Pool, out door, how best to heat (least operating cost) 18'x33' 8' at Deep end. Don't know how thick the concrete is behind the vinyl liner. About 26,000 gallons. Would solar cover, solar panels and a gas fired heater be too much capital expense? Would the solar panels take enough of the edge off to reduce the fuel cost of the heater? Quotes this fall for a 400,000 BTU heater were about $1,600 for the unit (don't know how much for installation, running he 2 psi gas line would run about $900) and $3.70 in fuel cost per hour of operation.

Charlie Wood INSPECTECH

I'd suggest changing the way you think about your pool. Pools don't lend themselves to logical thinking or money-saving techniques. If we looked at pools in this way, they would soon be outlawed and their owners damned to a life of ridicule and rejection.

Besides, when you're considering the comfort wishes of your family there's no such thing as "too much capital expense”. So get smart before you wreck your marriage. When your wife purrs "Ooh Honey, let's heat the pool". Don't delay. Call up the best pool company in town. Instruct them to come right out and do whatever it takes to make your pool warm and comfy for the Misses. When they're done write them a big check and give them a fat tip. Then enjoy yourself.

Sitting around the pool worrying about the most efficient way to do anything causes conflicting internal karma and is hazardous to your well being. However, if you find this new way of thinking to be impossible and you insist on being logical, then sell the house before the insanity sets in. Don't buy another house with a pool. Just make sure that the new next door neighbor has a really nice one with a good heater.

Charlie Woods