Can an air conditioner actually heat a swimming pool?

How to Heat a Swimming Pool with an Air Conditioner | Ask This Old House · 7:26 · Video: This Old House · Watch at the source

In short: While most people associate air conditioners with cooling, they can be repurposed to provide warmth. This guide explains the technical process of converting an AC unit into a pool heating system.

The process involves creating a closed-loop system where an air conditioner's refrigerant lines are connected to a dedicated heat exchanger. Rather than cooling the air, the system is configured to transfer heat to the pool's water supply. This requires specific plumbing modifications, including cutting into the pool filter's plastic pipe to install T-fittings, sensor wells, and a new path to the heat exchanger.

Safety and precision are paramount. The project requires professional intervention: a licensed refrigeration technician must connect and pressure-test the refrigerant lines, while a licensed electrician is needed to install a master controller. This controller serves as the essential interface between the pool pump, the heat exchanger, and the air conditioner unit.

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