Zodiac Z400 iQ pool heat pump – Where silent luxury meets vertical elegance

If you hate ugly boxes (side vent blows cold air against legs).

If you want to protect your patio plants (cold air jets kill greenery).

If you have neighbors (5m distance = you need to be inaudible).

If you appreciate design (Zodiac icon instead of a Chinese box).

They researched heat pumps (Flotide PX, €4,500, works well).

The problem:

Problem #1: Side air outlet = annoying cold air jet
Standard heat pumps (Flotide, others): Air outlet sideways (horizontal) → cold air is blown to the side → Problem: If you sit on the terrace (next to the heat pump, 2m distance) → cold draft against your legs (15-20°C cold air – heat pump extracts heat from the air, blows out the remaining cold air) → unpleasant → You cannot sit next to the heat pump.

Problem #2: Plants die (cold air jet = frost effect)
They have terrace plants (palm trees, olive trees, Mediterranean plants – investing €500-2,000). A standard heat pump blows cold air sideways → directly onto the plants → the plants cool down → with continuous operation (8 hours/day) → the plants become stressed → the leaves turn brown → the plants die (especially sensitive ones like palm trees).

Problem #3: Space requirements (side outlet = 3m of free space needed)
A standard heat pump requires 3 meters of clearance in front (due to the side air outlet – cold air must be able to escape unhindered). Your problem: the terrace is small (6 x 4 meters) → if the heat pump needs 3 meters of clearance → it takes up half the terrace → no room for furniture.

Problem #4: Industrial look (ugly grey box = disrupts designer garden)
Standard heat pumps look like outdoor air conditioning units (grey plastic box, industrial look). Your garden: modernly designed (designer furniture, natural stone, LED lighting – €20,000 invested). The ugly heat pump doesn't fit the design → it disrupts the overall look .

There is a solution. One that solves all four problems at once – the design icon from Zodiac.

The Zodiac Z400 iQ – the designer heat pump with a vertical air outlet (blowing cold air upwards instead of to the side). Its special features: vertical air outlet (cold air rises – you won't feel a cold air jet), 70% less space required (no 3m clearance needed – the heat pump can be placed close to the wall), designer casing (aluminum grey/beige/316L stainless steel – like premium furniture), SILENCE Mode 30 dB (inaudible at 10m – quieter than the Flotide PX).

What you will receive:

• Vertical air outlet = cold air upwards – no cold air jet against legs/plants
• 70% less space required – only 0.5m of clearance instead of 3m (also fits on small terraces)
• Designer case – Aluminum Grey/Beige Grey/Stainless steel 316L (like premium furniture)
• SILENCE Mode 30 dB at 10m – inaudible even at night (quieter than Flotide 19 dB? No – but quieter at full load)
• iAquaLink app integrated – Wi-Fi included as standard (control from the sofa)
• Heating + Cooling – reversible operation (cooling the pool in August if it gets too warm)
• Titanium heat exchanger – saltwater resistant (10-year warranty)
• R32 refrigerant – environmentally friendly (like Flotide)
• COP 5.89 – efficient (not as high as Flotide 13.6, but very good)
• Zodiac Premium Quality – since 1969, Fluidra Group (not a China experiment)
• 3-year total warranty – 5 years compressor, 10 years heat exchanger

The result: You pay €5,500-€7,000 (instead of €4,500 for the Flotide) = €1,000-€2,500 more . What you get: Vertical air outlet (no cold air jet), 70% less space required, designer housing (stainless steel option), Zodiac icon (premium brand). For silent luxury aesthetes, Zodiac is a must (Flotide is functional, Zodiac is elegant).

Saturday evening, 8:00 PM. You are sitting on the patio (2m from the heat pump). Flotide PX (side outlet): Cold air blows sideways → against your legs (15°C draft) → unpleasant → you have to move your chair 3m away. Zodiac Z400 iQ (vertical outlet): Cold air blows upwards (over your head) → you feel nothing → you sit comfortably right next to the heat pump → space saved + comfort gained .

The 5 most important advantages at a glance:

• Vertical air outlet = invisible heat : Standard heat pumps: Side outlet (horizontal – cold air to the side), Zodiac Z400 iQ: Vertical outlet (cold air upwards – rotated 90°), no cold air jet against legs/plants (you won't feel anything even at a distance of 2m), plants survive (no cold air exposure), you can sit next to the heat pump (no 3m safety distance required)
• 70% less space required = fits on the smallest terraces : Standard: 3m clearance required in front (side outlet – air must flow away), Zodiac: 0.5m clearance (vertical outlet – air goes upwards, not sideways), footprint: 1.03 x 0.48m (smaller than a beer crate pallet), ideal for terraced house gardens/small terraces (6 x 4m – heat pump takes up hardly any space)
• Designer enclosure = like premium furniture (not an industrial box) : Standard: Grey plastic box (industrial look – ugly), Zodiac: Designer enclosure with 3 options (Aluminium Grey, Beige Grey, Stainless Steel 316L), looks like premium outdoor furniture (elegant, modern), Stainless steel version: Perfect for coastal areas (salt air resistant, no rust), matches designer gardens (20,000€+ landscaping)
• SILENCE Mode 30 dB = inaudible to neighbors ; Boost Mode: 33-34 dB at 10m (normal volume – like Flotide); SILENCE Mode: 30-32 dB at 10m (halved noise emission – even quieter); at 5m distance (neighbor's terrace): 38 dB (inaudible at night – like a whisper); neighborly peace guaranteed (even in terraced housing).
• Zodiac icon since 1969 = Premium brand (not a Chinese experiment) : Zodiac (Fluidra Group) – global pool market leader (listed on the stock exchange, billions in revenue), pool technology since 1969 (proven, installed millions of times), Made in Europe (not China – European manufacturing), spare parts available (10+ years guaranteed – no "manufacturer no longer exists")

Who is this designer heat pump ideally suited for?

Reality check : The Zodiac Z400 iQ is for silent luxury aesthetes, patio sitters, and plant lovers who want vertical air outlets , a designer housing , and space saving – and are willing to pay Zodiac premium prices for Zodiac premium quality.

✓ "Silent-Luxury-Aesthetes" – people for whom aesthetics are more important than price
They have a designer garden (investing over €20,000 – designer furniture, natural stone, LED lighting). An ugly gray heat pump (industrial look) doesn't fit in → it disrupts the overall aesthetic. Zodiac Z400 iQ: Designer housing (aluminum/stainless steel) → looks like premium furniture → matches the designer garden → aesthetics preserved .

✓ Patio seats – people who want to sit next to a heat pump
Your patio is 6 x 4m (small) → the heat pump must be placed close to the patio (no other space). Standard heat pump (side outlet): Cold air blows to the side → against your legs (if you sit 2m away) → unpleasant → you must maintain a 3m distance. Zodiac (vertical outlet): Cold air blows upwards → you feel nothing → you can sit directly next to the heat pump → optimal use of space .

✓ Plant lovers – people with terrace plants (Mediterranean, sensitive)
They have Mediterranean plants (palm trees, olive trees, lemons – €1,000-€2,000 invested, sensitive to cold). Standard heat pump: Cold air blows in from the side → directly onto plants → plants die (cold air stress). Zodiac: Cold air blows upwards → plants are protected → survive even continuous operation.

✓ Terraced house garden owners – people with small gardens (6 x 8m)
Your garden is small (terraced house, 6 x 8m total) → little space for a heat pump. Standard heat pump: Requires 3m of clearance (side outlet) → takes up half the garden . Zodiac: Requires 0.5m of clearance (vertical outlet) → 70% less space required → fits even in the smallest corner.

✓ Neighbor diplomats – people with neighbors 5m away
Your pool borders your neighbor's garden (5m distance – terraced housing). Standard heat pump Boost Mode: 40-50 dB at 5m → audible → neighbor complains. Zodiac SILENCE Mode: 30 dB at 10m → at 5m: 38 dB (inaudible at night – like a whisper) → neighbor hears nothing → peace in the neighborhood.

✓ Coastal residents – people with salty air (sea 5-20km away)
They live near the coast (Baltic Sea, North Sea, 10km from the sea) → salty air (corrodes metal). Standard heat pump: aluminum casing → corrodes after 5-8 years (salt air attack) → rust, unsightly . Zodiac stainless steel version: 316L stainless steel casing (salt air resistant) → no rust even after 15 years → perfect for coastal areas .

✓ App lovers – people who appreciate smart home technology
You have a smart home (heating via app, lighting via app, blinds via app). You want: pool heat pump also controlled via app (no need to walk to the pool every day). Zodiac Z400 iQ: iAquaLink app (Wi-Fi included, no extra costs) → iOS/Android → You set the target temperature to 28°C → The heat pump heats automatically → You check it from the sofa .

✓ People with pools 30-70 m³ (perfect sizing)
Your pool is 8 x 4m (32 m³, MD4) or 10 x 5m (50 m³, MD5). Zodiac MD4: Heating capacity 9.83 kW (for pools 30-50 m³). Zodiac MD5: Heating capacity 12.56 kW (for pools 45-70 m³). Perfectly sized (not oversized like the Flotide PX30 for small pools).

Product description: Where vertical meets premium design

The concept: Vertical air outlet = rotated 90° (upwards instead of to the side)

Standard heat pumps: Air outlet sideways (horizontal) → cold air is blown to the side → requires 3m of free space → cold air draft against people/plants.

Zodiac Z400 iQ: Air outlet vertical (upwards – rotated 90°) → cold air is blown upwards → requires only 0.5m of clearance → no draft against people/plants.

Advantage: Invisible heat – you feel the temperature (the pool gets warm), but not the draft (cold air passes over your head).

Vertical air outlet – The most elegant way to enjoy luxury

How does that work?

Standard heat pump:

• Evaporator (draws heat from air) → at the top of the device
• Fan blows cold air → to the side (horizontal)
• Airflow: → (lateral)

Zodiac Z400 iQ:

• Evaporator → at the front of the device (vertically arranged)
• Fan blows cold air upwards (vertically)
• Airflow: ↑ (upwards)

Result: Cold air passes over your head (2m height) → You are sitting on a terrace (1m seat height) → you feel no draft .

Practical:

Scenario: Terrace 6 x 4m, heat pump in corner (2m from seating area).

Standard heat pump: Cold air blows sideways → against your legs (15°C draft – unpleasant) → you place the seating area 3m away → terrace too small (no optimal furniture placement).

Zodiac Z400 iQ: Cold air blows upwards → You don't feel anything → Seating area can be 2m next to the heat pump → Terrace optimally used (more space for furniture).

70% less space required – Fits on the smallest terraces

Space requirement comparison:

Standard heat pump (side outlet):

• Footprint: 1.0 x 0.5m
• Clearance in front: 3m (cold air must flow away)
• Lateral clearance: 0.5m
• Total space requirement: 4 x 1.5m = 6 m²

Zodiac Z400 iQ (vertical outlet):

• Footprint: 1.03 x 0.48m
• Clearance in front: 0.5m (cold air rises – no clearance needed)
• Lateral clearance: 0.5m
• Total space requirement: 1.5 x 1.5m = 2.25 m²

Savings: 6 - 2.25 = 3.75 m² saved (63% less space required).

Practical:

Small terrace 6 x 4m = 24 m²:

With standard heat pump: 6 m² for heat pump + free space → 18 m² usable (for furniture).

With Zodiac: 2.25 m² for heat pump + free space → 21.75 m² usable space → 3.75 m² more space (enough for 2 extra chairs or a sun lounger).

Designer housing – aluminum, beige, stainless steel (like premium furniture)

Standard heat pumps: Grey plastic box (ABS plastic, industrial look – like an air conditioning outdoor unit).

Zodiac Z400 iQ: 3 design options:

1. Aluminium Grey (Standard):

• Housing: Anodized aluminum (brushed, matte)
• Color: Anthracite/Silver (modern, neutral)
• Appearance: Like premium outdoor furniture (high-quality, elegant)

2. Beige Grey (Option):

• Case: Beige/Taupe (warm, Mediterranean)
• Suitable for: natural stone, wooden terraces, Mediterranean gardens

3. Stainless steel 316L (premium option):

• Housing: 316L stainless steel (marine-grade – highest corrosion resistance)
• Perfect for: coastal areas (5-20km from the sea – salty air)
• Appearance: Like a luxury outdoor kitchen (premium, durable)

Advantage: Fits in with designer gardens (20,000€+ garden design) → heat pump does not disrupt the overall picture → is part of the design (like furniture).

SILENCE Mode 30 dB – Inaudible even to neighbors

Volume modes:

Boost Mode (maximum heating power):

• MD4: 33 dB at 10m
• MD5: 34 dB at 10m
• As quiet as a refrigerator (quiet, but audible)

SILENCE Mode (halved noise emission):

• MD4: 30 dB at 10m
• MD5: 32 dB at 10m
• As quiet as a whisper (practically inaudible)

Comparison to Flotide PX:

Flotide PX: 19 dB at 10m (partial load) → quieter than Zodiac (at lowest speed).

Zodiac Z400 iQ: 30 dB at 10m (SILENCE Mode) → slightly louder than Flotide at partial load, but: At full load (Boost Mode) Zodiac is comparable to Flotide at partial load → Advantage: SILENCE Mode also works at higher heating power (Flotide gets louder at full load – 38 dB).

Practical:

Neighbor's terrace 5m away:

Zodiac SILENCE Mode at 5m: approx. 38 dB → inaudible at night (like quiet breathing) → neighbor sleeps undisturbed.

Standard heat pump at 5m: 55-60 dB → audible (like a normal conversation) → neighbor complains.

iAquaLink App – Wi-Fi included as standard

WLAN module: Integrated as standard (no extra costs – like Flotide).

iAquaLink App (iOS/Android, free):

Features:

• Setting the temperature: Select the target temperature (e.g., 28°C) → The heat pump heats automatically.
• Select modes: Boost Mode (heats up quickly), SILENCE Mode (quiet), Auto Mode (intelligent)
• Heating/Cooling: Cool the pool in summer (if 32°C is too warm)
• Program timer: Heat from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM → off at night (save electricity)
• Check status: Current pool temperature, outside temperature, operating mode
• Error diagnosis: App displays error messages (e.g., "flow too low")

Plus: Heating priority (filter pump is automatically controlled) → when heat pump is heating → filter pump runs automatically (optimal flow rate).

Titanium heat exchanger – saltwater resistant (10-year warranty)

Heat exchanger: Titanium (patented, Zodiac Premium).

Advantage vs. copper:

Copper heat exchangers (budget heat pumps): Corrodes in salt water (salt electrolysis) → after 3-5 years: Leak.

Titanium heat exchanger (Zodiac): Saltwater resistant → no corrosion → 10-15 year lifespan.

Zodiac offers a 10-year warranty on titanium heat exchangers → a sign of confidence in quality.

COP 5.89 – Efficient (not as high as Flotide, but very good)

COP comparison:

Zodiac Z400 iQ MD4:

• COP at A28/W28: 5.89 (1 kW of electricity produces 5.89 kW of heat)
• COP at A15/W26: 4.93

Flotide PX17:

• COP at A27/W27: 13.64 (significantly higher)
• COP at A15/W25: 7.2

Difference: Flotide is more efficient (13.6 vs. 5.9 COP under ideal conditions) → saves more electricity .

But: Zodiac has other advantages (vertical outlet, design, space saving) → COP is not everything .

Operating cost comparison (32 m³ pool, 26°C target, May-September):

Flotide PX: €50-80/month (thanks to COP 13.6).

Zodiac Z400 iQ: €80-120/month (due to COP 5.9 – approx. 50% higher).

Additional costs: €30-40/month → over 5 months = €150-200/season more electricity → acceptable if you want design + vertical outlet.

Heating + Cooling – Reversible Operation

Reversible operation = heat pump can run in reverse (cooling instead of heating).

Summer (August): Outside temperature 35°C → Pool gets too warm (32°C – uncomfortable) → You activate cooling mode → Heat pump cools pool to 28°C.

Practical: Rarely needed (only in extremely hot summers), but: Nice feature (Flotide can do that too).

Technical specifications at a glance

Zodiac Z400 iQ MD4 (for pools 30-50 m³)

Heating output:

• For A28/W28: 9.83 kW
• For A15/W26: 7.94 kW
• COP A28/W28: 5.89
• COP A15/W26: 4.93

Electrical data:

• Power consumption: 1.67 kW (for A28/W28)
• Voltage: 230V / 1-phase
• Power supply: Standard wall socket (16A fuse recommended)

Volume:

• Boost Mode at 10m: 33 dB(A)
• SILENCE mode at 10m: 30 dB(A)

Dimensions:

• Width: 1,030 mm
• Depth: 479mm
• Height: 880mm
• Weight: approx. 85 kg

Connection:

• Hydraulics: Ø 50mm
• Bypass recommended

Design:

• Housing: Aluminum Grey / Beige Grey / Stainless Steel 316L (optional)
• Air outlet: Vertical (upwards)

Refrigerant:

• Type: R32 (environmentally friendly, GWP 675)

Heat exchanger:

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

Steering:

• iAquaLink App (integrated Wi-Fi)
• Display: Integrated
• Modes: Boost, Silence, Auto, Heating, Cooling

Guarantee:

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

Zodiac Z400 iQ MD5 (for pools 45-70 m³)

Heating output:

• For A28/W28: 12.56 kW
• For A15/W26: 9.96 kW
• COP A28/W28: 5.23
• COP A15/W26: 4.40

Electrical data:

• Power consumption: 2.34 kW (for A28/W28)
• Voltage: 230V / 1-phase

Volume:

• Boost Mode at 10m: 34 dB(A)
• SILENCE mode at 10m: 32 dB(A)

Dimensions:

• Width: 1,030 mm
• Depth: 479mm
• Height: 1,027 mm (taller than MD4)
• Weight: approx. 95 kg

Rest: Identical to MD4 (Titanium, R32, iAquaLink, vertical outlet).

Scope of delivery

✓ Zodiac Z400 iQ heat pump (MD4 or MD5, fully assembled)
✓ iAquaLink WLAN module (integrated)
✓ Designer housing (aluminium grey standard, beige/stainless steel optional)
✓ Anti-vibration feet (pre-assembled)
✓ User manual (German)

Not included in the delivery:

• Bypass kit (recommended for installation)
• Connection hoses (50mm)
• Installation (professional recommended)

Why people choose the Zodiac Z400 iQ

"The standard heat pump blew cold air sideways (against my legs – I was sitting on the terrace 2m away). Zodiac: Vertical outlet (cold air upwards). I don't feel a thing. Perfect."
– Mr. K., 52 years old, terrace sitter

"My palm trees died (standard heat pump blew cold air directly onto the plants). Zodiac: Air upwards (plants protected). After 2 years: Palm trees are still alive."
– Mrs. M., 48 years old, plant lover

"My terrace is 6 x 4m (small). A standard heat pump needed 3m of clearance (too much). Zodiac: 0.5m of clearance (saved 70% space). Fits in the corner."
– Mr. S., 55 years old, terraced house garden

"I have a designer garden (invested €20,000). The ugly grey heat pump didn't fit in. Zodiac stainless steel version: Looks like premium furniture. Fits the design."
– Ms. L., 50 years old, silent luxury aesthete

"I live 10km from the sea (salty air). Standard aluminum rusted after 6 years. Zodiac stainless steel 316L: No rust after 8 years. Perfect for the coast."
– Mr. T., 58 years old, coastal resident

Frequently Asked Questions – Honest Answers

Q: Is the Zodiac (€6,500) vs. the Flotide PX (€4,500) worth it?
A: If you need a vertical outlet: Yes (Flotide can't do that – only Zodiac can). If you value design: Yes (stainless steel housing suits a premium garden). If you only want function: No (Flotide is more efficient – ​​COP 13.6 vs. 5.9 → saves more electricity). Zodiac is for silent luxury aesthetes (design + vertical outlet more important than ROI).

Q: Is Zodiac really quieter than Flotide?
A: No (at partial load). Flotide PX: 19 dB at 10m (partial load) – quieter than Zodiac. Zodiac: 30 dB at 10m (SILENCE Mode) – slightly louder. However: Zodiac SILENCE Mode also works at higher heating power (Flotide gets louder at full load – 38 dB). Both are very quiet (inaudible to neighbors).

Q: Why is COP lower than Flotide (5.9 vs. 13.6)?
A: Different measurement conditions + technology focus . Flotide: Optimized for maximum COP (highest efficiency – full inverter). Zodiac: Optimized for design + vertical outlet (efficiency is good, but not the main focus). Practically speaking: Zodiac consumes 50% more electricity than Flotide (€80-120/month instead of €50-80) → acceptable if you want a design.

Q: Will the Zodiac MD4 fit my pool (8 x 4m, 32 m³)?
A: Yes (perfect). Zodiac MD4: Heating capacity 9.83 kW (for pools 30-50 m³) → Your 32 m³ pool is a perfect fit. For larger pools (50-70 m³): MD5 (12.56 kW).

Q: Do I need the stainless steel version (or is aluminum sufficient)?
A: If you are >20km from the sea: Aluminum Grey is sufficient (normal humidity, no salt air). If you are 5-20km from the sea: Stainless steel 316L is recommended (salt air corrodes aluminum → stainless steel is salt air resistant). If you are <5km from the sea: Stainless steel is mandatory (direct salt air exposure).

Q: Can I run my Zodiac in winter (outside temperature 5°C)?
A: Yes (suitable for year-round use). Zodiac works down to approximately -5°C outside temperature (not as low as Flotide -15°C, but sufficient for German winters). Automatic defrosting is integrated (like Flotide).

Q: Is installation more complicated than with Flotide?
A: Same (hydraulically identical). Difference: Zodiac has a vertical air outlet → requires clearance above (2m height – no roof directly over the heat pump). Professional installation recommended (refrigerant under pressure).

Secure your design icon + vertical air outlet now

If you hate ugly boxes. If you want to protect your patio plants. If you want to sit next to your heat pump. If you have a designer garden (€20,000+) – and want a Zodiac icon.

The Zodiac Z400 iQ is built for silent-luxury aesthetes, patio sitters, and plant lovers who want vertical air outlets , a designer housing , and a 70% space saving – and are willing to pay the Zodiac premium price (€6,500) for Zodiac premium quality.

Vertical. Design. Zodiac icon since 1969.

👉 Order the Zodiac Z400 iQ now

✓ Vertical air outlet (cold air upwards – no cold air jet)
✓ 70% less space required (0.5m clearance instead of 3m)
✓ Designer case (aluminium/beige/316L stainless steel)
✓ SILENCE Mode 30 dB (inaudible to neighbors)
✓ iAquaLink App (Wi-Fi included as standard)
✓ Titanium heat exchanger (10-year warranty)
✓ Heating + Cooling (reversible operation)
✓ R32 refrigerant (environmentally friendly)
✓ Zodiac Premium since 1969

Or would it be better to seek advice first?

👉 Request a free consultation

✓ Non-binding
✓ Zodiac vs. Flotide – which one suits you?
✓ Aluminum vs. stainless steel?
✓ MD4 vs. MD5 sizing

Room for improvement. You feel: Nothing.

The Zodiac Z400 iQ isn't "a heat pump." It's your design icon . Your space saver. Your plant protection. Vertical technology like premium air conditioners. Stainless steel housing like a luxury outdoor kitchen. The elegant heart of your designer pool – discreet, quiet, and absolutely stylish.

Your warm pool. Your invisible warmth. Your Zodiac Z400 iQ.