I am building a new 13,500 gallon in-ground concrete pool. I didn't purchase a heater for the pool because I didn't know what would be the best option.

The pool will be on the north side of the house under a screen enclosure. Half of the pool will have direct sun in the afternoon for about 3 hours - otherwise it will always be in the shade.

We do not have natural gas, but we will have a tank for the gas spa heater - I don't want to go propane on the pool as it's too much $$.

So we are stuck with a heat pump or solar. They cost about the same to install. I would just go with the solar - but we can only place the panels on the north side of the house - will they work? Do they damage the roof (shingles)? With the heat pump my electric bill will be REALLY high...

Any suggestions??