Beat the Heat: Your Guide to Pool Chillers and Coolers

If you live in Austin, you have experienced how the summers are getting hotter and hotter each year. If your pool is in direct sunlight in the afternoons, what was once a refreshing oasis is now becoming a hot bath. You may use the pool less in the summer when you thought that it will be a daily activity. If only, you could decrease the temperature of the water and swim in colder water to cool down from the heat!

Those are the reasons pushing more and more pool owners to add a Chiller or Cooler to their pool equipment pad. Some want to decrease the temperature of the pool by a few degrees, others want to transform their spa into a cold plunge. So, if the thought of a refreshingly cool dip in your pool on a scorching Austin afternoon sounds like a dream come true, let’s dive into the world of pool chillers and coolers to find the perfect solution for you.

There are different types of chillers available in the market, let’s review what is available today:

Glacier Pool Coolers: Large overnight cooler typically requiring a 20-amp breaker from the pool subpanel.

The Glacier Pool Coolers work overnight to cool the water of the pool. They are not very demanding in electricity but require your main pump to work overnight. It uses an evaporation technique (a large fan cooling the water). It can reduce the water temperature by a few degrees but will not be able to transform the spa into a cold plunge.

The units themselves are large (52 x 34 for GPC25 (20K gallon version) and 54x 42 GPC210 (30K gallon version)). It is important to consider space when considering a Glacier as many backyards or equipment pads are too small for them. As they are less demanding electrically, it is typically possible to install them without a lot of electrical work as they can run from a 20-amp breaker from the pool subpanel.

The installation of those coolers is more complex as they need 2 additional valves to run the water through them when the pool owner wants to cool the pool. Often, installation includes 2 electric actuators so the pool owners can control the valves from the panel, remote or mobile app remotely.                                

Chillers: Large units using a refrigerant working during the day from a 50- amp breaker.

The Chillers are basically a Heat Pump with one function: Chilling the water. They use a compressor and a refrigerant gas to get the water to the desired temperature. They can work during the day like a HVAC unit. They can chill the water significantly more than a cooler and can transform a spa into a cold plunge (down to 40 Fahrenheit).

Tropicool is the most famous brand of specialized chillers for swimming pools. They offer 3 models (TC500, TC1000 and TC1500). TC1500 can transform a 4,000-gallon body of water into a cold plunge. Pretty impressive. Dimension-wise those units are smaller than the Glacier Pool Coolers: 34″ x 34″ x 44″ for the larger unit, 34″ x 34″ x 28″ for the smaller unit.

With more capacity to chill the water, they need more electrical power to run. Typically, they will need a separate supply line (like your HVAC). An electrician will be able to confirm if your home can add a chiller to the electrical load and run the new supply line. Outside of that, the installation is more straightforward than for a cooler, no need for new valves or actuators.

Heat & Chill Heat Pumps: Large units using a compressor during the day to heat or chill the pool.

Not every pool is equipped with a heater (natural gas or propane). So, if you are considering a chiller for your pool, you might as well get a Heat and Chill unit so that you can use two functionalities from one unit. Like the chillers, they run from a separate electric supply line and are large.

Already have a heat pump? Then it depends on your setup—some modern heat pumps can both heat and chill. But if yours is heat-only, you’ll likely still need a separate chiller to cool things down. We can take a look and help you figure out if your current system can be upgraded or replaced with a combo unit.

Hayward has 3 different models in the HeatPro Series Heat+Chill Pump (110K BTU, 120K BTU and 140K BTU). Jandy’s Heat pumps (Versatemp) are all Heat and Chill (103K BTU, 116K BTU, 130K BTU). Pentair Ultratemp Heat and Chill Heat Pumps come into 2 sizes: 120K BTU and 140K BTU and 2 colors (almond or black). If you can afford it, choose the largest unit.

A big question we hear from pool owners is: “What kind of upkeep does a pool chiller need—and how long will it last?” The good news is, these units are built for durability and don’t require a ton of maintenance. With a little routine care, most pool chillers and combo heat pumps will keep your water crisp for 7 to 10 years.

Here’s what to expect when it comes to caring for your chiller:

• Clear debris regularly
   Keep leaves, dirt, and grass clippings away from the unit so the fan can run efficiently and stay cool.
  
• Check airflow and fan blades
   Make sure nothing is blocking the airflow around the chiller. A quick visual inspection every couple of weeks does the trick.
  
• Inspect the refrigerant and electrical connections annually
   Have a pool pro check the refrigerant levels and look for any wiring wear to avoid costly pool repairs down the road.
  
• Winterize if temps drop
   If you won’t be using your chiller during Austin’s cooler months, it’s smart to shut it down and drain any standing water to prevent freezing.
  
• Schedule a professional service every 1–2 years
   Just like an AC system, a chiller benefits from a tune-up. A quick checkup can extend its life and keep it running like new.

• Installation requirements: How much space do you have available? How much electrical capacity do you have?
• Usage: Are you trying to reduce the temperature by a few degrees or do you want a consistent temperature in the pool? Is a Cold Plunge something you are likely to use?
• Upfront Cost: Glacier Coolers and Tropicool Chillers will cost $6K to $7K to install, a Heat and Chill Heat Pump $8K to $10K.
• Retrofitting an Existing Pool: In most cases, yes—a chiller or cooler can be added to your existing pool setup without needing to rebuild your system. We just need to confirm there’s enough space and electrical capacity at your equipment pad. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to take a look and let you know what’s possible.

Still comparing your options? Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular pool cooling solutions to help you decide what’s best for your space and your goals.

Feature	Glacier Cooler	Chiller (e.g., Tropicool)	Heat + Chill Unit
Power Needs	20-amp breaker, low energy usage (overnight)	50-amp breaker, higher energy demand	50-amp breaker, high energy use for both modes
Cooling Strength	Mild (drops a few degrees)	Strong (can drop to 40°F)	Strong (cools and heats depending on need)
Spa Support	❌ Not suitable for cold plunges	✅ Ideal for turning spa into a cold plunge	✅ Dual-use for spa heating and cooling
Size	Large—check space on pad (e.g. 52″ x 34″)	Smaller footprint than Glacier	Similar to chiller, but slightly taller units
Cost	$6K–$7K (installed)	$6K–$7K (installed)	$8K–$10K (installed)
Installation Complexity	More complex—requires valves + actuators	Moderate—needs electrical but no plumbing mods	Moderate—electrical install, but minimal plumbing

If you’re tired of swimming in what feels like bathwater, adding a pool chiller or cooler might be exactly what you need. Whether you’re aiming for a mild temperature drop or dreaming of a full-on cold plunge, there’s a solution that fits your pool and your goals. From Glacier Coolers to Tropicool Chillers to all-in-one Heat and Chill Pumps, the options are out there—and we’re here to help you figure out the best fit. At Aqua Clear Pool Care, we can guide you through that process to recommend the best unit for your pool. Let’s bring back that refreshing summer swim in your Austin backyard.