routine Care
- Keep Area Clear: Ensure the area around the heat pump is free from debris, leaves, and other obstructions to maintain proper airflow.
- Clean Coils: Periodically inspect and gently clean the evaporator coils (fins) with a soft brush or garden hose to remove dirt and dust. Do not bend the fins.
- Check Connections: Regularly inspect all plumbing and electrical connections for leaks or signs of wear. Tighten as necessary.
- Drainage: Ensure the condensate drain is clear and not blocked.
5.2 Winterization (for cold climates)
If you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing, proper winterization is crucial to prevent damage.
- Disconnect power to the heat pump.
- Drain all water from the heat pump by disconnecting the inlet and outlet hoses. Allow the unit to dry completely.
- Store the heat pump in a dry, protected area, or cover it with a breathable, waterproof cover if it must remain outdoors.
- Ensure all water is drained from the pool plumbing connected to the heat pump.
6. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your PLC50 heat pump.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Heat pump not turning on | No power; tripped breaker; loose connection | Check power outlet, circuit breaker, and power cord connection. |
| Unit runs but no heat | Insufficient water flow; ambient temperature too low; set temperature not reached | Ensure pool pump is running and filter is clean. Check ambient temperature. Verify desired temperature setting. |
| Water leaking from unit | Loose plumbing connections; condensation | Tighten hose clamps. Condensation is normal; ensure drain is clear. If leak persists, contact support. |
| Error code on display | Internal fault; sensor issue | Refer to the specific error code in the full manual (if available) or contact customer service. |
| Unit is noisy | Debris in fan; unit not level; loose components | Inspect fan for obstructions. Ensure unit is on a level surface. Check for loose screws. |
If you encounter issues not listed here or if solutions do not resolve the problem, please contact POOLCOMFT customer service.
7. Specifications
Technical details for the POOLCOMFT PLC50 Electric Above Ground Swimming Pool Heat Pump.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | PLC50 |
| Output (Rated/Max) | 14000 BTU / 15826 BTU |
| Rated/Max Current | 6.2 / 8.1 Amp |
| Rated Power Input | 0.7 kW |
| Rated C.O.P. | 5.6 W/W |
| Voltage | 120V/1PH/60Hz |
| Advised Water Flow | 500-1000 GPH |
| Net Dimensions (L x W x H) | 36.5 x 14.5 x 23.5 inches |
| Net Weight | 35 lbs |
| Water Connection | 1-1/4" |
| Heat Exchanger Material | Titanium |
| Recommended Pool Size | Up to 4000 gallons |
Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Figure 7.1: Visual representation of the PLC50 model with its key specifications, including BTU output, power, dimensions, and water flow requirements.
Figure 7.2: U.S. Government EnergyGuide label for the POOLCOMFT PLC50 Swimming Pool Heat Pump, indicating a thermal efficiency of 5.6.
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, please refer to the documentation included with your product packaging or visit the official POOLCOMFT website. If you have any questions, require technical assistance, or need to report an issue, please contact POOLCOMFT customer service.
Contact information can typically be found on the product packaging or the manufacturer's website.