Suggestions for AGP Heater?

[drdjsmm]

I have a 28' round AGP. It has a flexible liner and a deep end. I have a 2 hp motor and 300lb sand filter. I live in Northwest Missouri.

I would like to extend my pool a little longer in the fall, and also open it a little earlier in the spring (March was 80-90 here this spring but couldn't get the water hot till mid May).

What is the best type of heater for my situation - electric, gas, other??

Also, I have the pool completely covered by decking. Can I put foam sheets of insulation around the walls of the pool under the deck, or do you think that would help keep the heat in at all?

 

[britinusa]

Most of the heat is lost through evaporation, I have a heat pump heater which is good for me as my pool gets little to no sun so it heats it up and maintains the temp.
A gas heater will heat the pool quicker but will cost more to run.
Im not sure about solar.

 

[Bama Rambler]

I'd go with solar panels and gas as a backup if you're serious about wanting to swim in the season fringe. Solar will probably do it alone most of the time.

 

[drdjsmm]

Cost isn't a major issue, but the more we keep in our pocket the better.

I have a great solar cover that almost eliminated chemicals this summer. It helps keep it up, but we lose a lot at night.

Do you think one set of solar panels would do the trick? Or should we use more?

What type of gas heater for backup?

Thanks so far!

 

[Bama Rambler]

To be most efficient, you should get close to as many sqft in panels as your pool surface has.

The larger the heater the better.

 

[drdjsmm]

So I would need a little over 600 sq feet. Is my pump strong enough for that?

Thanks!

 

[linen]

Where will your panels be located in relation to the pool?

Most likely your pump will handle more fine (your pump appears that it might be oversized anyway). I would plumb them in parallel.

 

[drdjsmm]

I would put them to the west (straight out from the pool in the picture) or to the north side (to the right of the pool in the picture). The pump is under the stairs to the right of the pool.

The trees in the picture are 30-40 foot from the deck. But off that side of the deck is really high, about 12 foot or so.

 

[linen]

Nice deck setup!

I think your placement would be fine...it is best to have the panels at an angle facing south (or close to south...mine are southwest).