Hayward Launches HeatPro Heat+Chill Heat Pumps with Industry-First Microchannel Technology, Bringing the Cold Plunge into the Backyard
Hayward Holdings announced the HeatPro Series of Heat+Chill Heat Pumps featuring microchannel heat exchanger technology, a first in the industry. This innovative series offers pool owners the ability to chill, cool, and heat their pools, extending the swimming season. The chill feature allows water to drop to 40°F, making cold plunges accessible. The series includes six models with advanced features like a patent-pending defrost algorithm, robust coil structure, corrosion resistance, reduced weight, fewer braze joints, and a significant reduction in refrigerant usage. The product is backed by a five-year parts warranty and AHRI certification.
- Introduction of industry-first microchannel heat exchanger technology.
- HeatPro Series offers chilling, cooling, and heating functionalities.
- Chill feature enables water temperature as low as 40°F for cold plunges.
- Extends the swimming season by efficiently heating in cooler climates.
- 30% increased cooling capacity compared to competing products.
- Patent-pending defrost algorithm improves heating below 50°F.
- Robust coil structure protects against fin damage and outdoor impacts.
- Best-in-class corrosion resistance with TCP coating.
- Reduced weight by up to 50 pounds compared to traditional coils.
- 85% reduction in braze joints minimizes leak opportunities.
- Significant reduction in refrigerant used, lowering environmental impact.
- Five-year parts warranty and AHRI certification for performance and value.
- Potentially higher initial cost due to advanced technology.
- May require professional installation, adding to overall expense.
- Initial market penetration may be slow due to consumer unfamiliarity with the new technology.
Insights
The launch of Hayward's HeatPro Heat+Chill Heat Pumps with microchannel technology introduces a significant innovation for home pool owners. The microchannel heat exchanger is a novel feature, bringing efficiency and versatility by allowing pools to be both heated and chilled with a single device. The microchannel design allows for better heat transfer, potentially reducing energy consumption. This is particularly relevant in warm climates where cooling a pool can be as desirable as heating it during colder months.
By offering a three-in-one solution (heat, chill and cool), this product sets itself apart from traditional heat pumps, which typically focus only on heating. This kind of multifunctionality addresses a broader range of customer needs, from extending swimming seasons in cooler climates to providing a refreshing plunge during hot weather. The Zillow statistic about increased searches for cold plunge pools reflects a growing consumer trend that Hayward is well-positioned to capitalize on.
From a technological standpoint, features like better corrosion resistance, reduced refrigerant usage and fewer leak points, demonstrate advancements in durability and environmental friendliness. The lighter weight also implies easier installation and potential cost savings on shipping and handling.
Overall, the technology upgradation and the multifaceted utility of the product make this launch a noteworthy development in the home pool industry.
Hayward's introduction of the HeatPro Heat+Chill Heat Pumps aligns with several emerging market trends. The significant increase in Zillow searches for at-home cold plunge pools suggests rising consumer interest in health and wellness features that were once exclusive to high-end facilities. By integrating these functions into home pools, Hayward taps into this growing market segment.
The emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental considerations (e.g., reduced refrigerant use) resonates well with the increasing consumer preference for eco-friendly products. This positions Hayward favorably in the market, appealing not just to pool owners but also to environmentally conscious consumers.
Furthermore, the added functionality may justify a premium pricing strategy, potentially improving Hayward’s margins. However, it’s also important to consider the competitive landscape. While the HeatPro Series offers advanced features, competitors may quickly catch up, making it important for Hayward to continuously innovate and market its unique value propositions effectively.
In the short term, we may expect a positive reception in sales, particularly in climates that experience extreme temperatures. In the longer term, sustained success will depend on Hayward's ability to maintain its technological edge and possibly expand its offerings to integrate with smart home systems, which are becoming increasingly popular.
For the first time, pool owners will have access to microchannel technology, allowing them to cold plunge at home and extend the pool season
The technology allows pool owners to chill, cool and heat their pool using one device. The chill feature, which can chill water as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, brings the cold plunge, once limited to high-end spas and gyms, into backyards. The cooling feature allows pool owners to lower the temperature of their pools during the hot summer months, bringing it down to a more comfortable temperature. Additionally, the heating capability extends the swimming season in cooler climates into the Spring and Fall.
“The HeatPro Series with microchannel technology is a great addition to our innovative portfolio of products. It is robust, efficient, and powerful,” said John Collins, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “We are excited for this new product to hit the market and proud of the Hayward team for building this technology that will bring cold plunging from high-end spas and gyms into the backyard.”
The Hayward HeatPro Series of Heat+Chill Heat Pumps features six models, with three heat only models, and three Heat+Chill models.
This technology allows pool owners to set different temperatures based on the channel of water —meaning if a pool has a spa section, the spa can be chilled to cold-plunge levels while the rest of the pool can be set to the perfect temperature for swimming.
In a recent Zillow Research report, the real estate company said that searches on its platform for listings that featured an at-home cold plunge pool are up
Additional features of the Hayward HeatPro Series of Heat+Chill Heat Pumps include:
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Industry-Leading Cooling Capacity:
30% increased cooling capacity compared to competitive technology is ideal for desert regions or warm climates. - Improved Heating in Cool Weather: A patent-pending defrost algorithm provides improved heating capacity below 50 degrees Fahrenheit so you can extend swim season.
- Robust Coil Structure: Protects against fin damage during installation and outdoor impacts.
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Best in Class Corrosion Resistance: Trivalent Chromium Process (TCP) coating developed in connection with
the United States government for durability in the harshest climates. - Lasts Longer: Less performance degradation than tube and fin.
- Weight Reduction: Up to 50 pounds lighter than traditional evaporator coils.
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Less Complexity:
85% reduction in braze joints means fewer leak opportunities. - Less Refrigerant, Better for Everyone: Significant reduction in refrigerant used means lower environmental impact, reduced energy consumption in production.
- Powerful Warranty: Backed by Hayward’s five-year parts warranty.
- AHRI Certification: Certified for performance and value.
To learn more about the new Hayward HeatPro Series of Heat+Chill Heat Pumps, please visit the Hayward product website.
About Hayward Holdings, Inc.
Hayward Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HAYW) is a leading global designer and manufacturer of pool and outdoor living technology. With a mission to deliver exceptional products, outstanding service and innovative solutions to transform the experience of water, Hayward offers a full line of energy-efficient and sustainable residential and commercial pool equipment including pumps, filters, heaters, cleaners, sanitizers, LED lighting, and water features all digitally connected through Hayward’s intuitive IoT-enabled SmartPad™.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240529016690/en/
Media Relations:
Tanya McNabb
tmcnabb@hayward.com
Investor Relations:
Kevin Maczka
kmaczka@hayward.com
Source: Hayward Holdings, Inc.
FAQ
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