We moved about 8 months ago from the house that had a pool to a new house without a pool. We are starting design on what we want at the new house.
We had the big party pool at the old house. It was nice but I don't need something that big. We just need something to get in when it is hot and float/sit in to cool down. We would also like a spa for the winter time. I'm thinking of trying to combine these two. Can it be done? We are thinking of a 10x20 ft spa in ground about 5500 gals once all the seats/steps are accounted for.
We were in one at a resort over the winter and agreed this was "enough" pool for us. What I would want to do is keep the pool at 85-90 degrees from beginning of March to end of September and 100-105 degrees from begining of October to end of February.
This is obviously going to require a cover. During the winter months and maybe one a little on the opening month or 2. I have no problem keeping the pool rectangular to make this easier.
First thought was an autocover. Lots of pros on the easy to use side. But will it provide the R value needed to keep me from going broke heating the thing in the winter? No where can I find any info on R values for any of the systems on the market. Any one got any experience with these doing something similar?
Second thought was a set of thick foam core spa style covers. Will have the R value. Assuming I can get anything I need custom made. Down side is ease of use. Was thinking of 4 10 ft long and 5 ft wide sections. Leave it off during the summer (no issue with storage), put it on during the winter. Take off 2 sections when we want to use it as a hot tub. That gets us a 10x10 tub. 2 people taking off a 10x5 section doesn't see too difficult.
Thoughts? Experiences with something similar? I'm leaning toward this being possible with the spa style covers. But would love to hear the auto cover can get the job done and make life easier.
We had the big party pool at the old house. It was nice but I don't need something that big. We just need something to get in when it is hot and float/sit in to cool down. We would also like a spa for the winter time. I'm thinking of trying to combine these two. Can it be done? We are thinking of a 10x20 ft spa in ground about 5500 gals once all the seats/steps are accounted for.
We were in one at a resort over the winter and agreed this was "enough" pool for us. What I would want to do is keep the pool at 85-90 degrees from beginning of March to end of September and 100-105 degrees from begining of October to end of February.
This is obviously going to require a cover. During the winter months and maybe one a little on the opening month or 2. I have no problem keeping the pool rectangular to make this easier.
First thought was an autocover. Lots of pros on the easy to use side. But will it provide the R value needed to keep me from going broke heating the thing in the winter? No where can I find any info on R values for any of the systems on the market. Any one got any experience with these doing something similar?
Second thought was a set of thick foam core spa style covers. Will have the R value. Assuming I can get anything I need custom made. Down side is ease of use. Was thinking of 4 10 ft long and 5 ft wide sections. Leave it off during the summer (no issue with storage), put it on during the winter. Take off 2 sections when we want to use it as a hot tub. That gets us a 10x10 tub. 2 people taking off a 10x5 section doesn't see too difficult.
Thoughts? Experiences with something similar? I'm leaning toward this being possible with the spa style covers. But would love to hear the auto cover can get the job done and make life easier.
