Hello!
Reaching out to the forum to get some advice. Our little pool (8k gallons see sig for link) has one flaw...no heater! I had assumed since this is Houston and it's hot as, well, you know what during the summer and we have no spa that we didn't need a heater. So when we built the pool not only did we opt out of a heater, but we didn't run gas! And the gas line is on the other side of the house from the pool. Running a line would mean one of two things: killing our path on the side of the house and then having to run it around the back of the pool. Oh, and of course killing the irrigation in the process. Or two, boring under 16' of concrete driveway and then ruining the front yard grass, which is not quite as bad as the back. And irrigation as well.
So we're thinking of heat pumps. The pool is plenty hot in the summer and actually might benefit from a bit of cooling, as it can get in the low 90's some days. But mainly, of course, we are looking to extend the season, and use it when the temp jumps up. For instance, we had a few days this week that were in the high 70's, low 80's, and it would have been nice to swim some laps. And in March, early April when the weather is warm-ish, (consistent 60's to 70's) and late into October it would be nice to be able to continue to use the pool.
I understand from searching that the heat pump takes a longer time to heat up. And that it's more expensive. But if I can avoid the cost of landscaping repairs and / or boring under the driveway, that might make up for it in part. I don't have a cover, but seems like we'll need to get one if we are going to get serious about keeping the pool warm and keeping it up to temperature.
Thoughts are appreciated!
Reaching out to the forum to get some advice. Our little pool (8k gallons see sig for link) has one flaw...no heater! I had assumed since this is Houston and it's hot as, well, you know what during the summer and we have no spa that we didn't need a heater. So when we built the pool not only did we opt out of a heater, but we didn't run gas! And the gas line is on the other side of the house from the pool. Running a line would mean one of two things: killing our path on the side of the house and then having to run it around the back of the pool. Oh, and of course killing the irrigation in the process. Or two, boring under 16' of concrete driveway and then ruining the front yard grass, which is not quite as bad as the back. And irrigation as well.
So we're thinking of heat pumps. The pool is plenty hot in the summer and actually might benefit from a bit of cooling, as it can get in the low 90's some days. But mainly, of course, we are looking to extend the season, and use it when the temp jumps up. For instance, we had a few days this week that were in the high 70's, low 80's, and it would have been nice to swim some laps. And in March, early April when the weather is warm-ish, (consistent 60's to 70's) and late into October it would be nice to be able to continue to use the pool.
I understand from searching that the heat pump takes a longer time to heat up. And that it's more expensive. But if I can avoid the cost of landscaping repairs and / or boring under the driveway, that might make up for it in part. I don't have a cover, but seems like we'll need to get one if we are going to get serious about keeping the pool warm and keeping it up to temperature.
Thoughts are appreciated!