Rheem has two commercial pool heat pump ranges: the Premium Commercial Series (the RTHP models) and the newer Wave Series. On paper, they have a lot in common. Both are Australian-made, both feature titanium heat exchangers, both run on the Rheem IQ controller, and both use marine grade aluminium construction. So why would you pick one over the other?
As authorised Rheem warranty agents, we install and service both ranges. Here’s how they actually differ, and which one is likely to suit your facility.
The Premium Commercial Series
This is the range that’s been heating commercial pools across Australia for over 30 years. It spans from 41 kW up to 540 kW, making it the only Rheem option for high-capacity heating at large aquatic centres or multi-pool facilities.
The units use fixed-speed compressors with staging. In simple terms, they step output up or down by switching compressors on and off as demand changes, rather than smoothly adjusting speed. Under standard summer test conditions (27°C air, 27°C water), these units achieve a COP of 5.3 to 5.7.
COP stands for Coefficient of Performance. It tells you how much heat a unit produces for each unit of electricity it uses. A COP of 5.5, for example, means the heat pump is producing 5.5 kW of heat for every 1 kW of electricity consumed. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit.
Other standouts include Rheem Cote anti-corrosion treatment on the evaporator (the component that absorbs heat from the surrounding air), pressure transducers for detailed service diagnostics, and full BMS and CBus connectivity for remote monitoring.
For pricing context, commercial models start from RRP $18,740 + before installation. See our full breakdown on our Commercial Pool Heating page. If you need help working out which capacity suits your pool, get in touch and we’ll walk you through the options.
The Wave Series
The Wave Series is Rheem’s newer range, built around inverter technology. Where the Premium Commercial units switch compressors on and off in steps, the Wave Series uses full inverter scroll compressors that continuously vary their speed. This means the unit adjusts its output smoothly to match exactly what’s needed, rather than cycling between fixed levels.
It also features a third-generation Electronic Expansion Valve (EEV3), which precisely controls the flow of refrigerant through the system. Together, the inverter compressor and EEV3 are what give the Wave Series its efficiency advantage.
The numbers back it up. Under the same summer test conditions as the Premium Commercial, the Wave Series achieves a COP of 6.7–7.2 in standard heating mode. In Night Mode, a quieter, lower-output setting designed for overnight operation, it climbs to 9.2–9.9. For facilities that heat overnight on off-peak electricity, that’s a real difference to running costs.
The range currently covers models from 67 kW to 525 kW. It uses R32 refrigerant, which has up to a third less global warming potential than the older R410A refrigerant found in many existing systems. Other features include Rapid Boost Mode for fast heat-up when you need to bring a pool to temperature quickly, top or side discharge options on the smaller models for flexible installation, and built-in solar compatibility so the unit can prioritise solar power when it’s available.
The warranty covers 1 year labour, 5 years parts, and 25 years on the heat exchanger.
Where They Differ
Both ranges share titanium heat exchangers, marine grade aluminium construction, Rheem IQ control and Australian manufacturing. Here’s where they part ways (for the full specs, see the Premium Commercial Series brochure on Rheem’s website):
| Premium Commercial | Wave Series | |
| Capacity range | 41–540 kW | 67 – 525kW |
| Compressor | Fixed speed (staged) | Inverter scroll (variable speed) |
| COP (heating mode) | 5.3–5.7 | 6.7–7.2 |
| Night Mode COP | N/A | 9.2–9.9 |
| Refrigerant | Varies by model | R32 (lower GWP) |
| Rapid Boost | No | Yes |
| Solar compatible | No | Yes |
| BMS protocol | BMS, CBus | BACnet, Modbus |
| Heat exchanger warranty | 10 years* | 25 years* |
Our Recommendation
After years of installing and servicing both ranges, here’s how we’d guide you.
If you need more than 250 kW
The Premium Commercial Series is the only option. It covers up to 540 kW and has a 30-year track record behind it. For large aquatic centres and multi-pool facilities, it’s the proven choice.
If you’re within the 67–525 kW range
The Wave Series deserves serious consideration. The higher COP and Night Mode can deliver real savings over the life of the unit, particularly if your facility heats overnight on off-peak electricity. For learn-to-swim centres, gym lap pools and smaller aquatic centres, it’s shaping up to be the stronger pick.
Here’s a quick guide by situation:
| Situation | What we’d suggest |
| You have solar, or plan to install it | Wave Series. It can prioritise free solar energy when available, further reducing your electricity costs. |
| Your site has noise restrictions | Wave Series. Night Mode runs significantly quieter than the fixed-speed compressors in the Premium Commercial range. |
| You heat overnight on off-peak tariffs | Wave Series. Night Mode COP of 9.2–9.9 makes a genuine difference when you’re running for hours at a time. |
| Upfront cost is the main concern | It depends on the capacity you need. The Premium Commercial’s lower-capacity models (38–66 kW) may come in at a lower purchase price. But factor in running costs over the unit’s life, and the Wave Series often works out more economical. We’re happy to run the numbers for you. |
Every site is different. Pool volume, daily usage patterns, your electricity tariff and whether you have solar all play a part. We’d rather give you an honest recommendation based on your actual setup than push one range over the other.
Need Help Deciding?
We’ve been installing, servicing and repairing Rheem commercial pool heat pumps for years. If you want someone to look at your site and give you a straight recommendation, get in touch via our contact page. We’ll walk you through what makes sense for your setup.
You might also find these helpful:
- Pool heater installation (what to expect when we install your heat pump)
- Pool heater repairs (servicing and repairs for all major brands)•
- About us (our story and why we do things differently)
