Heater/chiller comes with pool as "off season special." Is it worth it?

[Osmigo]

We're still designing and planning our shotcrete pool down here near San Antonio, TX. The pool will be 11' X 23' with a white finish. I have a couple of questions:

First, as an "off season special," they (Gary Pools) are throwing in a Hayward HeatPro 100,000 BTU heater/chiller and a couple of other things. It's my understanding that these pool heaters can use a HUUUUUUGE amount of electricity. I was advised to just turn it on, heat up the water a little, and turn it off, don't just let it run and run or your electric bill can easily run up into hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Thoughts or advice? Is this thing so expensive to operate it's not even worth hassling with?

My second question pertains to the "chiller" part of it. Does it use as much electricity as the heater part? I've heard of backyard pool temps getting into the upper 90s down here in the summer, so it might be nice to have, but if this device is just a big money-vacuum, I might just pass, even though it comes free with the pool.

Thanks, I really appreciate your help as we go through this complicated learning process.

 

[pjt]

It's my understanding that these pool heaters can use a HUUUUUUGE amount of electricity.

My HP uses ~5.5 kW, approximately the same power as an air conditioner.

I was advised to just turn it on, heat up the water a little, and turn it off, don't just let it run and run or your electric bill can easily run up into hundreds and hundreds of dollars.

It operates like any other heater. You command a setpoint temperature, it operates until that temperature is reached, then it shuts off.

Is this thing so expensive to operate it's not even worth hassling with?

No, I don't think so. It heats the water very efficiently, albeit slowly. I use mine in the spring and fall to extend my swim season, as well as chill the water during summer swim parties. Otherwise, it sits idle.

My second question pertains to the "chiller" part of it. Does it use as much electricity as the heater part?

Yes. However, it doesn't use that much electricity and it's definitely worth it. A few degrees makes a big difference.

if this device is just a big money-vacuum, I might just pass, even though it comes free with the pool.

You're going to spend a large amount of money on your pool build. It's reasonable to spend a comparatively tiny amount of money to get full enjoyment from it.

 

[Newdude]

Is this thing so expensive to operate it's not even worth hassling with?

That's entirely too subjective. To some, $200 a month (random guess for TX) is worth extending the season, or making it less bath like in the summer.

On the plus side, you will be well under 10k gallons so it will take less to heat/cool.

You could sell it on year two for a pretty penny if you didn't think the costs were justified once you road tested it.

 

[PoolBrews]

It sounds like your pool is similar in size to mine - I have 6,750 gallons. My heater is 144K BTU, so about 50% bigger than yours. In addition, the 100K heater/chiller is less efficient than the 144K model, so will run a bit longer. This time of year, my heater runs for anywhere from 2-4 hours per day, so I would expect yours to run 4-8 hours a day. If you are putting up a screened enclosure over the pool, you won't need the chiller - the screen knocks down the sun's UV by quite a bit (my pool never gets above 90 in the summer, and that feels good when its high 90's or low 100's). I would always opt for the biggest heater you can get. The bigger heaters are more efficient and, because they run less to attain your desired temp, they should last longer. My heater costs anywhere from $50-$75 per month to run this time of year to maintain a pool temp of 89 degrees.

 

[Osmigo]

Many thanks for the replies. It's always awkward being a newbie and asking naive questions. I looked at the amperage for the heater it comes out to costing about 75 cents an hour to operate.