AquaForte Heat Pump Aqua Mini 3.5kW

AquaForte Heat Pump Aqua Mini 3.5kW

Compact plug and play style heat pump for above ground pools and spas

AquaForte Heat Pump Aqua Mini 3.5kW is a AquaForte Aqua Mini heat pump designed for above ground pools, compact pools, spas and small seasonal pool setups. It gives customers a more efficient way to warm pond water than a standard direct electric heater because it uses air source heat pump technology to transfer heat from the surrounding air into the water.

In the UK, outdoor water temperatures can swing quickly between warm days, cool nights and windy conditions. A correctly sized heat pump helps smooth out those changes, making the pond more comfortable and easier to manage through the season. It is especially useful where the aim is to extend usable time, improve comfort, or maintain a steadier temperature range.

This range is best considered by model size, water volume, desired temperature, insulation, cover use, wind exposure and flow rate. The available model options for this product are: 3.5kW.

As with all heat pumps, actual performance depends on air temperature, water temperature, humidity and installation quality. Warm air gives the heat pump more energy to collect, while colder air reduces output and increases running time. Using a cover when the pool or pond is not in use can make a significant difference because evaporation is one of the biggest causes of heat loss.

Why flow, bypass and installation setup matter

A heat pump performs best when the water flow through the unit is controlled. Too little flow can cause safety cut outs, while too much flow can reduce heat transfer time and make the unit work harder than necessary. This is why a bypass kit is normally recommended on pool and pond heat pump installations.

A bypass allows part of the water to pass through the heat pump and part to continue around it, making it much easier to balance flow, isolate the heater for maintenance, and keep the filtration system running sensibly. On many installations you may also need extra 38mm hose, hose clips, pressure pipe or unions depending on the pipework already fitted.

Key benefits

• Efficient air source heat pump heating for the intended pool, swim pond or pond system.
• Digital heat pump control for easier temperature management.
• Useful for extending the swimming season or maintaining a steadier water temperature.
• Works best alongside a pool cover or good insulation to reduce heat loss.
• Can be installed with a bypass kit to control flow and simplify maintenance.
• Titanium heat exchanger style technology is commonly used on pool heat pumps for corrosion resistance with properly maintained water.

Technical information

• Type: Compact on/off above-ground pool heat pump
• Model: AquaForte Aqua Mini 3.5kW / AMS04 technical platform
• Recommended pool volume: 0 to 12m³ in favourable conditions
• Heating output at A27/W27: 3.5kW
• COP at A27/W27: 5.0
• Heating output at A15/W26: 2.4kW
• COP at A15/W26: 3.8
• Rated electrical input: 0.63kW
• Rated input current: 2.7A
• Power supply: 230V single phase
• Heating mode: Heating only
• Operating air temperature: 10°C to 43°C
• Maximum water temperature: Up to 40°C
• Noise level at 10m: 26dB(A)
• Advised water flow: 1 to 2m³/h
• Water connections: 32mm / 38mm hose connections
• Dimensions: 523mm x 421mm x 490mm from technical drawing
• Housing material: Aluminium
• App control: No
• Installation: Outdoor plug and play style installation with suitable airflow

Available model options

• Heating output / electrical rating: 3.5kW
• SKU / product code: HE912

Recommended optional extras

For a neater and more controllable installation, consider adding the appropriate heat pump bypass kit and fittings. The same approach used on the Poolex Nano product page is useful across many heat pump installations because it helps control flow and makes servicing easier. On larger hard-plumbed systems, use the correct 1½ inch or 2 inch fittings for the selected model rather than forcing small flexible hose connections.

• Heat pump bypass kit: helps control flow through the heat pump and allows isolation for maintenance.
• 38mm vac hose: useful where a compact pool heat pump is being connected using flexible 38mm hose.
• Stainless steel hose clips: useful for securing hose connections on above ground and flexible hose installations.
• Rubber mounting feet: useful on larger heat pumps where anti-vibration support is recommended.

Heating advice

Choose the heat pump size using real water volume, how exposed the pool or pond is, whether a cover will be used, the desired temperature and the season you want to use it in. A heat pump that is too small may still heat the water, but it will take longer, run harder and be less satisfying in cooler conditions.

For best results, keep filtration running while heating, protect the unit from poor airflow, use a cover when possible and avoid placing the heat pump in a tight enclosed space. If the installation is on a koi pond, always consider fish health, oxygen levels and gradual temperature changes rather than chasing sudden temperature increases.

Helpful heating links

• Browse pond heating
• Browse pond air source heat pumps
• Browse swimming pool heating
• Standard flexible pond hose
• Heavy duty flexible pond hose

Helpful pond heating guide

For more help choosing pond heating equipment and understanding running considerations, see our related guide:

• pond heating guide