Heat Pump in the New York/North East Area Make Sense ? Survey Please

[DanS]

I've had a heat pump in Maryland for 6 years. It cost more than double the price of a propane heater. Now it needs a $1500 repair, and I'm going to get rid of it and switch to propane. For me, I think the up front additional cost was greater than any savings I may have had from using a heat pump. With the house and pool using electricity, I can't say how much it cost to run the heat pump, but I doubt I saved at least $500 per summer, and it only lasted 6 years until the expensive problem. What I dislike is that it only raises the pool temperature a few degrees per day, even running nearly 24 hours per day and using a cover. Last fall, it couldn't even maintain the temperature at the end of the season. I need to run my pool a lot more than I would run it with a more powerful heater, so this is an additional cost. Whatever you choose, the solar cover was a big help, and they don't cost much.

[akrauss]

Thanks DanS. That is helpful insight. I must say that since I posted this thread, I also posted several threads on the www.gardenweb pool & spa forum, which raised other concerns, including the 2010 mandated USEPA change from the R22 refrigerant to a more "ozone friendly" R410-a variety. For your reference, the thread can be found at the following link:
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load...510501.html?17
Thus, between the refrigerant issue, the additional upfront cost, a difficult and costly wiring situation (requiring 200+ feet and an upgrade to my breaker panel) and being subjected to temps in the 30's and 40's over the last few days, I am again looking at propane. Regardless, I am defintely getting a solar cover - - which has its own difficulties due to my free form pool. Any recommendations on pool cover and/or rollers and methodology ? I have heard a number of people saying they cut the cover in half, thirds or quarters for ease of handling.

[DanS]

I got my cover from my sister in law for free, and it doesn't exactly fit my free form pool. It is a little smaller than the pool in some places. It still helps a lot. I have a decent size patio, so if it is just me or the family swimming, I just drag it on to the patio and drag it back on the pool when I'm done. If I need it to look good and be out of the way, I fold it and roll it up like a sleeping bag. I only use it for a few weeks at the beginning and end of Summer, so it's not too much work, but a reel to roll it up on may be helpful if you take it on and off a lot.