Newbie from Sonoma, CA - Construction Began 1/26/22

[dl41]

Hi Everyone, I am a complete noob to pool ownership. I am so glad I found this site. This is a very helpful site and community.

Our project started a month ago. We are excited about the progress. It is a 46' x 20' pool with a 7' x 7' spa. Here are some progress photos.

We are selecting heating equipment at the moment. We want to be environmentally conscious and use less NG. Temp drop below 50F at night in the summer here. I hear that heat pumps don't really work below 50F. Does anyone have experience with Artic Heat Pumps? Pool Heat Pumps - Heat Pumps for Pools & Spas | Arctic Heat Pumps

Thanks,
dl41

 

[Rocket J Squirrel]

I think I see a rectangular pool with level integrated spa. If that's what you're building, the best thing to add is an auto-cover. I hope that's in your plans.

 

[dl41]

@Rocket J Squirrel
Yes, a motorized pool cover is part of our construction project. A pool cover vault is being built under the coping. It will cover the pool and integrate spa.

Thanks for the advice. Any other advice is welcomed.

 

[Newdude]

Hey DL and Welcome !!!

We want to be environmentally conscious and use less NG.

My HP burned through some serious coal at the power co. Just sayin.

I hear that heat pumps don't really work below 50F

HP's lose alot of efficiency at 70. They lose the ability to work around 60. (Give or take). But you should be able to work around the cool nights by heating during the day. The HP excells at heating an already warm pool. Your cover will stop evaporation where 70% of your heat loss comes from, so you'll only have to make up a few degrees the next day.

 

[dl41]

Hey DL and Welcome !!!


My HP burned through some serious coal at the power co. Just sayin.

Thanks @Newdude. I hear you about the power company burning dinosaur remains. Fortunately for us, we have solar panels that generate enough power that we sell back to the grid for about 5 hours a day.

HP's lose alot of efficiency at 70. They lose the ability to work around 60. (Give or take). But you should be able to work around the cool nights by heating during the day. The HP excells at heating an already warm pool. Your cover will stop evaporation where 70% of your heat loss comes from, so you'll only have to make up a few degrees the next day.

That's a good tip about heating during the day. If I went with a HP, then I would probably heat the pool during times when I am generating excess power from the solar panels.

 

[Newdude]

Fortunately for us, we have solar panels

Totally changes the equation

. If I went with a HP, then I would probably heat the pool during times when I am generating excess power from the solar panels.

Yup. Just like that. Besides working in the first place, (which it may not under 60) it will be far more efficient during the warm parts of the day, alot like the solar panels. The cover will help reduce the overnight heat loss and you won't have as much ground to make up the next day.