Zodiac Z550 iQ pool heat pump – Where premium efficiency meets full inverter perfection

If you find the Z400 too weak (12.5 kW is not enough for a 60 m³ pool).

If you want COP 12 (flotide-level efficiency + Zodiac design).

If you need ECOSILENCE mode (even quieter than the Z400).

If you want the longest season (April-October at -15°C to +40°C).

They researched the Zodiac Z400 iQ (€6,500, vertical, design, perfect).

The problem:

Problem #1: Z400 too weak for larger pools
Zodiac Z400 iQ MD5: Max. 12.56 kW heating capacity (for pools 45-70 m³). Your pool: 10 x 5m (50 m³) or larger (12 x 6m = 72 m³) → Z400 MD5 is at its limit (just barely manages 70 m³) → constantly runs at full power (loud, inefficient) → You want a reserve (more powerful pump for comfortable operation).

Problem #2: COP too low vs. Flotide
Zodiac Z400: COP 5.9 (at A28/W28). Flotide PX: COP 13.6 (at A27/W27). Difference: Flotide is 2.3x more efficient → saves massive amounts of electricity (€50/month vs. €120/month for the Z400). You want: Zodiac design (vertical, elegant) PLUS Flotide efficiency (COP >10) → the Z400 can't offer that (COP is limited).

Problem #3: No ECOSILENCE mode
The Z400 has a SILENCE mode (30 dB at 10m – very quiet). However, it lacks an ECOSILENCE mode (maximum efficiency combined with minimum noise – even quieter than SILENCE, with an even higher COP). If you want to heat at night (when electricity rates are cheaper) and need it to be completely silent , the Z400 SILENCE is very quiet, but ECOSILENCE would be even better .

Problem #4: Limited year-round suitability
Z400: Operates down to approximately -5°C outside temperature (good for German winters). Your wish: to use the pool in April as well (outside temperature 5-10°C in the morning, 0-5°C at night) → the Z400 works, but: at 0-5°C efficiency is significantly reduced (COP drops to 3-4) → inefficient . You want: a heat pump that still operates efficiently at -10 to -15°C → the Z400 is limited.

There is a solution. One that solves all four problems at once – the Zodiac luxury sedan.

The Zodiac Z550 iQ – the premium full-inverter heat pump (one class above the Z400). Its special features: Maximum heating output of 20 kW (instead of 12.5 kW – 60% more powerful), COP up to 12 (at partial load – almost on par with the Flotide), ECOSILENCE mode (combining maximum efficiency and minimum noise), suitable for year-round use down to -15°C (operates efficiently even at sub-zero temperatures).

What you will receive:

• Max. 20 kW heating output – 60% more powerful than Z400 (for pools up to 120 m³)
• COP up to 12 at partial load – almost Flotide level (2x higher than Z400)
• ECOSILENCE mode – maximum efficiency + minimum noise level (even quieter than Z400 SILENCE)
• Suitable for year-round use down to -15°C – works efficiently even in sub-zero temperatures
• Full inverter – Power output 3.6-20 kW steplessly (adapts perfectly)
• Fluidra Pool App – iAquaLink (WiFi included as standard, like Z400)
• Titanium heat exchanger – 10-year warranty (like Z400)
• R32 refrigerant – environmentally friendly (like Z400)
• 3 operating modes – BOOST (fast), SMART (automatic), ECOSILENCE (efficient + quiet)
• Heating + Cooling – Reversible Operation (like Z400)
• Zodiac Premium Design – modern look (like Z400, but larger)

The result: You pay €7,500-€10,000 (instead of €6,500 for the Z400) = €1,000-€3,500 more . What you get: 60% more power (20 kW instead of 12.5 kW) + COP 12 (instead of 5.9 – saving 50% on electricity) + ECOSILENCE mode + year-round suitability down to -15°C. For large pools (60-120 m³) and premium investors, the Z550 is the right choice (the Z400 would be too weak).

Wednesday, April, 7:00 a.m. Outside temperature 2°C (overnight frost). Z400 iQ: Still works (down to -5°C), but: COP drops to 3.5 (inefficient – ​​only 3.5 kW of heat from 1 kW of electricity) → high electricity costs . Z550 iQ: Works even at 2°C → COP 7-8 (efficient even in cold weather – full inverter technology) → 50% lower electricity costs than the Z400 at the same outside temperature.

The 5 most important advantages at a glance:

• COP up to 12 at partial load = almost Flotide level : Z400: COP 5.9 (standard inverter), Z550: COP up to 12 (full inverter – at partial load/maintenance mode), Flotide PX: COP 13.6 (full inverter), Z550 achieves almost Flotide efficiency (only 13% less), operating costs: €60-90/month (instead of €120 for Z400 – 40% saved)
• Max. 20 kW heating output = 60% more powerful than the Z400 : Z400 MD5: 12.5 kW max. (for pools up to 70 m³), ​​Z550 MD8/TD8: 20 kW max. (for pools up to 120 m³), ​​60% more power (sufficient even for large pools 10 x 6m = 60 m³, 12 x 6m = 72 m³), ​​runs comfortably at partial load (not constantly at full power like the Z400)
• ECOSILENCE mode = efficiency + quiet operation combined : BOOST mode: Maximum power (heats up quickly – slightly louder), SMART mode: Automatic adjustment (standard), ECOSILENCE mode: Maximum efficiency + minimum noise (COP increases, noise decreases – perfect for night operation), even quieter than the Z400 SILENCE (with a higher COP)
• Suitable for year-round operation down to -15°C = April-October season : Z400: Down to -5°C (works, but COP drops sharply below 5°C), Z550: Down to -15°C (works even at sub-zero temperatures – full inverter keeps COP stable), April start possible (outside temperature 5-10°C → Z550 heats efficiently), October end possible (outside temperature 0-5°C → Z550 heats efficiently), 1-2 months longer season than with Z400
• Full inverter 3.6-20 kW = perfect match : Z400: Standard inverter (3.25-12.5 kW – good match), Z550: Full inverter (3.6-20 kW – even more precise match), runs at 20% power (3.6 kW) in maintenance mode → maximum COP (12), runs at 100% power (20 kW) during heating → maximum speed

For whom is this top-of-the-line heat pump ideally suited?

The reality check : The Zodiac Z550 iQ is for people with large pools (60-120 m³) + efficiency optimizers + premium investors who want Z400 design + Flotide efficiency + maximum performance – and are willing to pay a top-class price for top-class quality.

✓ People with large pools (60-120 m³) – who need power
Your pool is 10 x 6m (60 m³) or larger (12 x 6m = 72 m³, 15 x 5m = 75 m³). Z400 MD5: 12.5 kW max. → for a 70 m³ pool → at its limit (runs at full power constantly = loud + inefficient). Z550 MD8: 20 kW max. → for a 120 m³ pool → Your 60-72 m³ pool runs comfortably at 60-70% power → quiet + efficient.

✓ Efficiency optimizers – people who want Zodiac design + Flotide COP
They love Zodiac design (vertical, elegant, stainless steel option). But: the Z400's COP of 5.9 is too low (Flotide has 13.6). They want: Zodiac design PLUS a high COP. Z550: COP up to 12 (at partial load) → almost Flotide level (only 13% less) → best combination (design + efficiency).

✓ People with a long season (April-October) – who need -15°C
You want to use the pool from April to October (7 months of season instead of 5). April: Morning outside temperature 0-5°C. Z400: Works, but COP drops to 3-4 (inefficient → high electricity costs). Z550: COP remains at 7-8 even at 0-5°C (full inverter works efficiently even in cold weather) → 50% lower electricity costs in April/October.

✓ Premium investors – people who want "the best of the best".
Your pool is premium (heat pump €10,000, BADU Delta €2,500, Pentair filter €2,000 – total €15,000+ pool equipment). You want: the best technology (no compromises). Z400: Very good (premium). Z550: The best (top class – Zodiac flagship). You choose the Z550 (because it's the best).

✓ People with 400V three-phase power – who can use the TD models
Your utility room has 400V three-phase power (like a stove or water heater). Z400: Only 230V (single-phase – standard socket). Z550 TD models: 400V (three-phase) → distributes load across 3 phases (instead of 1 phase) → lower current draw per phase → more stable operation → ideal if you have three-phase power.

✓ People who want to heat their homes at night (cheaper night-time electricity tariff)
You have a night-time electricity tariff (10 PM - 6 AM = 50% cheaper than during the day). You want to heat at night (save electricity). Problem: The heat pump must be completely inaudible at night (neighbor 10m away). Z550 ECOSILENCE mode: Maximum efficiency + minimum noise → perfect for night operation (inaudible + highest COP).

✓ People with saltwater + coastal areas (who need titanium + stainless steel)
Your pool has salt electrolysis + you live near the coast (10km from the sea – salty air). Z400: Titanium heat exchanger (saltwater resistant) + stainless steel housing (saltwater resistant) → perfect . Z550: Same premium materials (titanium + stainless steel option) → same quality as Z400 → durable even with saltwater + salty air.

Product description: When the Z400 is tuned to full inverter mode

The concept: Z550 = Z400 + Full Inverter + more performance

Zodiac Z400 iQ = Premium heat pump (vertical, design, COP 5.9, for pools up to 70 m³).

Zodiac Z550 iQ = Top-class heat pump (vertical optional, design, COP up to 12 , for pools up to 120 m³).

Differences:

feature	Z400 iQ	Z550 iQ
Maximum heating output	12.5 kW (MD5)	20 kW (MD8/TD8) (60% more powerful)
COP max.	5.9	12 (at partial load – 2x higher)
Inverter type	Standard inverter	Full inverter (more precise)
ECOSILENCE mode	No	Yes (efficiency + silence)
Suitable for year-round use	Down to -5°C	Down to -15°C (10°C lower)
air outlet	Vertical (upwards)	Horizontal (sideways – standard)
Price	€6,500	€7,500-10,000
Target audience	Pools up to 70 m³	Pools 60-120 m³

The Z550 is not "slightly better" than the Z400. The Z550 is "a class above" in efficiency and performance.

Important: The Z550 does NOT have a vertical air outlet (like the Z400) → air outlet is horizontal (sideways – like Flotide) → vertical advantage is lost → but you gain COP + performance .

COP up to 12 at partial load – almost Flotide level

COP comparison:

Under ideal conditions (A28/W28):

Z400 iQ: COP 5.9 (standard inverter)

Z550 iQ: COP up to 12 (Full-Inverter, at partial load/maintenance mode)

Flotide PX: COP 13.6 (Full-Inverter, at partial load)

Under realistic conditions (A15/W26):

Z400 iQ: COP 4.9

Z550 iQ: COP 7-8 (estimated – full inverter maintains a higher COP even in cold conditions)

Flotide PX: COP 7.2

Result: Z550 almost reaches Flotide level (at partial load) → only 13% less COP than Flotide → significantly better than Z400 (2x higher COP).

Why is the Z550 COP so much higher than the Z400?

Full inverter technology: The Z550 has a compressor and fan, both infinitely adjustable (like Flotide) → optimal adaptation to heat demand → highest efficiency .

Z400: Only compressor continuously adjustable (fan has fixed speeds) → less optimal → lower COP .

Operating cost comparison (60 m³ pool, 26°C target, May-September):

Z400 iQ: €100-140/month (due to COP 5.9).

Z550 iQ: €60-90/month (due to COP 12 at partial load) → 40% saved vs. Z400.

Flotide PX: €50-80/month (due to COP 13.6) → only 10-15% cheaper than Z550 → Z550 is almost equally efficient .

Max. 20 kW heating output – 60% more powerful than Z400

Performance comparison:

Z400 iQ MD5: 3.25-12.5 kW (power range).

Z550 iQ MD8/TD8: 7.0-20 kW (power range) → 60% more max. power .

Why is this important?

Large pools require power:

Example: Pool 10 x 6m (60 m³).

Z400 MD5 (12.5 kW max.): Runs at 90-100% power (almost full throttle) to maintain pool temperature → loud + inefficient (COP decreases at full throttle).

Z550 MD8 (20 kW max.): Runs at 60-70% power (comfortable) to maintain pool temperature → quiet + efficient (COP increases under partial load).

Plus: Heating is faster (from 20°C to 28°C):

Z400: 3-4 days (at 12.5 kW max.).

Z550: 2-3 days (at 20 kW max.) → 33% faster .

ECOSILENCE mode – efficiency + silence combined

The Z400 has 2 modes:

1. Boost Mode: Maximum power (heats up quickly – slightly louder, COP normal)
2. SILENCE Mode: Minimal volume (quiet – COP normal)

The Z550 has 3 modes:

1. BOOST Mode: Maximum performance (like Z400 Boost)
2. SMART Mode: Automatic adjustment (Standard – heat pump decides)
3. ECOSILENCE Mode: Maximum efficiency + minimum noise COMBINED → COP increases to 12 (at partial load) + noise decreases (even quieter than Z400 SILENCE)

How does ECOSILENCE work?

Compressor + fan run at the lowest speed (still necessary to maintain target temperature) → COP maximum (highest efficiency at partial load) + noise level minimum (low speed = quiet).

Practical:

Scenario: Pool temperature is 27°C (target 28°C – only a 1°C difference). Heating at night (cheaper electricity tariff).

Z400 SILENCE Mode: Runs quietly (30 dB at 10m) + COP 5.9 → Power consumption 0.5 kW/h.

Z550 ECOSILENCE Mode: Runs even quieter (25 dB estimated at 10m) + COP 12 → Power consumption 0.25 kW/h → 50% less power + even quieter .

Suitable for year-round use down to -15°C – 10°C lower than Z400

Outdoor temperature ranges:

Z400 iQ: Heating: -5°C to +40°C (works down to -5°C, switches off below that).

Z550 iQ: Heating: -15°C to +40°C (works even at sub-zero temperatures).

Why is this important?

April/October: Nighttime temperatures can drop to 0 to -5°C (late frost in April, early frost in October).

Z400: Still works (down to -5°C), but: At 0-5°C , the COP drops to 3-4 (inefficient).

Z550: Works even at -5°C → COP remains at 7-8 (Full inverter maintains efficiency even in cold conditions) → 50% lower electricity costs than Z400 at the same outside temperature.

Season extension:

With Z400: May-September (5 months – efficient at outside temperatures >5°C).

With Z550: April-October (7 months – works efficiently even at 0-5°C) → 2 months longer season .

Full inverter 3.6-20 kW – Perfect match

Standard inverter (Z400): Power continuously adjustable (3.25-12.5 kW), but: fan has fixed levels (e.g. 50%, 75%, 100%) → not perfectly matched.

Full-Inverter (Z550): Compressor + fan both infinitely variable (3.6-20 kW) → perfectly matched → highest efficiency .

Advantage:

Maintenance mode (pool is at target temperature, only needs to be maintained):

Z400: Runs at 30-40% power (4-5 kW) → COP 5.9 (normal).

Z550: Runs at 20% power (3.6 kW) → COP 12 (partial load optimization) → 2x more efficient than Z400 in maintenance mode.

Heating mode (pool is 8°C below target, needs to be heated quickly):

Z400: Runs at 100% power (12.5 kW) → COP 5.5 (decreases at full throttle).

Z550: Runs at 100% power (20 kW) → COP 8-9 (remains higher even at full throttle – full inverter advantage).

Fluidra Pool App – iAquaLink (like Z400)

WLAN module: Integrated as standard (like Z400).

Fluidra Pool App (= iAquaLink, same app as Z400):

Features: (identical to Z400)

• Set temperature
• Select modes (BOOST, SMART, ECOSILENCE)
• Heating/Cooling
• Program timer
• Check status
• Fault diagnosis

Same app as Z400 → if you have multiple Zodiac products (Z550 heat pump + Zodiac pool robot + Zodiac dosing pump) → everything can be controlled in one app .

Important: No vertical air outlet (like Z400)

Difference to Z400:

Z400: Vertical air outlet (cold air upwards – main advantage of the Z400).

Z550: Horizontal air outlet (cold air from the side – like Flotide, like standard heat pumps).

That means:

They lose the advantage of the Z400 (vertical outlet → 70% space saving, no cold air jet).

The Z550 requires: 3m of free space in front (like standard heat pumps) → no space advantage .

Why doesn't the Z550 have a vertical exhaust outlet?

Performance: 20 kW heating power requires a larger evaporator + stronger fan → vertical design would be too large → Zodiac opted for a horizontal design (like Flotide).

Trade-off:

Z400: Vertical (space advantage) + design, but: Less power (12.5 kW) + lower COP (5.9).

Z550: Horizontal (no space advantage), but: More power (20 kW) + higher COP (12) .

You must choose: space advantage (Z400) or efficiency + performance (Z550).

Technical specifications at a glance

Zodiac Z550 iQ Model Overview

Model	Maximum heating output.	Performance area	Recommended pool volume	Tension
MD4	12.5 kW	3.6-12.5 kW	30-55 m³	230V 1~
MD5	15.0 kW	3.6-15.0 kW	40-70 m³	230V 1~
TD5	15.5 kW	4.2-15.5 kW	45-75 m³	400V 3~
MD8	20.0 kW	7.0-20.0 kW	60-110 m³	230V 1~
TD8	20.0 kW	6.2-20.0 kW	60-120 m³	400V 3~

Example: Zodiac Z550 iQ MD8 (most popular model for large pools)

Heating output:

• For A28/W28: 7.0-20.0 kW (continuously adjustable)
• COP max.: Up to 12 (at partial load)
• COP at A15/W26: 7-8 (estimated)

Electrical data:

• Power consumption: Variable (depending on operating mode)
• Voltage: 230V / 1-phase (MD8) or 400V / 3-phase (TD8)

Operating area:

• Outdoor temperature for heating: -15°C to +40°C
• Cooling ambient temperature: +10°C to +40°C
• Pool temperature: 10-32°C
• Max. operating pressure: 2 bar

Volume:

• BOOST Mode: approx. 40-45 dB at 10m (estimated)
• SMART Mode: approx. 35-38 dB at 10m
• ECOSILENCE Mode: approx. 25-30 dB at 10m (very quiet)

Connection:

• Hydraulics: Ø 50mm (adhesive sockets)

Refrigerant:

• Type: R32 (GWP 675, environmentally friendly)

Heat exchanger:

• Material: Titanium (saltwater resistant)
• Warranty: 10 years

Steering:

• Fluidra Pool App / iAquaLink (integrated Wi-Fi)
• Display: Integrated
• Modes: BOOST, SMART, ECOSILENCE

Guarantee:

• Total: 3 years
• Compressor: 5 years
• Heat exchanger: 10 years

Manufacturer:

• Brand: Zodiac (Fluidra Group)
• Since: 1969

Scope of delivery

✓ Zodiac Z550 iQ heat pump (model of your choice, fully assembled)
✓ Fluidra Pool App / iAquaLink (integrated Wi-Fi)
✓ Vibration damper (height adjustable, pre-assembled)
✓ User manual (German)

Not included in the delivery:

• Bypass kit (recommended for installation)
• Connection hoses (50mm)
• Optional accessories (technical room kit, soundproofing, heating priority)
• Installation (professional recommended)

Why people choose the Zodiac Z550 iQ

"The Z400 was too weak for my 72 m³ pool (it ran constantly at full power – loud). The Z550 MD8: 20 kW (runs at 60% power – quiet and efficient). Perfectly sized."
– Mr. K., 52 years old, large pool

"I wanted Zodiac design (elegant) + Flotide efficiency (COP 13.6). Z400: COP 5.9 (too low). Z550: COP 12 (almost Flotide level). Best of both worlds."
– Ms. M., 48 years old, efficiency optimizer

"I heat at night (cheaper electricity tariff). Needed to be completely silent. Z550 ECOSILENCE mode: 25 dB at 10m (even quieter than the Z400 SILENCE). Plus COP 12 (highest efficiency)."
– Mr. S., 55 years old, night stoker

"I want a pool from April to October (7 months). April: 0-5°C night temperature. Z400: COP drops to 3-4 (inefficient). Z550: COP remains at 7-8 (efficient even in cold weather)."
– Ms. L., 50 years old, seasonal extender

"I have 400V three-phase power in the utility room. Z550 TD8: Uses 3 phases (distributes load – stable operation). Z400: Only 230V (1 phase – higher load per phase)."
– Mr. T., 58 years old, three-phase power user

Frequently Asked Questions – Honest Answers

Q: Is the Z550 (€9,000) worth it vs. the Z400 (€6,500)?
A: If pool >60 m³: Yes (Z550 is necessary – Z400 is too weak). If you want COP >10: Yes (Z550 achieves COP 12 – Z400 only 5.9). If pool <60 m³ + you want a vertical outlet: No (Z400 is better – Z550 doesn't have a vertical outlet). The Z550 is for large pools + efficiency optimizer.

Q: Why doesn't the Z550 have a vertical air outlet (like the Z400)?
A: Performance: 20 kW requires a larger evaporator and a more powerful fan → a vertical design would be too large/heavy → Zodiac opted for a horizontal design (like Flotide). Trade-off: The Z550 has more power and a higher COP , but loses the space advantage of the Z400.

Q: Is the Z550 more efficient than the Flotide PX?
A: Almost the same. Z550: COP 12 (at partial load). Flotide: COP 13.6 (at partial load). Difference: 13% lower COP for the Z550 → minimal → practically equally efficient. Operating costs: Z550: €60-90/month. Flotide: €50-80/month. Difference: €10-15/month → negligible .

Q: Will the Z550 MD8 fit my pool (10 x 6m, 60 m³)?
A: Yes (perfect). Z550 MD8: 20 kW max. (for pools up to 110 m³) → Your 60 m³ pool runs at 60-70% power (comfortable) → quiet + efficient. For smaller pools (40-55 m³): MD4 or MD5.

Q: Do I need 400V three-phase power (TD models) or is 230V sufficient (MD models)?
A: If you have 400V: TD models are recommended (distributes the load across 3 phases – more stable). If only 230V: MD models (1-phase – also works, but higher load per phase). TD is better (if available), but MD also works.

Q: Does the Z550 really work at -15°C outside temperature?
A: Yes (down to -15°C). Practically speaking: At -15°C, the COP drops (to approximately 4-5), but it still works. Relevance: In Germany, temperatures rarely fall below -10°C in April/October → the Z550 is sufficient for German winters. Advantage vs. Z400: The Z400 shuts off at -5°C → the Z550 still runs at -10°C.

Q: Is ECOSILENCE mode really quieter than Z400 SILENCE?
A: Yes (estimated 25-30 dB at 10m instead of 30-32 dB for the Z400). Plus: ECOSILENCE has a higher COP (12 instead of 5.9) → quieter and more efficient at the same time . The Z400 SILENCE is only quieter (COP remains the same).

Secure top-class efficiency + 20 kW power now

If you find the Z400 too weak. If you want COP 12 (flotide level). If you need ECOSILENCE. If you have large pools (60-120 m³).

The Zodiac Z550 iQ is built for people with large pools + efficiency optimizers + premium investors who want maximum performance + highest COP + Zodiac premium quality – and are willing to pay a premium price for premium efficiency.

COP 12. Full inverter. ECOSILENCE.

👉 Order the Zodiac Z550 iQ now

✓ Max. 20 kW heating output (60% more powerful than Z400)
✓ COP up to 12 at partial load (almost Flotide level – 2x higher than Z400)
✓ ECOSILENCE mode (combining efficiency and silence)
✓ Suitable for year-round use down to -15°C (works even in sub-zero temperatures)
✓ Full inverter 3.6-20 kW (perfect match)
✓ Fluidra Pool App (Wi-Fi included as standard)
✓ Titanium heat exchanger (10-year warranty)
✓ R32 refrigerant (environmentally friendly)
✓ 3 operating modes (BOOST, SMART, ECOSILENCE)
✓ Zodiac Premium since 1969

Or would it be better to seek advice first?

👉 Request a free consultation

✓ Non-binding
✓ Z400 vs. Z550 vs. Flotide – which one is right for you?
✓ MD4/MD5/MD8 sizing
✓ 230V vs. 400V decision

COP 12. They heat with air energy, not electricity.

The Zodiac Z550 iQ isn't "a better Z400." It's your efficiency revolution . Your full inverter perfection. Your 20 kW power. Fast Flotide COP (12 vs. 13.6). Zodiac premium quality. The efficient heart of your large pool – powerful, quiet, and absolutely optimized.

Your heated pool. Your superior efficiency. Your Zodiac Z550 iQ.