What Size Pool Heat Pump Do I Need?
Choosing the right pool heat pump is about more than pool volume alone. Climate, pool cover use, desired water temperature and swimming season all play an important role in selecting the ideal heater.
Quick sizing factors
- Pool volume and surface area
- Postcode and climate zone
- Pool cover use
- Desired swimming temperature
- Summer, extended season or year-round heating
- Wind exposure, shading and water features
Correct sizing gives faster heat-up and better efficiency.
A pool heat pump that is too small may run harder for longer and struggle in cooler conditions. A properly sized Orilux heat pump is designed to heat faster, maintain temperature more efficiently and give you a longer swimming season.
For a personalised recommendation, use the Orilux Heat Pump Calculator or compare models in the Orilux OX26 Range.
Faster heating
A larger capacity heat pump can recover temperature faster after cool nights, rain or periods of heat loss.
Lower strain
Correctly sized inverter heat pumps do not need to work at maximum output all the time once the pool reaches temperature.
Longer season
If you want to swim outside summer, choosing the right size becomes even more important.
The 5 things that determine pool heat pump size
Use these factors before choosing a model. Pool litres are only the starting point.
1. Pool volume
More water requires more heat energy. A 20,000L pool and a 70,000L pool need very different heater sizes.
2. Climate
Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Canberra and Tasmania usually need more capacity than warmer regions. Orilux is designed for Australian conditions.
3. Pool cover
A cover dramatically reduces heat loss. Without a cover, you should generally size up.
4. Swim season
Summer-only heating needs less capacity than extended season or year-round swimming.
5. Target temperature
Heating to 30°C requires more energy than maintaining 26–28°C.
Bonus: exposure
Wind, shade, negative edges, waterfalls and open pool areas can increase heat loss.
Orilux pool heat pump size chart
This guide gives a general recommendation for Australian outdoor pools. For the most accurate result, use the Orilux Heat Pump Calculator.
| Pool Volume | Summer Season | Extended Season | Year-Round Heating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 20,000L | OX26 11.5kW | OX26 11.5kW | OX26 16.5kW |
| 20,000L – 35,000L | OX26 11.5kW | OX26 16.5kW | OX26 19kW |
| 35,000L – 50,000L | OX26 16.5kW | OX26 19kW | OX26 22kW |
| 50,000L – 70,000L | OX26 19kW | OX26 22kW | OX26 26kW |
| 70,000L – 90,000L | OX26 22kW | OX26 26kW | OX26 32kW |
| 90,000L+ | OX26 26kW+ | OX26 32kW+ | Contact Orilux |
Guide only. Final sizing depends on climate, cover use, wind exposure, desired temperature, plumbing layout and pool design.
Why Orilux often recommends going one size larger
Many pool owners choose based on the minimum size required. Orilux takes a performance-first approach.
Better real-world performance
A larger inverter heat pump can heat faster, recover better after cold nights and reduce the amount of time spent operating at maximum load.
- Faster initial heat-up
- Better cool-climate performance
- More efficient temperature maintenance
- Improved winter and shoulder-season performance
- Less stress on the system over time
Learn more about Orilux technology and why R290 refrigerant is central to the OX26 range.
Why choose Orilux OX26?
Orilux OX26 pool heat pumps are engineered for powerful, efficient heating across Australian conditions.
Future-ready refrigerant
R290 refrigerant delivers high efficiency with an ultra-low global warming potential.
TurboSilence® boost
130% TurboSilence® boost mode helps deliver faster heat-up when your pool needs it most.
High efficiency performance
Orilux OX26 is designed for exceptional efficiency in real pool heating applications. Explore the full OX26 range.
iGarden connectivity
Smart control, scheduling and intelligent heating management from your device.
Cool-climate capability
Designed to operate across a wide temperature range for Australian conditions.
Multiple sizes available
Choose from 11.5kW through to 32kW depending on your pool, climate and season.
How to estimate your pool volume
For a rectangular pool, use this simple formula:
Pool volume formula
Length × Width × Average Depth × 1000 = Litres
Example: 8m × 4m × 1.5m × 1000 = 48,000 litres.
For a more accurate recommendation, use the Orilux Heat Pump Calculator.
Find the right Orilux heat pump for your pool
Use the Orilux Heat Pump Calculator to get a model recommendation based on your pool size, location, cover use and swimming season.
Pool heat pump sizing FAQs
What size pool heat pump do I need for a 50,000L pool?
For a 50,000L pool, Orilux generally recommends an OX26 19kW for extended season use or an OX26 22kW for stronger year-round performance.
Should I choose a larger pool heat pump?
In many cases, yes. A larger inverter heat pump can heat faster, recover better in cooler weather and maintain temperature more comfortably.
Does a pool cover change what size heat pump I need?
Yes. Pool covers reduce heat loss and improve heating efficiency. Without a cover, you should generally allow for a larger heat pump.
What size heat pump do I need in Melbourne or Geelong?
Cooler Victorian climates usually require more heating capacity than warmer regions. For Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat and similar areas, Orilux recommends sizing for extended season or cool-climate performance.