AquaCal Great Big Bopper BB500 Commercial Pool Heat Pump
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The AquaCal Great Big Bopper BB500 is a commercial air-source heat pump built to heat and cool large swimming pools. It delivers up to 529,000 BTU of heating output from one unit and provides heating, cooling, and automatic temperature-control modes.
The BB500 is available in 230V or 460V three-phase configurations and requires substantial electrical capacity, water flow, equipment-pad space, and installation clearance. AquaCal strongly recommends completing its project questionnaire before purchasing.
Contact Summit Pool Supply for a Custom Heat Pump Audit for your Title 24 compliant heating needs. (866) 689-0086
Why You’ll Love It
- Up to 529,000 BTU heating output
- 313,000 BTU output at 50°F ambient air
- 363,153 BTU cooling capacity at 100°F air and 80°F water
- Heat, cool, or AutoTemp operation
- Titanium ThermoLink® heat exchanger
- Patented counterflow water-management system
- 120–280 GPM operating flow range
- Smart microprocessor control with LCD display
- On-board self-diagnostics
- Microprocessor-controlled defrost
- Dual plumbing configuration allows connections from either side
- Corrosion-resistant commercial cabinet
- Optional PoolSync® Wi-Fi control
Heating Performance
80°F Water / 80°F Air / 80% Relative Humidity
- Heating output: 529,000 BTU
- COP: 6.3
- Output: 154.4 kW
- Electrical input: 23.1 kW
80°F Water / 50°F Air / 63% Relative Humidity
- Heating output: 313,000 BTU
- COP: 4.1
- Output: 91.7 kW
- Electrical input: 22.4 kW
Heat-pump output and efficiency vary with air temperature, water temperature, and humidity. Final equipment selection should be based on the specific pool, climate, desired temperature, operating schedule, and heat-loss conditions.
Cooling Performance
At 100°F ambient air and 80°F entering water temperature:
- Cooling capacity: 363,153 BTU
- Heat absorption: 106.4 kW
- Electrical input: 23.8 kW
Available Electrical Configurations
BB500BRDSBPAWholeGood
- 208–230V
- 60 Hz
- Three phase
- Minimum circuit ampacity: 134.6 amps
- Recommended fuse size: 150 amps
- Maximum fuse size: 150 amps
BB500GRDSBPAWholeGood
- 460V
- 60 Hz
- Three phase
- Minimum circuit ampacity: 60.9 amps
- Recommended fuse size: 80 amps
- Maximum fuse size: 80 amps
Confirm the correct voltage and factory configuration before ordering. Installation must be performed by qualified professionals and comply with applicable electrical and local requirements.
Water-Flow Requirements
- Minimum flow: 120 GPM
- Maximum flow: 280 GPM
- Pressure drop at 150 GPM: 1.8 PSI
- Maximum operating water pressure: 50 PSI
- Pool-water connections: 4-inch U.S.
Clean, filtered water must be supplied to the heat pump. A bypass must be installed whenever water flow may exceed 280 GPM.
The water inlet and outlet must be connected on opposite sides of the unit. BB500 units must not be plumbed in series.
In-line chlorinators must be installed downstream from the heat pump and as low as possible. AquaCal recommends a Hartford Loop when an erosion-type tablet feeder is used. A Hartford Loop is not required with a salt chlorine generator.
Controls and Construction
The BB500 includes:
- 24-character full-text LCD display
- On-board self-diagnostics
- Microprocessor-controlled defrost cycle
- Heat, cool, and AutoTemp modes
- Heavy-gauge G90 Galvanneal steel cabinet
- Seven-step powder-coated finish
- ElectroFin® epoxy-polymer-coated evaporator coils
- Polymer condensate drain system
- Polymer-coated fan guards
- Included mounting brackets for anchoring the unit to the equipment pad
Optional PoolSync® Wi-Fi Control
The BB500 is compatible with the optional AquaCal PoolSync® Wi-Fi Controller.
PoolSync allows users to:
- Adjust heating, cooling, and AutoTemp modes through the PoolSync app
- Monitor operation remotely
- View performance updates
- Support remote diagnostics and troubleshooting
PoolSync is not included and must be purchased separately.
Installation Requirements
The BB500 is designed for outdoor use. It must not be installed indoors or in an enclosed area.
Minimum manufacturer clearances:
- Overhead clearance: 12 feet
- Clearance on all sides: 6 feet
Additional site requirements include:
- Installation below 6,600 feet elevation
- Location not accessible to the general public
- Flat and level equipment pad
- Concrete or other code-approved pad material
- Full support beneath the entire heat-pump base
- Pad capable of supporting the unit’s weight
- Sufficient elevation for condensate drainage
- Required wind-load anchoring
- Protection from irrigation and concentrated roof runoff
- No corrosive chemical storage near the unit
The unit may produce substantial condensation. A 1-inch PVC line can be connected to the condensate outlet beneath the lower access panel to direct drainage as needed.
Size and Delivery Planning
Installed Dimensions and Weight
- Length: 90 inches
- Width: 54 inches
- Height: 86 inches
- Unit weight: 1,540 lb.
Shipping Dimensions and Weight
- Length: 91 inches
- Width: 58 inches
- Height: 86 inches
- Shipping weight: 2,100 lb.
Confirm freight access, unloading equipment, pathway clearance, pad location, and final placement arrangements before ordering.
The current AquaCal warranty applies to outdoor, ground-level installations accessible by cart, hand truck, or forklift through an opening larger than the installed unit. Any crane, forklift, lift, or other specialty access equipment needed for service is the owner’s responsibility.
Warranty
For qualifying BB500 units purchased through an authorized dealer and installed in the contiguous United States on or after January 1, 2025:
- 3-year parts and labor warranty
- Trip charge applies after year one
- Years 4–5 limited parts warranty covering the compressor, heat exchanger, and evaporator coil
- Lifetime warranty on the titanium tubing portion of the ThermoLink® Titanium Heat Exchanger
Warranty coverage requires installation, operation, and maintenance according to AquaCal’s instructions. See the complete AquaCal limited warranty for all terms, exclusions, and requirements.
What to Confirm Before Ordering
Before purchasing the BB500, confirm:
- Pool dimensions, volume, and surface area
- Desired water temperature
- Local climate and seasonal operating conditions
- Required heating and cooling performance
- Available 230V or 460V three-phase electrical service
- Water flow between 120 and 280 GPM
- Compatibility with the existing circulation and filtration system
- Space for the unit and all required clearances
- Equipment-pad construction and load capacity
- Condensate drainage
- Freight access, unloading, and final placement
- Applicable permits and installation requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
How much heating capacity does the BB500 provide?
The BB500 produces 529,000 BTU at 80°F water, 80°F ambient air, and 80% relative humidity. At 50°F ambient air, 80°F water, and 63% relative humidity, it produces 313,000 BTU.
Does the BB500 provide cooling?
Yes. The BB500 supports heating, cooling, and AutoTemp operation. Its published cooling capacity is 363,153 BTU at 100°F ambient air and 80°F entering water temperature.
What electrical service does it require?
The BB500 is available in 208–230V three-phase and 460V three-phase configurations. Confirm the correct configuration before ordering.
What water flow is required?
The required operating range is 120–280 GPM. A bypass is required whenever system flow may exceed the maximum rating.
Can the BB500 be installed indoors?
No. AquaCal specifies outdoor use and states that the unit must not be installed indoors or in an enclosed area.
How much clearance is required?
AquaCal requires 12 feet of overhead clearance and 6 feet of clearance on all sides.
Is PoolSync Wi-Fi control included?
No. The BB500 is PoolSync compatible, but the PoolSync Wi-Fi Controller must be purchased separately.
How should the BB500 be sized?
AquaCal strongly recommends completing its Great Big Bopper Project Questionnaire before purchasing. Pool gallons alone are not sufficient for proper sizing.
Need Help Reviewing Your Project?
Complete the AquaCal questionnaire and contact Summit Pool Supply before ordering. We can help review the required configuration, pool information, electrical service, water flow, site access, and delivery requirements.
Contact Summit Pool Supply by call or text at (866) 689-0086.