Hello all,
Disclaimer: I've searched. And searched. Lots of topics on pool heating, but I couldn't locate one that helped me nail down the monthly expense or discussed the Dept. of Energy cost estimates.
My wife and I are considering an in-ground steel pool on the order of 10 - 12k gallons. The monthly cost of maintaining pool temperature is a big consideration for us (like most...), as my wife prefers to swim in warm bath water. I have her talked down to the typical ~80 degree range but she'd really like it between 85 - 90F.
Either way, I found the operating expense estimates on the Department of Energy website and was pleasantly surprised at the low annual cost when used with a cover for our climate. For reference, we're in Southern Indiana so I used Chicago as the reference location. It seems to suggest that I could spend <$200/season total if I kept the pool open May - Sept and kept it below 82F. There are other assumptions around pool size, cover usage, energy cost (about right for where I live), etc.
https://energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-swimming-pool-heaters
I've read some horror stories on this site and from friends regarding pool heating expenses. If I was to set the heater permanently throughout the season and set it intelligently (run during the warm times of day, keep the temp down around 80) and religiously use a solar blanket, do you folks think I stand a reasonable chance of having my heating expenses in the same ballpark as the DOE estimates? Heck, I'd be happy spending twice the estimated amount ($400/season)... The pool will be located in pretty heavy sun from about 10AM until sunset.
Thanks!
Dan
Disclaimer: I've searched. And searched. Lots of topics on pool heating, but I couldn't locate one that helped me nail down the monthly expense or discussed the Dept. of Energy cost estimates.
My wife and I are considering an in-ground steel pool on the order of 10 - 12k gallons. The monthly cost of maintaining pool temperature is a big consideration for us (like most...), as my wife prefers to swim in warm bath water. I have her talked down to the typical ~80 degree range but she'd really like it between 85 - 90F.
Either way, I found the operating expense estimates on the Department of Energy website and was pleasantly surprised at the low annual cost when used with a cover for our climate. For reference, we're in Southern Indiana so I used Chicago as the reference location. It seems to suggest that I could spend <$200/season total if I kept the pool open May - Sept and kept it below 82F. There are other assumptions around pool size, cover usage, energy cost (about right for where I live), etc.
https://energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-swimming-pool-heaters
I've read some horror stories on this site and from friends regarding pool heating expenses. If I was to set the heater permanently throughout the season and set it intelligently (run during the warm times of day, keep the temp down around 80) and religiously use a solar blanket, do you folks think I stand a reasonable chance of having my heating expenses in the same ballpark as the DOE estimates? Heck, I'd be happy spending twice the estimated amount ($400/season)... The pool will be located in pretty heavy sun from about 10AM until sunset.
Thanks!
Dan
