Chiller - Performance/Cost?

[lardo5150]

I was considering doing the H/C combo with the Pentair UltraTemp 140.

How well do these chillers work? I know about a few weeks here in Dallas at the end of July that my pool will hit 90/91. Would love to drop it to 85.
How long does that take with the Pentair?
Energy Usage - I have seen a few posts here talking about how expensive it is to use this feature. I assume it costs more than to use the chiller compared to the heater?
I have seen a few posts where it talks about these combos, and how they really dont do the chiller part that well?

Anyone have this unit?

 

[Newdude]

I am never a fan of combo units. You are guaranteed to have half of the unit not working one day, and then either need to replace the good half too or live without.

That said, we all only have so much budget and equipment pad space. Just food for thought.

 

[ajw22]

I am never a fan of combo units. You are guaranteed to have half of the unit not working one day, and then either need to replace the good half too or live without.

That said, we all only have so much budget and equipment pad space. Just food for thought.

In general I agree with you about combo units when two devices are stapled together in one housing.

A heat pump chiller is the same parts working backwards. It is unlikely the heating or cooling will fail with the other working.

That said, a Glacier Cooler is more efficient in cooling a pool then the HP.

 

[shaded_water01]

When I want to drop temperature I sub in these fountain/sprinlers on a two jets. Then, I run the pump fully overnight, and it nets a 2-3 degree temperature drop per night.

Poolmaster Pool and Spa Waterfall Fountain for In Ground and Above Ground Swimming Pools​

 

[pjt]

I have a H/C heat pump. You'll only need to chill a few days each summer, so the energy cost is negligible. However, lowering the pool temperature a few degrees makes a big difference.

 

[duraleigh]

I would consider a pool cooler like shaded water 01 posts above.

You can make them for free and they are quite effective.

Here is a thread and pic of mine ( "a cheap pool cooler" ) that I enjoyed for years..........particularly the free Part!

Cooling A Pool - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[lardo5150]

Thanks all.
Wife was interested, I was curious how the lifespan of this combo units are.
Do people report more problems with the combo units as opposed to the single H