Hey all you swimming pool experts - PLEASE HELP!!

[BuzzBoyMom]

I usually hang out in the cruise boards, but I'm faced with one of those decisions where DH comes home and says - we've got to make this decision now!! I panic, tell him I need to do some research - I google the topic and can't really find anything. To relieve my stress, I turn to the disboards and realize you guys might be able to help!!

Here goes - we're putting in a very large (the largest this company makes...I forget the specs) inground pool...L shaped. We originally planned on doing the heat pump route for the pool heater. DH called our propane company today and they can throw a 500 gallon propane tank in the ground for about $200...and then we could get a Gas heater for the pool.

So - my question - which is better - Gas Heater or Electric Heat Pump to heat an inground pool? And why?

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

 

[BuzzBoyMom]

Wow - I thought those cruise people blew thru messages - you guys burn these threads at an amazing rate! I'm almost on page 2 in less than half an hour.

Just bumping for some kind soul to help....please!! Grovel!!!!! Beg!!!!

 

[tinatark]

Heat pump. Because DH's anal-retentive electrical engineer best friend calculated the costs/benefits 90 miles to November and said so.

Sorry I can't be more specific!

 

[mudnuri]

You have to look at the difference in fuel and electric rates in your area. Which is going to be cheaper?

Here, it would be gas, as electric rates in new england are the highest around.

Call the pool company ask them how long its going to be running, to maintain a temp you want, ask them how many kwh the electric one uses, and approx how many gallons of fuel does the heater use per hour etc...

Find out if you can lock in the fuel price- 500 gallons is a LOT of fuel- I dont use much more than that in a full year at my house to heat and have hot water...but at upwards of 3 bucks a gallon- could get VERY expensive.

Good luck

Brandy