new pool owner: many questions

[acpatel]

OK. Had a pool growing up, tech seems to have changed a lot! Apologies if I've deviated from spec on the posting.

Pool is in Massachusetts -- Boxborough to be specific.

Pool is an inground oval 18x36 SeeBlue installed in 2000 or so. Estimated capacity 18700 gallons.

Pool has a non-functional EUS PE52 Mark 6 heat pump.

No cover, Polaris 165 skimmer that has its front wheel taped up and a float hose that's too long.

Pump is a Hayward Super Pump C48K2N143B1, 1 HP, VOLTS-115/230, AMPS-15.0/7.5, HZ-60, SF-1.1, 0.75 KW, 3450 RPM

Biggest questions:
1) solar covers seem out of favor, but heat loss at night here will be bad, so I think I should get one -- type? color? mils?
2) pool robot -- which kind? don't want to spend summer vacuuming like I did as a kid if possible
3) autoreel for cover? inground automatic cover?
4) heat pump heater +/- solar heater. cost? diy options?

Will certainly search and read and post in other locations, but figured a starter/intro post was in order.

Thanks,
Anand

 

[duraleigh]

1. Solar covers don't last all that long regardless of brand or mil....pick one you like but don't expect more than maybe three active seasons.

2. There is an article in Pool School that may help but their simply is no "best" brand or model of cleaner

3. Lot's of folks use manual reels. Inground automatic cover is going to be a large expense in the thousands, I think.

4.. I can't answer #4