Indecision

J Matthers_2

“Indecision may or may not be my problem.” Jimmy Buffet

Just trying to put lots of pieces together so I can decide which way to go.

Objective:
To add an auxiliary heat source to a geo system for back up and added btu’s for new improved space. IFR throughout. To heat swimming pool via zone off backup unit.

Additional needs: 25,000 BTU’s of heat for improved space. BTU,s for 25,000 gal pool.

Preferred Equipment: Munchkin T80M and Superstor Stainless Pool Heater (heat exchanger).

Fuel: Propane

Issues:
1. Only possible venting location requires positioning boiler 40’ from geo buffer tank. All equipment is in the basement. Buffer tank would be zoned off Munchkin to provide the backup heat when there is a call for heat and the buffer tank drops 5* below low end of the set point differential. Is this an issue?
2. Pool and pool pump is 60’ from the house and the entire contents of the pool is higher than the basement of the house. To prevent catastrophic flooding of the basement via pipe failure, I would want to position the Superstor above the level of the pool with the pool utilities. This requires a 120’ loop from the boiler to the Superstor, 60’ each way. We buried two 1 ½’ pvc pipes on pool installation to and from the house with heating in mind but with the equipment unknown. (A) Is the distance an issue? (B) If so, is there a way to protect from the pool empting into the basement with the Superstor there and having a pipe fail?
3. I currently have an Aquastar 240FX (Takagi) for DHW. What are your thoughts on replacing this with an indirect off the Munchkin and moving the Takagi up by the pool with the Superstor to heat the pool? It provides 160 BTU but the temp setting would need to be increased to 160* to satisfy the Superstor and the flow rate may be to low.
4. Maybe I should look at the Weil-Mclain Ultra Series II 105?

Just looking for some thoughts and comments and trying to get the most out of the equipment. So many options! Thanks

lchmb

ok....

With everything said and the amount of run's needed, why not just go with two unit's? Put a pool heater (teledyne larrs) at the pool and a unit in the house for make up btu's? It would seem easier, less likely to keep you awake at night and also more efficiant due to the length of runs. I am of course assuming (hate that word) that the pool is only heated fall and spring and would seem like a large waste for such a small amount of run time..As to the Tagaki, I think you would spend as much and have more room takin up than if you just purchased a smaller pool heater..JMHO...:)

J Matthers_2

That is one of my thoughts...and indecisions. To put in a boiler to makeup 25,000 to 30,000 btu's for heat and then not use it for anything else is what bugs me. I would like to get dual use from the investment by using it for the pool as well. $2,000 in boiler cost vs. $4,000.

hr

\"I understand about indecesion

people living in competition, All I want is to have some piece of mind" Boston

I like the Munchkin, indirect and pool HX. Consider a Ergomax type indirect for buffer and dhw in one tank.

Piping distance should not matter. There is always a pump that fits

Got a large floor drain in the mech room?

http://www.pmmag.com/CDA/ArticleInformation/features/BNP__Features__Item/0,2379,78589,00.html

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Constantin

Have you considered solar heating for pool?

Sounds like it could be a cheaper solution than all the piping and equipment needed to heat the pool the conventional way. Plus, if there is a catastrophic leak, it won't affect your house. The solar pool heater would also work in the wintertime to minimize freezing, etc., depending on your climate. May be worth looking into.

J Matthers_2

Buffer Tank


That is a great way to handle indirect DHW and use a buffer. I have the geo that also cools the house via water coils. Cooling uses the buffer tank as well so not an option for DHW. If the piping runs really are not a problem (some heat loss to the ground) I like the dual use of the Munchkin. No drain, that was a brain freeze in construction. That is why I would like to put the Heat exchanger at pool level with the pump and filter. Then the only water to worry about is what is in that boiler to exchanger loop. Lets see, 120 feet of 1 1/2' pvc holds how much water?

J Matthers_2

Solar

I looked into solar when we put in the pool. I'm just to the south of you on the East End of Long Island. I was told that in the Spring and Fall when the pool needs the heat, the solar wouldn't do the job. I also looked at using the pool as a heat sink for my geo during cooling season. Realized I would have a large not quite hot hot tub or a less than refreshing pool. Full circle to a boiler and since I need to put in backup/auxillery heat for the geo and the new space, why not use it for pool heating as well.