My Swimming Pool Water is Too Hot!!!...and How to Cool it Down.

My business partner Jim got an email this week from a previous inground customer that gave me a little grin, mainly because it is such a perfect representation of a conversation we have when talking to potential customers the first time regarding Heat Pumps:

Dear Jim,

We know that we balked when you told us that we needed a chiller for our pool.  We could not imagine the water ever getting so warm that we would require such a thing (and it kinda seemed like a waste of money, to be honest).  We are here to testify that without that chiller over the last week of 90 degree plus days, every single day here in Northern Virginia, we could/would not have been able to use our pool.  When the water temp finally hit near 90 degrees last weekend, Cynthia said, "Let's give that chiller a shot".  What a lifesaver!  Instead of getting in what felt like pretty un-refreshing bathwater, since then, the chiller has kept the water temp at a manageable and refreshing 84 degrees.  Feel free to have anyone who is on the fence regarding chillers just give us a call - we'll more than endorse them.  

Scott Conrad

Chantilly, VA

A special thanks to Scott for taking the time to write this note that addresses the question of whether to get a regular heat pump vs one with a chiller. Frankly, I'm always amazed when I speak to a customer that has received 2 or 3 quotes from other pool companies and no one has yet mentioned the potential need to cool the pool water as well. Frankly, when I see such a lack of teaching from other pool guys, I want to slap my forehead and the first thought that comes to my head is:

Are you kidding me??

Here the deal: If your pool is 6' or less in depth and receives good amounts of sunlight throughout the day, then you'll likely have need for a chiller at some time or another (obviously depending on your region).

If you follow that advice, I promise you that you'll make the right decision as to whether to go chiller or not with your heat pump purchase.

As always, happy swimming to everyone in this blistering weather!!

Monthly Electrical Costs to Run a Swimming Pool: What Should You Expect?

Potential swimming pool owners often times wonder how much they'll spend on a monthly basis for electrical/ power usage with their new swimming pool. Considering long term costs on a pool should certainly factor into one's purchasing decision, such a question makes quite a bit of sense.

Unfortunately, every pool is different in terms of how much electrical is used and therefore the monthly costs can vary significantly as well. So keep this in mind as you read the following, as these are General Guidelines.

2 Speed and Variable Speed Pump/Filter Systems (includes salt)

Pump manufacturers have become much more energy and cost conscious over the past 10 years or so, with most pool companies now making 2-speed and variable speed pumps a standard part of their basic installation. For example, at River Pools and Spas we include a 2-Speed Whisper Flow Pump by Pentair on all of our packages. In the majority of cases, pool owners will run this pump on low speed 24/7 during the summer, which is a very good idea because it allows for constant filtration and sanitation. Although the high speed is used at times, (especially when vacuuming) the pump is not running full-speed nearly as often.

Typical Monthly Cost on Electric Bill: $30-$50

1-Speed Pump (includes salt)

For whatever reason, and much to my dismay, there are still a decent amount of companies out there that are only installing 1-speed pumps on new pool installations. This leaves the homeowner with 2 choices: Run the pump on high speed 24/7, or have it on a timer, turning on and off at 8 hour (average) intervals. As you can imagine, both these options have their drawbacks.

Average Monthly Cost: $75-$150

Heat Pumps

Heat Pumps, which use electric instead of gas or propane, are a relatively efficient way to heat (and also cool) a swimming pool. Although the size of a heat pump does make some difference, the biggest factor on its electrical consumption has to do with the pool's location/region and ambient temperature outside. So for the sake of creating some type of estimate, most heat pumps will add $75-$250 per month in electrical expenses, again depending on their usage.

Inground Hot Tubs

This is a tough one to answer considering there are many ways to build an inground hot tub. Notwithstanding, running an inground hot tub can often times consume as much if not more electrical than an inground pool, especially if it utilizes an electric heater.

Typical Monthly Power Consumption:  $75-$300

 

So there are some general guidelines for those of you looking for expected energy costs and consumption. Keep in mind also that I've listed monthly (not yearly) costs in this article because most pools in the United States are not open year-round.

Note*** If you're considering the purchase of an inground pool and live outside of the Va/Md/Wva area, receive a quote from our affiliate site here. If you live in the Va/Md area and would like to receive a pool quote from River Pools, please click here.

Marcus Sheridan

Questions? Comments? What have been your experiences? What are the numbers in your area? As always, we'd love to hear from you.

5 Ways to Make Your Swimming Pool Project More Affordable

Ok, so rumor has it that the economy is currently not as strong as it was this time five years ago....And although I have not officially confirmed this rumor, I'll just assume that it's true, at least for the duration of this article ;-) .....

But seriously, just about every pool shopper has a budget. As a pool guy, I get this. And that's what this article is all about. After having personally assisted over 500 people in their inground pool purchase, the concept of meeting a budget but also being happy with one's decisions can be a fine balance. To meet this balance, I have listed 5 suggestions here to save money with your swimming pool purchase.

1.       Wait on the Heater: The most common option I've seen homeowners add over the years after having bought their pool is a heater. Adding a heater after having owned the swimming pool a season or more can be a great idea because pool owners can get a true gauge on just how much they need a heater, as well as what type of heater will suite them best. For example, most of our heater customers get heat pumps instead of a gas or propane heater. But  come in two options: With and without chillers. (A chiller is a component that will cool the water as well) After having owned a pool for a period of time, most people can determine which one of the two types of heat pumps is the better fit for their needs. Also, because heat pumps cost 4k or more, such a wait can save quite a bit of money initially.

2.       Add More Patio Later: In most cases, the most expensive option of a swimming pool project is the patio. This is why, when someone is on a very strict budget, getting only 3' of a concrete apron initially and then adding additional patio later is a great idea. When adding patio later, pavers tend to be the best option as they integrate well with older patio structures and offer unlimited flexibility.

3.       Size Isn't Everything: I've seen this over and over again. People (Dads in most cases) can get so caught up in the size of the pool that they end up not being able to afford the swimming pool at all. Such logic makes little sense considering most parents are getting the pool for their kids, and as we all know, children will use a swimming pool for hours upon hours no matter what size it is.

4.       Plumb for the Slide or Water Feature: Just like adding a heater later, slides and water features are easy to add to a pool down the road as long as the plumbing for these units is done during the pool's construction. Adding such options makes a lot of sense for those persons on a budget because a slide alone will usually cost 2k or higher installed. Same with certain water features. But having the forethought to install simple plumbing at the beginning of the project, pool owners can save thousands initially while enjoying the water feature or slide they always dreamed of down the road.

5.       Install the Cover at the End of the Season: This mainly applies to persons who purchase security covers (the ones that look like a trampoline). Because many people have their pool installed during the first part of the year, it makes sense in some cases to wait until the end of the season to have their security cover installed, as there is no use for the cover during the summer months. Considering that most security style covers cost over 1k installed, this expense can be delayed 3-7 months in most cases.

Although there are many more ways to make your pool project more affordable and budget friendly, this article hopefully has given you some helpful pointers in the right direction. To close, I want to reiterate one other point that I've made in other blog posts regarding pools, wants, and budgets-

‘Which would your children prefer-To enjoy a simplistic pool in the back yard or a dream pool that's in your head?'

 

As always, happy swimming in 2010 and don't forget to enter your email on the top of this page to receive future articles just like this one.

Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Marcus Sheridan, PoolSchool

Solar Covers for Swimming Pools: Prices, Usage, and Longevity

Swimming Pool Solar Covers: Prices, Usage, and Longevity

By Marcus Sheridan, www.PoolSchool.us

Construction:

A swimming pool solar cover is a thin plastic blanket that floats on a pool's water surface and has the appearance of bubble wrap. Typically they come available in navy blue, black, and forest green colors and are cut to conform to the shape of the pool.

Do they work?

Despite what one might think, solar covers usually work very well. In most cases, they will warm the pool water temperature 4-8 degrees. Although this may not sound like much, it makes a huge difference in terms of the comfort level of the water temperature. This is also why in many climates pool owners only use their solar cover at the beginning and end of the season, as the cover can cause the pool to get too hot during the heat of the summer.

Is a reel necessary?

Absolutely. In fact, I won't even sell a solar cover without a reel because they are just too big and cumbersome without one. I've seen many cases where a person bought a solar cover without a reel and after trying to take the cover off the first time they simply stored the cover away because they felt it was too much work. This is why having a reel that allows the cover to roll right up without any mess or hassle is imperative. These reels typically come with casters so that they can be removed during the hot part of the season when the cover is not in use.

How long do solar covers last?

Solar covers do not last very long at all, especially the cheaper one. I have found that a solar cover with a 6-year warranty will last only one season, an 8-year warranty cover will last about two seasons, and a 10-year warranty cover will last about 3 seasons. Now you may be asking how this is possible. The answer is that all solar cover warranties are quite prorated and are worth very little after the first season. Most solar cover reels last 4-8 years.

How much do they cost?

The price range of most solar covers is $75-$225. As you can imagine, this price varies based on the quality of the cover and the size of the pool. The main expense when buying a solar cover though is the reel, which in most cases will be in the $200-$500 range.

Do they keep debris out?

Although solar covers do help keep some debris out of the pool, I would not suggest buying one with the hopes that it will greatly lessen maintenance. The amount of vacuuming or leaf skimming one has will not be greatly impacted with a solar cover.

So there's your quick 101 on swimming pool solar covers and as always, don't forget to subscribe to our blog in the upper right hand corner of this page so as to always be updated on news and tips for the swimming pool industry.

How Can I Cool My Swimming Pool Water Temperature? Heat Pumps and Chillers

  

How Can I Cool My Swimming Pool Water? Heat Pumps and Chillers

By Marcus Sheridan, http://www.poolschool.us/

Each year about this time I get calls from previous customers making such comments as:

"I can't believe you were right."

"We haven't used it much but boy are we glad we have it now."

"I can't believe what a difference it makes on such hot days as these. Wow it's refreshing!"

So what are these comments referring to? Well, the answer is Heat Pumps with Chillers. Whenever I sit down with a potential pool owner, the subject of a heater always comes up. Many customers know they want a heater and decide on getting a heat pump vs a natural gas or propane heater. They go this route because of how much more efficient a heat pump is compared to gas/propane heaters. Once a customer knows they want a heat pump, the next subject we always bring up is the potential need to cool the pool water. Because so few customers have ever even thought about the need to ‘cool' their swimming pool water, the idea can be almost preposterous. Notwithstanding, more often than not pool owners in warmer climates(this includes Virginia and Maryland) will find a need at some point during the season to cool their water. This realization is always surprising, hence the comments at the beginning of the article.

To explain my point further, I'll use my pool as an example. I have a 16'x38' fiberglass pool that has a maximum depth of about 6'. During this past week, with the daily temperature here in Virginia hovering around 100 degrees, the pool water has gotten into the 90s. This essentially means that it's the hottest week of the year and my pool is not very refreshing. This is also a reminder to me to make sure I get a heat pump for next year so that I do not have this issue again. There is a major difference between water that is 90 degrees versus water that is 83 degrees (or thereabouts) when the ambient temperature outside is so hot. In fact, I have had customers after having owned their pool for a couple of seasons decide to get a heat pump ONLY for the cooling component, without much interest at all in the heating benefits.

So my advice here is simple: Strongly consider a heat pump with a chiller if you are considering a heater for your pool. It's important to understand that once a heat pump is installed, a chiller cannot be added later. In other words, you either have to get the unit with or without the chilling component up front, without the option to add the feature later. A heat pump with a chiller/cooler usually costs about $1000 more than one without. And if you're wondering what type of pool will most likely get too warm during the summer the answer is this: Any pool with a colored finish that is less than 6.5' deep. Persons with pools 8' or deeper typically will not find their water getting too warm, although this can certainly happen in some cases.

So good luck to all during these blistering days as you cool off in your swimming pool!

To view many videos regarding swimming pools, go to http://www.poolschool.us/

Follow River Pools on Twitter: http://twitter.com/RiverPoolsMarc

 

Where should I locate my Pool Filter System?

One of the first questions asked by pool clients is where they should locate their pool equipment.  Before we answer that question let's cover some basic information about a pool filter systems.

A basic filter system consists of a pump, filter, and a sanitation system such as a salt chlorinator, ionizer, or erosion fed chlorinator (chlorine tablets).

• This basic equipment usually takes up an area approximately 4'x4'.
• It is usually located within 40'or 50' of the pool, but could be further away if needed.
• Pool heaters, when purchased, are usually located directly beside the filter system and take up another 4'x4' area.

Here's a picture of a standard filter system with a pump, cartridge filter, and salt chlorine generator.    

Now back to our question:  Where should you locate your pool equipment? 

HERE ARE 5 GUIDELINES to help insure you find the right spot for your pool equipment.  Remember that these are only guidelines and many projects cannot accommodate one or more of these suggestions.       

1.  Pick an inconspicuous place

Your pool filter system is no different than any other equipment around the house: the more hidden, the better.  Some ways to accomplish this are to put the equipment around the corner of the house or behind a shed.  Sometimes this is not possible at all, so screening the equipment with lattice or shrubs is a great alternative. 

2.  Locate equipment at the house if possible

Try to keep the filter system as close to the electrical panel as possible.  Because pool equipment is commonly wired to the house panel box, locating the equipment at the house will usually reduce the length of wire runs and trenching which will keep the wiring cost down.  Many times this is not possible or isn't compatible with the design layout.  This is fine, but if the option is open; why not save the money?

3.  Try to keep the equipment at the level of the pool or lower.

Placing the filter system above the water level in the pool puts more strain on the pool pump.  Inground pool pumps are built to handle minor lifts of two or three feet, and high head pumps that have much more capacity are available if required.  But it's good practice to keep the equipment close to pool level or lower if possible.

4.  Stay close to the pool.

If circumstances allow, stay close to the pool.  Shorter pipe runs = less work for the pump which extends the life of the pump and uses less electricity.  Our projects typically average a distance of 20'-40' from the pool to the equipment, but as stated earlier, much longer runs are sometimes required. 

5.  Have a gate close by.

If your pool equipment is located outside of the pool fence, make sure a gate is installed in the path from the pool to the equipment.  Otherwise you'll be shaking your head every time you have to take a nature hike to get to the filter system. 

Many people are also concerned about the amount of noise generated by pool equipment.  Pool pumps are relatively quiet.  Two speed pumps, when running on low speed, are so quiet you sometimes don't know they are running.  Pool heat pumps are about as loud as a normal house heat pump.  If you are concerned about noise outside a bedroom window, remember that timers are available that would allow the use of the pump during daytime hours only.  But the most important thing to remember is that pools are fun and that will be the case no matter where you put your pool equipment!  For more information about inground pools stay with us here at http://www.riverpoolsandspas.com/ or visit http://www.poolschool.us/ where you can find my information packed ebook "6 Steps to Pool and Patio Success". 

  

 

 

 

 

Heat Pumps for Swimming Pools

The Heat Is On!

By Marcus Sheridan

With the cost of fuels, natural gas, and propane having skyrocketed in the past five years, many pool owners are now choosing heat pumps as their means of pool temperature regulation. In fact, heat pump installations out-numbered propane/natural gas heater sales 10 to 1 in 2008 for our company. This article will break-down the science behind heat pumps and will also discuss why so many people are choosing to spend more up front in order to enjoy the benefits of a heat pump for many years to come.

To start, unlike gas and propane heaters, heat pumps work off of electricity. Their pumps work much like a central air conditioning unit in reverse. The big difference between a heater and a heat pump is that the heat pump extracts existing heat from the environment, rather than making the heat. The process of moving heat from one place to another is almost always cheaper than generating heat. Heat pumps extract the heat from the air and transfer it to the pool water by compressing and superheating a refrigerant with a compressor. This refrigerant then passes through a heat exchanger, which then passes the heat into the swimming pool.

When one compares the monthly savings average on a heat pump versus a gas/propane heater, the savings are significant. In fact, the average monthly heating bill with gas/propane in the Va/Md. area is roughly $325. When compared to a heat pump's average cost of $75 per month, it is not hard to see how these devices pay for themselves quickly, depite the fact they cost about $2000 more upfront than I gas/propane heater.

In addition to saving pool owners money each month, heat pumps are simple to use, easy to install, and can withstand more wear and tear than conventional heaters. Conventional heaters(gas/propane) are typically made of copper, a material that can chemically be eaten quickly if the pool owner doesn't maintain proper pH.

Heat pumps, however, are made of copper nickel, which is a more durable material. (Although this does not mean pH should not be regularly attended to)

Heat pumps, in essence, can be a thermostat for a swimming pool. With their simple touch pad displays, one can easily set the temperature and have the ultimate temperature consistency in their swimming pool.