- May 30, 2012
- 1,622
- Pool Size
- 17000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool Edge-40
I have a dilemma. I was thinking of DIY solar, but decided to call an installer to see how an installed cost compared. As soon as I told him where I lived he would only quote a DIY kit (5 Sunsaver panels and all other supplies). Supposedly in Lakeway TX you have to run any water lines inside the house, and the installer won't do that on solar panels. Now I'm afraid to install myself, since the panels will be viewable from the street (where inspectors drive by daily tagging people). So unless I run a Solar Bear on the ground, I really don't want to risk any additional investment in solar.
So... my question is about Heat Pumps. They appear to be the cheapest way to heat a pool other than solar. My pool is 15-16K gallons, 370 sq ft., I figure maybe a 120BTU unit? Are they very good at "on demand" heat (say I only want to swim from 5-6 every other day), can I turn it on at 8 AM and have +10 degrees by 5? Don't want to mess with a cover (very odd shape with 1/2 the edging raised stone walls). I used tis cost estimator: http://www.aquacal.com/heat-pump-operating-cost-estimator/3 and it's not that expensive to heat the pool from April to October.... and probably less if I only use it a few times a week. I do have a .75" propane line at the pump, but probably not large enough, and propane cost is way to high to mess with.
So... my question is about Heat Pumps. They appear to be the cheapest way to heat a pool other than solar. My pool is 15-16K gallons, 370 sq ft., I figure maybe a 120BTU unit? Are they very good at "on demand" heat (say I only want to swim from 5-6 every other day), can I turn it on at 8 AM and have +10 degrees by 5? Don't want to mess with a cover (very odd shape with 1/2 the edging raised stone walls). I used tis cost estimator: http://www.aquacal.com/heat-pump-operating-cost-estimator/3 and it's not that expensive to heat the pool from April to October.... and probably less if I only use it a few times a week. I do have a .75" propane line at the pump, but probably not large enough, and propane cost is way to high to mess with.