We have a 27' above ground pool (approximately 20k gallons) and are contemplating buying a heater for this year. I've been doing some research but am unsure what would be the best option for us. Here is some info on our situation:
1. The pool is used a lot during the summer. My wife is a teacher so her and the kids use it almost every day from June through August. Ideally we're looking to maintain a more consistent temp in the mid 80s. We also like to swim in the evening/night on weekends during summer. Extending the swimming season isn't a major factor as we are pretty busy when school is in session.
2. We use a solar cover whenever the pool isn't being used. Pool is in full sun from 9AM to approximately 5PM during the summer.
3. The pool is approximately 80' from the natural gas meter. We have electric run to the pool for the pump (one of those three prong twist plug ins) and then a double outlet for extras. I have no idea on how many amps. I checked out the circuit breaker box but it doesn't look like everything is labeled correctly.
4. We contemplated solar panels at one time but we don't have any spare ground space. The house is approximately 50' from the pool and is a two story. To be honest I'm not sure about them on the roof as I believe they need to be drained/serviced for winter and the roof is too steep for me to go up on.
5. I checked our electric bill and we pay approximately $0.10642 per kWh (including tax - ComEd). I couldn't find a recent natural gas bill (Nicor) bill but the website says $0.27 per therm (not sure if this includes tax).
6. We live in the suburbs of Chicago.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions/advice!
1. The pool is used a lot during the summer. My wife is a teacher so her and the kids use it almost every day from June through August. Ideally we're looking to maintain a more consistent temp in the mid 80s. We also like to swim in the evening/night on weekends during summer. Extending the swimming season isn't a major factor as we are pretty busy when school is in session.
2. We use a solar cover whenever the pool isn't being used. Pool is in full sun from 9AM to approximately 5PM during the summer.
3. The pool is approximately 80' from the natural gas meter. We have electric run to the pool for the pump (one of those three prong twist plug ins) and then a double outlet for extras. I have no idea on how many amps. I checked out the circuit breaker box but it doesn't look like everything is labeled correctly.
4. We contemplated solar panels at one time but we don't have any spare ground space. The house is approximately 50' from the pool and is a two story. To be honest I'm not sure about them on the roof as I believe they need to be drained/serviced for winter and the roof is too steep for me to go up on.
5. I checked our electric bill and we pay approximately $0.10642 per kWh (including tax - ComEd). I couldn't find a recent natural gas bill (Nicor) bill but the website says $0.27 per therm (not sure if this includes tax).
6. We live in the suburbs of Chicago.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions/advice!