Wider Shoulders and a Cold Plunge

Have you noticed rising demand for cold plunges over the past few years? Some pool pros call it, “The Joe Rogan Effect.” Rogan, the famous podcaster and UFC commentator, regularly posts social media videos of himself enduring his icy cold plunge and showcasing his broad-shouldered physique.

But wider shoulders can mean something different in the pool world — like Hayward’s new heat-pump technology that widens the “shoulder months,” extending the usable pool season and enabling in-ground spas to double as hot tubs or cold plunges.

The HeatPro Series Heat+Chill pumps chill pool and spa water down to a shivering 40 degrees — colder than any other heat pump on the market — while allowing more efficient pool designs that look and feel great.

Sell the pool design, not the tech specs

Pool designers care about technical details, but most clients don’t want or need a deep dive on Heat+Chill specs. Seasoned dealers like Jacob Durand, owner of J&M Pool Company in Senoia, Georgia, recommend focusing on beauty, usability and convenience.

“You don’t have to explain too much,” Durand says. “It’s an enhancement to one piece of equipment they’re already going to purchase. The more you explain it, you’ll probably sell yourself out of it.” The bigger selling point, Durand says, is simpler pool designs — with cold-plunge features — that don’t give clients sticker shock. 

“In the past, if someone wanted to get near those [cold plunge] temps, they would have to buy a specific cooling unit,” he says. “They were unsightly, massive and only served that functionality. There was a ton of complexity in doing that work, and it wouldn’t communicate with automation very well.” That pushed most clients interested in cold water therapy toward portable cold plunge units.

Durand says the biggest win for pool pros is offering aesthetically pleasing designs that meet client needs within their budget. He recently installed a Heat+Chill pump on his home pool and looks forward to completing the project soon. “We’re excited about it,” he says.

“A real game changer”

Hayward heat pumps are well-known to the pool industry. But according to Joshua Hoots, director of product management at Hayward, the new Heat+Chill pumps are “a real game changer.”

Lighter and more versatile than traditional units, Heat+Chill pumps are a flexible solution for new pool construction, retrofits and upgrades. “The two smaller models use a 40-amp breaker, and the large model uses a 50-amp breaker,” Hoots says. “They feature two 2.5-inch union connectors for easy plumbing.”

Hayward says the pump can double an average season for roughly 10% or less of the pool build cost. The recommended model and its heating or chilling speed depend on the pool size and design.

Tube and fin vs. microchannel

Traditional heat pumps use a tube-and-fin style operator coil, like HVAC units for central air systems. They resemble a knitted screen of thin aluminum loops, through which refrigerant liquid flows to exchange heat. But newer technology offers advantages.

Hayward’s newest pumps use microchannel operator coils resembling long, straight fins of corrugated aluminum with multiple microchannels for refrigerant flow. By multiplying the surface area for heat exchange, Heat+Chill pumps use 30% less refrigerant and are 50 pounds lighter than competitors.

Lighter weight means easier installation and less risk of damage. The Trivalent Chromium Pretreatment coating also improves durability in the harshest climates and is beneficial for clients in salty coastal environments.

Excellence in energy efficiency

Heat pump efficiency is rated by its COP, or coefficient of performance, which measures heat transfer to the air side of the exchanger. All HeatPro Series pumps have a 5.7 COP or higher, so for every unit of energy the pump uses, it moves at least 5.7 units of heat energy into or out of the pool water, based on the settings.

“Effectively, this means our heat pumps are going to be at least 570% efficient,” Hoots says. Hayward was awarded the 2024 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Say yes to automation

The HeatPro Series pairs with Hayward’s top-rated Omni automation, allowing users to manage temperature and run time remotely. Like a central air thermostat, it triggers heating or chilling to keep water in a consistent temperature range.

In dual-purpose designs, where an in-ground spa doubles as a hot tub or cold plunge, automation can adjust the water to fit a client’s routine. Seasonal settings, like a winter hot tub and a summer cold plunge, are also possible. “It’s really nice for high-end pools,” Hoots says.

“No one does it better”

Cohl Workman, president of Thunderbird Pools & Spas in Surprise, Arizona, has over 40 years in the pool industry and has been a Hayward dealer for 10. “I’ve seen many new products introduced, and in my opinion, Hayward offers the best product line for residential pool construction,” he says.

Like Durand, Workman plans to install a Heat+Chill pump on his home pool.

“In our area, pools tend to overheat in the summer, and cold plunges are becoming more popular,” he says. “I learned about this innovative product a year ago and have been waiting for its release ever since.”

Whether clients simply want a pool that meets their needs and budget or aspire to the full Joe Rogan experience, the HeatPro Heat+Chill pumps are generating a lot of buzz.

HeatPro Heat+Chill Pumps with Cold Plunge Compatibility

All models feature:

• Minimum operating temperature of 40 F
• Heating COP of 5.7
• Union connectors 2 x 2.5-inch
• Compatibility with Hayward Omni automation