Rheem RTHP009 Manual

27/5/2019
Heat Pump Installation, Maintenance
and Service Manual
This booklet is to be carefully read and instructions followed for
efficient and trouble free operation of the
Rheem Thermal Swimming Pool Heat Pump
43 Marigold Street
Revesby NSW 2212
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
ABN 28 062 383 224

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................1
SECTION 1 INSTALLATION ......................................................................2
Site Location, Preparation & Unit Positioning ................................................................ 2
Plumbing....................................................................................................................... 3
Chemical Treatment...................................................................................................... 3
Electrical ....................................................................................................................... 4
Control Design for Pool Heating.................................................................................... 4
Link between Heat Pump, Water Pump and Thermostat for Pool Heating..................... 4
Precautions................................................................................................................... 5
SECTION 2 COMMISSIONING...................................................................6
SECTION 3 OPERATION ...........................................................................6
Thermostat Operation .................................................................................................. 7
Heat Up Time............................................................................................................... 7
De-Icing........................................................................................................................ 7
Pool Application ........................................................................................................... 7
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE ......................................................................7
Heat Exchanger Care.................................................................................................... 8
Service Assistance........................................................................................................ 8
SECTION 5 TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................................9
Machine Will Not Start.................................................................................................. 9
Pool Will Not Heat........................................................................................................ 9
Compressor Will Not Run............................................................................................. 9
Compressor Motor Hums But Will Not Start.................................................................. 9
SECTION 6 INSTALLATION SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS ............................10
Typical Single Pool Heat Pump Schematic For Pool Filtration ...................................10
Typical Single Pool Heating Schematic......................................................................10
Typical Multiple Pool Heat Pump Installation .............................................................11
SECTION 7 WARRANTY..........................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Rheem Thermal Pool Heat Pumps are available in sizes from 9kW to 540kW nominal output. The
units are most commonly manufactured as air-to-water design, in which it extracts heat from ambient
air and transfer it into the water, to provide the most cost efficient method of water heating. The units
can also be manufactured as water-to-water or ground-coupled design.
Each is a fully packaged unit, requiring only electrical and water connections to be made on
installation.
Each is factory charged, with refrigerant R407 being ideally suited for commercial or industrial
situations requiring 40C for pool heating. Rheem Thermal also manufactures hot water heat pumps
with R410A and R134A may be used for special hot water applications.
The Rheem Thermal heat pump is installed to a wide diversity of commercial and industrial
applications. The performance of the unit varies with ambient operating conditions, water flow, and
water temperature and as such, selection should be done in conjunction with an experienced heat
pump dealer or the manufacturer.
Each Rheem Thermal unit is manufactured to meet specific task/site requirements and a wide range
of options is available in unit design.
It is characteristic of heat pumps to form ice on the evaporator at cool ambient temperatures. As
such, various de-ice mechanism options are provided.
This manual includes important information in regards to installation, operation, maintenance and
servicing and should be retained for the life of the heater. Correct installation and familiarity with the
operational guidelines is important.

2
SECTION 1 INSTALLATION
For validity of the Rheem Thermal warranty, installation must be carried out by registered trade
person.
Delivery
Reference should be made to the unit specifications to determine weight and lifting requirements.
Packaging materials should be removed upon delivery so to avoid any sweating of the electrical
compartment or potential staining to the case, particularly in tropical areas.
Site Location, Preparation & Unit Positioning
Heat Pump heating efficiency and output increases with the rise in entering air temperature and
as such, it is not necessary for the unit to be placed in sunlight in the manner of a solar heating
system. On the other hand, direct sunlight to the evaporator may provide a marginal increase in
heat transfer and would assist in the removal of ice formation in cold climate locations.
Locating the Heat Pump close to other system equipment like filter, pump, tank, etc. will minimise
friction and heat losses.
It is important that the Clearance Guidelines included in this Manual are read and understood.
These guidelines set out the minimum clearance requirements in respect of air flow and
servicing.
Free circulation of air across the coil, requires no obstructions on the intake or fan discharge of
Heat Pumps. In addition, care should be taken to ensure that walls, eaves, etc. do not obstruct
the release of discharge air such that this may recirculate in the incoming air stream of the unit.
For the plant-room installation, make sure that sufficient fresh air is available via provision of inlet
grills in building design, etc. Exhaust air from the Heat Pump must be discharged by a duct away
from the fresh air supply. Never install in an enclosed area.
Service access is required at both ends of the Heat Pump as per the Clearance Guidelines (See
attached)
Where multiple units are to be installed, minimum clearance requirements increase.
The Heat Pump requires a firm base, say concrete slab. Rubber mounts should be installed
between the unit and slab.
Drainage of condensate and entering rain water will occur at drainage points provided at the
plumbing end of the unit. To ensure proper drainage, make sure that the unit is located at a
slightly tilted angle with the drain on the downhill side of the unit. This can be done by making
the concrete slab slightly higher at one end or lifting one end of the unit by rubber mounts,
noting that the larger units include inbuilt 50mm fall. If the unit is to be installed internally, it is
recommended that it sit within a separate drip tray, with provision for drainage of this water to a
drain, etc. Ideally, the condensate drain provision connected to the heat pump drip tray or to
the drainage points in the heat pump should be flexible and able to be readily removed for
cleaning. Clear plastic connections at the drain will allow the owner to check that debris/dust
etc. has not restricted the condensate drains. It is important that water is not allowed to pond
within the unit so as to avoid corrosion to the base of the compressor or heat exchangers.
Local building authorities should be consulted for regulations concerning minimum installation
distance from pool or other amenities.
Units to be used in areas having corrosive atmospheres should be specified at time of ordering.
Consideration should be given to the operating noise, wherever possible the exhaust should be
directed away from the occupied areas.

3
Plumbing
It is preferable that the heat pump is connected to filtered water.
It is essential that the water recirculating pump and pipe sizes be engineered to suit the particular
application, giving correct water flow through the heat pump as per the specification requirements
of the unit. Inadequate or excessive water flow detracts from heating efficiency and can lead to
damage to the unit. Selection of the recirculating pump must be made in accordance with the
design flow rate and pressure as per the pump manufacturer’s specification.
If unsure, contact Rheem Thermal for recommendations on the optimum flow rate. Assistance
will be provided where possible in relation to plumbing design and pump selection.
Water connections on the unit are clearly marked as water inlet and water outlet.
The installation of breakable unions on both inlet and outlet pipes will facilitate maintenance and
water drainage of the system. If the unit is situated below the pool level or an open holding tank,
shut off valves should be fitted on the water side of both unions so that removal of the machine
is possible without draining the system.
A separate circuit is generally the most desirable plumbing configuration with individual flow and
return line and filter strainer. This may not always be possible particularly with established pools.
Heat pumps may be plumbed in-line with existing filter equipment, although thought must be
given to correct flow, run time and possible over chlorinating and/or dosing by extended running
of automatic chlorinator, feeders, etc. Typical plumbing schematics for installation with existing
filtration and with a dedicated heating circuit are shown in Section 6.
A one-way check valve should be installed on the outlet of the heat pump.
Models without an internal water flow by-pass must have an external by-pass fitted.
Where multiple units are installed, the heaters must be installed in parallel to equalise pressure
drops and balance flow through the heaters. Systems of two or more Heat Pumps require a
manifold.
All Plumbing should be carried out by qualified tradesman (plumber).
Chemical Treatment
Rheem Thermal heat pumps designed for swimming pool or spa heating will include a titanium heat
exchanger. This material is impervious to chemical corrosion and as such, variations in water quality
will not cause damage to the titanium tube. However, it is recommended as a matter of good pool
management that the correct chemical balance of the water be maintained as follows:
pH to be kept between 7.2 and 7.8
Alkalinity must not exceed 200 PPM
Free available chlorine must not exceed 6.0 PPM
Chemicals must be added downstream side of the Heat Pump.
In line chlorinator must be installed downstream of the Heat Pump.
The maintenance of the above guidelines does not in itself ensure that water is in balance and non-
corrosive. Various mechanisms are available to monitor water conditions and information on the
Langlier Saturation Index is provided as a commonly applied industry standard.

4
Electrical
All electrical work must be carried out by licensed electricians and all the wiring should be carried
out to AS/NZS3000 latest edition wiring standards.
Refer to the internal electrical wiring diagram supplied with the units before proceeding with
electrical work. As a minimum, cable and fuse sizing must be correct relative to the unit’s
specified requirements. Rheem Thermal’s technical specification for each model nominates
electrical demand information and minimum circuit size.
An isolating switch must be fitted adjacent to the Heat Pump
To connect power, remove the electrical service panel. Enter wire through the conduit entrance.
Ground to lug. Line voltage to contactor terminals L1 and L2 and L3 if unit is three phase. L1
and N for single phase.
Water must be running through the unit before it is able to be switched on.
Control Design for Pool Heating
Heat pumps intended for individual installation to a pool are manufactured with in-built thermostat
control and flow switch.
The thermostat is mounted either on the outside panel or internally in the compressor
compartment. The controller displays entering water temperature, with the sensor being located
in a well to the inlet water pipe inside the unit.
The flow switch is a safetyfeature to ensure that the Heat Pump runs only when there is adequate
water flow. If water flow is disturbed by backwashing, etc., or inadequate, the unit will lock-out
by this safety feature. The unit must be manually reset, by turning OFF, then ON. (See
Troubleshooting).
In commercial settings, it is important that the heat pump is isolated during backwashing to avoid
lock-out or potential short-cycling. Ideally, the unit would be switched off, either at the main
switch, the isolating switch located on or adjacent to the unit or at a control sub-board.
For systems comprised of multiple Heat Pump units, the thermostat sensor and well may be provided
as follows depending on client requirement:
Provided loose to allow installation of thermostat controller display in heat pump control panel
(located separately to the heat pumps) with well and probe installed in the pool pipe work on the
inlet side of the heat pumps or balance tank.
Provided in the nominated lead-unit (i.e. the control heat pump) with relays fitted to the lag unit(s)
to allow control wiring to be run to these units.
Link between Heat Pump, Water Pump and Thermostat for Pool Heating
The thermostat sensor is the controlling device in the heating system. This determines whether the
heat pump unit should run and is activated in response to the parameters set for pool temperature
control. That is, the heat pump will run when the entering water temperature (EWT) is less than the
desired set point (normally with a -0.5C split) and stop running when the EWT is a set point. In
simple terms, this means that the heat pump must be provided with constant water flow in order to
achieve temperature measurement. Likewise the heat pump will not run without water flow.
In situations where the heat pump is installed into the existing pool filtration system, the operation of
the heat pump will be controlled by pool temperature at times when the recirculating pump is running.
If the recirculating pump is time-clocked to suit filtration routines, then the period of power supply to
the filter pump may need to be progressively expanded with cooler air temperatures (as the heater
will need to run longer hours than filtration needs in cooler months). If not automated, chlorination
settings may also need adjustment.

5
By contrast, in warmer months the heat pump will run less hours than the filter. The heat pump may
be left ON, (i.e. with power supply), as it will only run if the pool temperature falls below the desired
set point by -0.5C.
Where the Heat Pump is installed on a separate heating circuit (i.e. separate recirculating pump),
the ideal scenario is that a control logic/interface is in place between the heat pump and the
recirculating pump. That is, flow is provided only when heating is required so that the pump use is
limited strictly to those hours needed to maintain the pool temperature.
The Rheem Thermal heat pump may be provided with pump-call or a pump control function so that
a run signal is provided to the pump via the heat pump’s controller based on temperature signals.
PRECAUTIONS
Where damage to property can occur in the event of the heat pump leaking, the unit must be
installed in a drained drip tray in accordance with AS/NZS3500.4 and local codes and
regulatory authority requirements.
The heat pump must be maintained in accordance with the Owners Guide and Installation
Instructions.
If the heat pump is to be used in a commercial application, you should ensure that you have
adequate redundancy within the heating system. This should ensure the continuity of heating
in the event that the heat pump should become inoperable for any reason. We recommend
that you seek advice from your Rheem Thermal representative or your specifier about your
needs and building redundancy into your heating system.
In operating your heat pump, you should ensure that the hydraulic layout of the system is
correct. Particular care should be given to ensure that excess pressure is not created to the
heat pump’s internal heat exchanger(s).

6
SECTION 2 COMMISSIONING
The Rheem Thermal heat pump is fully charged with refrigerant. The following checks should be
carried out:
1. Installation and operation instructions should be read prior to commissioning.
2. The unit should have unrestricted supply of fresh air to the coil and exhaust air removed from
closed in areas.
3. The unit should stand on a firm level base but noting that it should have a small incline towards
the condensate drainage inbuilt to the case (plumbing end).
4. Noise should be directed away from living areas.
5. Water connected correctly as indicated.
6. Any chemicals are introduced downstream of unit.
7. Condensate drain runs to waste.
8. Unit is wired correctly.
9. Unit is not to be started without flow of water.
10. The thermostat is set to the required parameters.
11. Three phase fans and scroll compressors are running in correct rotation.
SECTION 3 OPERATION
1. The Heat Pump unit has an internal thermostat, located at the control panel, which maintains the
outlet water at the selected temperature. The normal operating temperature range is 25C to
40C.
2. Select a suitable temperature about 38C for spa and 28C for pools.
3. The unit is fully automatic and after commissioning, the operation of the unit will be triggered by
water flow and the set temperature parameters.
4. In low ambient temperature ice may form on the evaporator coil. If this occurs the machine will
automatically go into defrost operation.
5. The unit can be controlled via time-clock through water pump. The unit has in-built water
flow/pressure switch and will sense water flow to start unit.
6. Running Time ~ The Heat Pump is controlled by a thermostat which will switch the unit off when
the set temperature is reached. The running time will vary with the weather, amount of wind,
length of time the pool cover is off and the pool usage. As this is an automatic operation, manual
switching is not necessary, i.e. allow the Heat Pump to monitor the pool temperature. Long
periods of being switched off will make the unit’s job more difficult, especially when a constant
temperature is desired.
7. Backwashing –Always isolate the unit electrically prior to backwashing.
8. Valve Setting –Do not adjust any valves whilst the pump is running.
Note that the initial temperature rise for swimming pool heating may seem slow but the unit is
probably working. Heat pumps have a much lower KW/MJ per hour heat output capacity than gas
and will need to operate for more time to deliver the same heat transfer.

7
Thermostat Operation
As a guide, your heat pump is fitted with the Rheem IQ® tariff intelligent control –Please refer to the
Rheem IQ Tariff Controller, user manual provided inside the unit.
•The relevant Carel Rheem IQ operating manuals should have been provided to you with delivery
of the heater. If these have not been received, please contact us directly and we will be pleased
to provide copies.
Heat Up Time
Heat up time on pool and spa will vary depending on outside air temperature, wind speed over pool,
amount of sun on pool, unit size and running time available.
To maintain temperature and reduce running cost a heat retention blanket must be used overnight
or whenever pool or spa is not in use.
De-Icing
Pool Application
Refrigerant hot gas by-pass is intended for locations where ice build-up on cooling coils will be
occasionally experienced.
Reverse cycle de-icing system is intended where ambient temperatures are likely to fall below 5C
for prolonged periods.
SECTION 4 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE
It is recommended minor maintenance be performed monthly by the dwelling or pool owner.
The minor maintenance includes:
1. Depending on the location of the unit, fins of the coil must be cleaned periodically.
2. Check condensate drain for blockages.
3. Ensure that water is not collecting in the base of the unit.
RECOMMENDED RHEEM THERMAL SERVICE PROCEDURE
1. Depending on the location of the unit, fins of the coil must be cleaned periodically.
2. In locations where ambient temperature can be very low, if unit is not used for a long period, it is
essential to drain all water from unit to prevent ice build-up in water pipe-work.
3. Leak test refrigerant system once every 6 months.
4. Check correct function of pressure switches, de-ice control and solenoid valves if fitted.
5. Check thermostat.
6. Check fan motor support and fan blades for vibration or noise.
7. Check condensate drain for blockages.
8. Check water inlet and outlet connections for any leaks.
9. Check current draw.
10. Check operating voltage at compressor terminal mains with load and at start-up.
11. For commercial installations, a program of servicing every four months is recommended and
should be undertaken by a specialist refrigeration mechanic. For residential applications, an
annual service program is recommended.
12. The unit casing is designed for outdoors installation and no specific maintenance should be
necessary. If the case is cleaned, ensure that power to the unit is switched off.
13. Clean evaporator coils. If coils are becoming clogged with leaves or debris, remove any
surrounding source of leaf or other litter.

8
Heat Exchanger Care
Care should be taken of the heat exchanger by correct approach to the hydraulic layout of the
installation and chemical treatment.
It is fundamental that the nominated flow rate of the unit be maintained and pump selection
should be made with knowledge of the target figure. Reference should be made the individual
unit’s specification with current requirements shown below. As specification data may vary with
product development and/or where units are custom-manufactured, flow rates should be
confirmed for validity with Rheem Thermal at the time of installation.
The heat pump includes an internal by-pass. The factory setting allows for the by-pass to be
partially open, allowing diversion of part of the total flow.
If the hydraulic layout and recirculating pump capacity is seen to provide a flow well above the
specified flow litres/sec or at excess pressure, then an external by-pass should be installed or
alternatively, the pump flow should be moderated.
For seasonal shut-downs, always allow water to pass through the heater, even if the heater is
not being used. If the heater is isolated with chlorinated water or in its water piping, chlorine
gases may corrode the heat exchanger. Rheem Thermal’s warranty will be voided where
chemical corrosion is clearly diagnosed as the cause of failure.
For shutdowns in locations experiencing freezing conditions, the piping system and heater must
be drained. The heater should be flushed with clean fresh water for several minutes to wash
away all traces of chemicals, then drained. It is recommended that the entire system is purged
using pressurised air to force remaining water from the system.
If water enters the refrigeration system due to heat exchanger failure, contact supplier for advice.
Caution! Motorised diverter valves must never be installed so that they can move through a
closed inlet position while the pump is operating and allow the system to pressurise. This
situation will void the Rheem Thermal warranty and may significantly damage the pool
heater and other system equipment.
SERVICE ASSISTANCE
Service must only be undertaken by properly authorised personnel
You may contact Rheem Thermal directly on 02 9684 3684 or your local Rheem Thermal
distributor to arrange for your service or recommend a qualified service organisation.
It will be necessary for you state the model number and serial number of your heater. This
information will be found on the heater data plate.
How long will the Pool & Spa Heater Last
Your Rheem Thermal pool heater is supported by a manufacturer’s warranty. There are a
number of factors that will affect the length of service. These include but are not limited to
the water chemistry, flow rate, the water pressure, the service & maintenance program and
the usage pattern.