Madimack Electric Heat Pump Buying Guide
Thinking about heating your pool but not sure where to start? You're not alone. Choosing the right heat pump is one of the most common questions we get at Drive In Pool & Spa Warehouse — and it's an important one, because the right choice can save you thousands in running costs over the life of the unit.
In this guide we walk you through the Madimack Elite V4 and ECO ranges, how to size a heat pump correctly for your pool, and which model we'd recommend depending on your situation.
In this guide
Why Choose a Heat Pump Over a Gas Heater?
Both heat pumps and gas heaters will warm your pool — but they work very differently and suit different needs.
| Feature | Heat Pump | Gas Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Running cost | Low — very energy efficient | Higher — burns gas continuously |
| Heating speed | Slower — takes longer to heat initially | Fast — heats pool quickly on demand |
| Best for | Maintaining a consistent temperature year-round | Occasional use, fast heat-up needed |
| Environmental impact | Low — uses ambient air, no emissions | Higher — burns fossil fuel |
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Long-term value | Excellent — pays back over time | Higher ongoing fuel bills |
For most Australian pool owners who want to swim regularly and keep running costs low, a heat pump is the better long-term choice. If you want to heat your pool occasionally and quickly — say a weekend spa — a gas heater may suit you better.
How Does a Pool Heat Pump Work?
A pool heat pump doesn't generate heat — it moves heat from the air into your pool water. Think of it like a reverse air conditioner. It uses a refrigerant cycle to extract heat energy from the ambient air and transfer it to your pool water as it circulates through the unit.
This is why heat pumps are so efficient — for every 1 unit of electricity they consume, they can deliver up to 22 units of heat (in the case of the Madimack Elite V4). That ratio is called the Coefficient of Performance or COP.
How to Size a Heat Pump for Your Pool
Getting the right size heat pump is critical — too small and it'll struggle to maintain temperature; too large and you're overspending unnecessarily.
As a general guide for Sydney's climate:
| Pool Size | Recommended Output | Suggested Model |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 30,000L (small pool or spa) | 10–14 kW | Madimack ECO or Elite V4 100/140 |
| 30,000–50,000L (medium pool) | 14–23 kW | Madimack Elite V4 140/230 |
| 50,000–70,000L (large pool) | 23–27 kW | Madimack Elite V4 230/270 |
| 70,000L+ (very large or commercial) | 27 kW+ | Madimack Elite V4 270 or contact us |
Madimack Elite V4 Range
The Elite V4 is Madimack's flagship heat pump — and for good reason. It's built with commercial-grade components in a residential package, and delivers industry-leading efficiency with some of the quietest operation available.
Key features of the Elite V4
- COP up to 22 — world-leading energy efficiency
- 3-directional airflow — revolutionary design that reduces noise and improves efficiency
- Twin rotary compressor — heats faster and more consistently
- Ultra-quiet operation — as low as 36 dB with triple-layered sound insulation
- Wi-Fi connectivity — control from anywhere via smartphone
- R32 refrigerant — lower environmental impact
- Marine-grade aluminium casing — built to handle coastal and corrosive environments
- Plug & Play technology — simplified installation
Elite V4 Models
Elite V4 100
10 kW output
Best for pools up to 30,000L
COP up to 22
Small pools & spasElite V4 140
14 kW output
Best for pools up to 40,000L
COP up to 22
Small–medium poolsElite V4 230
23 kW output
Best for pools up to 60,000L
COP up to 22
Medium–large poolsElite V4 270
27 kW output
Best for pools 60,000L+
COP up to 22
Large poolsWho is the Elite V4 for? Pool owners who want the best long-term performance, lowest running costs and quietest operation. If you're investing in a heat pump and want it to last, the V4 is the one to get.
Madimack ECO Range
The Madimack ECO range is designed for pool owners who want reliable, efficient heating at a more accessible price point. It still delivers strong performance and Madimack's build quality — just without the premium features of the Elite V4.
Key features of the ECO range
- Strong COP ratings — highly efficient for its price point
- Inverter technology — adjusts output to match demand, saving energy
- Quiet operation — designed to minimise noise
- Durable construction — built for Australian conditions
- Straightforward controls — easy to operate digital display
Who is the ECO for? First-time heat pump buyers, budget-conscious pool owners, or those with smaller pools who want efficient heating without paying for premium features they may not need.
Elite V4 vs ECO — Which is Right for You?
| Feature | Elite V4 | ECO |
|---|---|---|
| COP (efficiency) | Up to 22 — world leading | Strong — good for price point |
| Noise level | As low as 36 dB — ultra quiet | Quiet — well designed |
| Wi-Fi control | Yes — full smartphone control | No |
| Compressor | Twin rotary — faster heating | Single — reliable |
| Airflow design | 3-directional — revolutionary | Standard |
| Refrigerant | R32 — lower environmental impact | R32 |
| Best for | Long-term investment, premium performance | Value, smaller pools, first-time buyers |
| Price | Premium | More accessible |
Installation Requirements
All Madimack heat pumps must be installed by a licensed electrician and plumber. Here are the key things to know before purchasing:
- Location: The unit needs good airflow around it — don't install in an enclosed space or against a wall with no clearance
- Power supply: Most models require a dedicated 240V circuit — check with your electrician before ordering
- Plumbing: Installed inline with your existing filtration system — usually between the filter and return line
- Clearances: Check the installation manual for minimum clearance requirements from walls, fences and neighbouring properties
- Pool cover: Using a pool cover significantly improves heat retention and reduces running costs — worth investing in at the same time
Running Costs — What to Expect
One of the most common questions we get is "how much will it cost to run?" The honest answer is — it depends on your pool size, how warm you want it, your local electricity rate, and how often you use a pool cover.
But as a rough guide for a 50,000L pool in Sydney using an Elite V4:
- Maintaining temperature (25°C) in summer: Very low running cost — the ambient air does most of the work
- Heating from cold in winter: Higher running cost initially, then drops once target temperature is reached
- With a pool cover: Running costs can be reduced by up to 50% — heat loss overnight is one of the biggest factors
Our Verdict
The Madimack range is one of the best heat pump options available in Australia — excellent build quality, strong warranty support and outstanding efficiency ratings. For most Sydney pool owners wanting year-round swimming, a Madimack heat pump is one of the best investments you can make in your pool.
- Best overall: Madimack Elite V4 — unmatched efficiency, ultra-quiet, Wi-Fi control
- Best value: Madimack ECO — solid performance at a more accessible price
- Not sure which size? Come in store or give us a call — we'll size it correctly for your pool
Ready to heat your pool?
Browse our full Madimack range in store at Gordon or online. Our team will help you choose the right model and size for your pool — no obligation, just honest advice.
Shop Heat Pumps → Call 02 9499 9646