Imminent pool build start in about 2 weeks. We're still deciding on whether to do solar initially or wait. If we don't do it right away, I'm going to insure we plan for it. I do have a few questions...
1. I have a neighbor that had solar installed here in Austin, TX and he thinks it was a waste of money. I suppose this could be affected by a lot of things. I plan to DIY so I'll save a lot and my house faces mostly south with a little western tilt so I get good direct sun whereas he faces west. Curious if there's any feedback from other Texans? You feel like it extends the season for you? What about any additional benefits of cooling the pool at night during peak summer months?
2. I'm thinking of plumbing this way - http://www.h2otsun.com/pools/index.html#NotBuilt, but have a couple questions...
a. Do most of you heat the spa and have it spill over into the pool? Is there any concern of losing heat in the spill over as well as it seems like the heat would be somewhat concentrated in that area?
b. I don't really understand the need for the 3 way valve? Can someone explain to me the need to have plumbing between the 3 way and the solar spa return?
Thanks,
Benjie
1. I have a neighbor that had solar installed here in Austin, TX and he thinks it was a waste of money. I suppose this could be affected by a lot of things. I plan to DIY so I'll save a lot and my house faces mostly south with a little western tilt so I get good direct sun whereas he faces west. Curious if there's any feedback from other Texans? You feel like it extends the season for you? What about any additional benefits of cooling the pool at night during peak summer months?
2. I'm thinking of plumbing this way - http://www.h2otsun.com/pools/index.html#NotBuilt, but have a couple questions...
a. Do most of you heat the spa and have it spill over into the pool? Is there any concern of losing heat in the spill over as well as it seems like the heat would be somewhat concentrated in that area?
b. I don't really understand the need for the 3 way valve? Can someone explain to me the need to have plumbing between the 3 way and the solar spa return?
Thanks,
Benjie