How a Rheem Pool Heat Pump Works
A pool heat pump warms your water by drawing heat from the surrounding air and transferring it into the pool, using only a small amount of electricity to move that heat rather than create it.
That is why a heat pump delivers several units of heating for each unit of power it draws, giving a high Coefficient of Performance and low running costs.
Rheem Thermal models use Stepless Full DC Inverter technology, which varies the compressor and fan speed to hold your set temperature efficiently, and every model both heats and cools, so you get comfortable water in the cooler months and relief on the hottest summer days.
The Rheem Thermal Range: Standard and Premium
Rheem's residential range comes in two lines. The Rheem Thermal models cover everyday residential pool heating, while the Rheem Thermal Premium models (RTHP026 and RTHP030) add a larger evaporator area for higher efficiency in cooler conditions, which suits larger pools and colder regions.
Across both lines, the model suffix shows the power supply: -1 is single phase and -3 is three phase.
| Model | Series | Power Supply |
|---|---|---|
| RTHP017-1 | Thermal | Single phase |
| RTHP020-1 | Thermal | Single phase |
| RTHP020-3 | Thermal | Three phase |
| RTHP024-3 | Thermal | Three phase |
| RTHP026-1 | Thermal Premium | Single phase |
| RTHP026-3 | Thermal Premium | Three phase |
| RTHP030-3 | Thermal Premium | Three phase |
All Rheem models are priced by request. Call (03) 8769 7321 for current pricing on any model.
What to Check Before Choosing a Rheem Heat Pump
Four things decide the right Rheem model for your pool: your pool size, your climate, your power supply, and whether you want heating, cooling, or both.
Pool size and volume
The right capacity depends on your pool's volume, not a single number, so larger pools need a higher-capacity model to reach and hold temperature without running constantly.
Our team can match a model to your pool, or see our pool heat pump expert guide to work through the method yourself.
Your climate
Colder regions and pools used through winter benefit from the Thermal Premium models, which hold efficiency better at low air temperatures thanks to their larger evaporator area.
In a Melbourne climate specifically, that extra margin is often the difference between a heat pump that keeps up through a cool snap and one that struggles.
Power supply
Check whether your property has single-phase or three-phase power, then choose a -1 or -3 model to suit, since not every model in the range is available in both.
Confirming this before you order avoids finding out at installation that the model you chose needs a supply upgrade.
Heating, cooling, or both
Every Rheem model heats and cools from the same unit, so there is no separate cooling-only or heating-only line to choose between. The decision is really about capacity and power supply rather than whether cooling is included.
Running Costs and Efficiency
Rheem Thermal heat pumps are designed to keep running costs low.
The Full DC Inverter adjusts output to match demand rather than switching on and off at full power, which lifts efficiency and reduces energy use across a season.
For the full method behind these numbers, see our pool heat pump running costs guide.
A high Coefficient of Performance means most of the heat delivered to your pool is moved from the air rather than paid for in electricity, and eco-friendly R32 refrigerant keeps the system efficient.
To understand how the inverter side of this actually works, read our guide to inverter pool heat pump technology.
Pairing a heat pump with a pool cover reduces heat loss and lowers running costs further.
Australian-Made Quality and Warranty
Rheem Thermal pool heat pumps are manufactured in Australia and built for local conditions, with a titanium heat exchanger that resists corrosion and a durable, weather-resistant cabinet.
The range is backed by a strong warranty: 3 years parts and labour, 25 years on the heat exchanger and 10 years on the compressor, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law.
Australian manufacturing and long component cover are two of the main reasons buyers choose Rheem over imported heat pumps.
Buy Your Rheem Heat Pump from Spa & Pool Supplies
We supply the genuine Rheem Thermal range with local Melbourne dispatch and full warranty support.
Because Rheem heat pumps are priced by request, call (03) 8769 7321 for the current price on any model, and our price-match guarantee still applies.
Our team gives expert product advice to match the right Rheem model to your pool, your climate and your power supply, and we support any warranty claim directly.
Need Help Choosing a Rheem Heat Pump?
Call Spa & Pool Supplies on (03) 8769 7321 with your pool size, location and power supply.
We will recommend the right Rheem Thermal model, confirm current pricing, and explain the warranty and running costs before you buy.
You can also browse the full pool heat pump range to compare Rheem against our other brands, or see the full range of pool heaters including gas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Rheem pool heat pumps made in Australia?
Yes, the Rheem Thermal range is manufactured in Australia and designed for local conditions, using Full DC Inverter technology, a titanium heat exchanger and R32 refrigerant. The range is backed by a warranty of 3 years parts and labour, 25 years on the heat exchanger and 10 years on the compressor. Australian manufacturing and local warranty support are two of the main reasons buyers choose Rheem.
Can a Rheem heat pump cool my pool as well as heat it?
Yes, every Rheem Thermal model both heats and cools. You can warm the pool to extend your swimming season and cool the water to a comfortable temperature during hot summers, all from the one inverter unit.
What is the difference between Rheem Thermal and Thermal Premium?
Both lines share Full DC Inverter technology, a titanium heat exchanger and quiet 51 dB(A) operation. The Thermal Premium models, RTHP026 and RTHP030, add a larger evaporator area that improves efficiency in cooler conditions, so they suit larger pools and colder regions.
What warranty do Rheem pool heat pumps have?
Rheem Thermal pool heat pumps carry 3 years parts and labour, 25 years on the heat exchanger and 10 years on the compressor, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Our team handles any warranty claim directly rather than sending you back to the manufacturer.
Why don't Rheem heat pumps show a price online?
Rheem heat pumps are priced by request, so each model shows "Call For Price" rather than a price online. Our team can confirm the current price and match the right model to your pool over the phone, and our price-match guarantee still applies once you order.
Does the Thermal Premium range suit a Melbourne climate?
Yes, and that's specifically what its larger evaporator area is built for. It holds efficiency better than the standard Thermal line as air temperature drops, which matters more in Melbourne's cooler evenings and winter months than it would in a warmer climate where the standard range would perform closer to the same.
Do you deliver Rheem heat pumps to Melbourne and Victoria?
Yes, we dispatch fast across Melbourne and Victoria, and our team provides local warranty support so you deal with us directly rather than the manufacturer. Browse the full heat pump range online or get in touch through the contact page to confirm pricing on a specific Rheem model.