In recent years, you may have noticed more pool and spa heat pumps being advertised with “R32 refrigerant” or even “R290 natural propane refrigerant.” At first glance, this may look like just another technical label, but in reality, it represents one of the biggest shifts in pool heating technology in decades. For service professionals, understanding what advanced refrigerants are — and how to explain their benefits to customers — is key to selling and servicing the next generation of heat pumps.
Refrigerants are the working fluids inside a heat pump. They absorb heat from the air and transfer it into the pool water. For years, the pool industry relied on older refrigerants like R22 and later R410A, which did the job but carried serious environmental downsides.
An advanced refrigerant is one that solves these problems by offering:
• Lower Global Warming Potential (GWP): Less harmful to the environment if leaked.
• Higher efficiency: Transfers heat more effectively, reducing electricity use.
• Regulatory compliance: Meets new global and U.S. standards phasing out older refrigerants.
The most common advanced refrigerant in today’s pool heat pumps is R32, while some manufacturers are moving toward R290 (propane) for even lower GWP.
A heat pump uses refrigerant to: 1. Absorb heat from outside air via the evaporator coil.
2. Compress the refrigerant to increase its temperature.
3. Transfer heat into the pool water through the condenser.
4. Expand and cycle back to repeat the process.
What changes with advanced refrigerants like R32 is how efficiently they perform this cycle. R32 has better thermodynamic properties, meaning it requires less energy to achieve the same temperature rise. That translates directly into lower operating costs for the homeowner.
They’re considered advanced because they solve problems older refrigerants couldn’t:
• Environmental concerns: R410A has a GWP of approximately 2088. R32 cuts that to about 675 (roughly 70 percent lower). R290 is almost zero, with a GWP of just 3.
• Energy efficiency: R32 transfers heat more efficiently, so the system uses less electricity.
• Future-proofing: Regulations are pushing out R410A. Advanced refrigerants keep the equipment legal and serviceable for years to come.
Heat pumps utilizing advanced refrigerants offer a few advantages for pool owners. These include:
• Lower operating costs (20–50 percent savings compared to R410A units).
• Eco-friendly with drastically lower GWP.
• Quieter operation when paired with inverter compressors.
• Future compliance with environmental regulations.
• Better performance in varying climates.
• From a maintenance standpoint, nothing changes dramatically with advanced refrigerants:
• Advanced refrigerants are stable and reliable, with longevity equal to or better than older refrigerants. Units using R32 or R290 are often engineered to higher standards, since they’re marketed as premium products. This often means longer lifespan overall.
Disadvantages and concerns include:
• Higher upfront cost compared to traditional units both because of the refrigerant itself and the inverter technology often paired with it. However, the operating savings (20–50 percent lower electricity use compared to R410A units) typically offset that cost within a few seasons of use.
• Flammability risks (especially with R290 propane). These are managed with strict safety design, but it’s worth explaining to customers.
• Availability of parts and training — Service techs need to familiarize themselves with handling and recharging advanced refrigerants.
Advanced refrigerant heat pumps are a perfect match for:
• Eco-conscious homeowners who care about sustainability.
• Year-round swimmers or customers in moderate climates, where high-efficiency pool heating pays off.
• Luxury pool and spa owners who want the latest, quietest, and most energy-efficient system.
• Future-focused buyers who don’t want to worry about refrigerant phase-outs.
Among the major manufacturers, the following offer heat pumps with advanced refrigerant systems:
• Fluidra — Jandy’s VersaTemp heat/chill pump uses R32 refrigerant. It was introduced with R32 specifically for the U.S. market, anticipating future regulatory changes.
• Hayward – To comply with European and other global environmental regulations, Hayward offers heat pumps charged with R32 in those markets. The R32 versions of models like the EnergyLine Inverter provide higher efficiency and lower global warming potential (GWP) than older R410A units.
• AquaCal – Known for their TropiCal and HeatWave SuperQuiet lines, AquaCal is rolling out R32-based inverter heat pumps as well.
For service pros, the sales pitch for advanced refrigerants is simple: “It’s quieter, greener, cheaper to run, and built to last.”
By understanding and promoting these benefits, you can position yourself as a trusted advisor who helps homeowners make smart, future-proof investments in their pools and spas.
