GUIDE TO HEAT PUMP NOISE
Heat Pumps are designed for slow heat up times and maintenance heating. The limitation of power
supply in nearly all residential homes means that a Heat Pump’s maximum size for most homes is about
6 hp. A unit of this size will typically generate around 25 kW of pool heating at maximum efficiency.
For most swimming pools, this means the Heat Pump will operate for 2 or 3 days continuously for the
initial heat up period and then between 12 and 24 hours each day to maintain the swimming pool
temperature.
Heat Pumps are very similar to air conditioners. An evaporator fan and compressor operate during their
“on” time and as the “on” time can be 12 to 24 hours per day, care must be taken to locate the Heat Pump
so that the noise produced during its operation does not interfere with sensitive areas - not only in your
own home but in your neighbour’s home.
Each State in Australia has municipal, state and EPA laws which govern the installation and operation of
outdoor appliances in residential areas. In general, noise from an appliance such as a Heat Pump must
not unreasonably interfere with the health, welfare, convenience, comfort and amenity of any person
having regard to the nature and duration of the noise emission and the time of day at which the noise is
emitted.
Criteria for noise emissions generally take into account back ground noise at the time of day, but the
most stringent criteria applies at night – and take into account, the Heat Pump will most likely need to
operate at night during cooler months of the year to maintain the pool temperature.
This guide provides an estimate only and should not be taken as definite advice on the location and
installation of your Heat Pump. Should any doubt exist, seek advice from an Acoustical Consultant
which can be found in the Yellow Pages.
The ASTRAL POOL Heat Pump has a sound power level of 66 dB(A) at 1 metre distance. The
following factors should be taken into account when working out where to locate the Heat Pump.
Determining Distance to Neighbour’s Boundary
6 db(A) – Barrier Factor + Reflection Factor = Distance Factor
Box 1 Box 2 Box 3
Barrier: A fence or barrier can reduce the level of the Heat Pump’s noise heard in neighbouring
premises. To do this, the barrier or fence needs to be continuous with few or no gaps and go down to
ground level. It must also prevent the Heat Pump from being seen from noise sensitive locations on
neighbouring premises. Noise sensitive locations include bedroom and living room windows (including
second storey dwellings) and outdoor entertaining/relaxing areas.
Factor for Box 1
Carefully read through the fence/barrier descriptions below. Select a value that corresponds to the
fence/barrier description applicable to your situation. Put this value in Box 2 above.
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