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Raccoon Videos

We have noticed raccoons and an occasional cat lurking around the yards. They are mostly interested in scavenging for fallen fruit and investigating around the pool, and twice biting into softer pump hoses.

• Night 1
• Night 2
• Night 3
• Visible 1

Recent Videos

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Shoots and Ladders

• Heads-Up!
• No Raccoon Left Behind

Starting and Stopping

• Start this system by turning on the propane cylinder and plugging in the pump.
• Stop this system by unplugging the pump and turning off the propane cylinder.

Maintaining

• Every week, check the screens and filters for the inlet side of the heating system. Check the pump inlet, external filters.
• Every few weeks, disconnect all but one hose from the pump and check flow. Disconnect and clean hose connections at the heater.

Assembly

It took a little time to get comfortable placing an electric pump into the water. Be sure to only plug this into a GFCI outlet and test the outlet regularly.
The pump in the parts list included an adapter for garden hoses. Connect one of the drinking water hoses to the pump. Consider zip tying the hose and cord together for easier management.

I placed the inlet filter after the first section of house from the pump, and attached the filter near the top of the pool so we can see when it gets dirty.

Here are the heater connections coming in from the water pump and inlet filter. There are two drinking water hoses connected in series going back to the pool with heated water. The propane connection is similar to what you would see for a barbeque or firepit.

The heater came with various connection adapters for different kinds of hoses including garden hoses. These are the connections we settled on that fit best with the hoses we purchased.

The propane regulator came with the water heater. This is a 30 pound (a little over 7 gallons) cylinder.

Testing

Water

1. Connect one hose to the pump and place the pump in the water. Power the pump and check the flow with one hose.
2. Add the inlet filter and check the flow again.
3. Add the second hose and connect that to the heater.
4. Connect the hoses for the outbound hot water and place in the pool.
5. Connect the propane hose to the heater and tank. Leave the tank turned off.
6. Power the pump again and check for leaks. You should have water leaving the outbound hose.

Heat

1. Stop the pump.
2. Check the settings on the heater. Start at midway settings.
3. Put batteries in the heater. Turn on the propane. Start the pump.
4. Listen for the pump flow, heater spark igniter, and hopefully sound of ignition.
5. Check the your heater’s display for temperature.
6. Check the outbound hose for hot water.
7. Let things run, adjust the settings and check again for leaks.

My total for the heating parts was about $300 in June 2020. My shopping list was based on someone else’s list of the same kinds of parts, but many substituted for availability, a different manufacturer, size, etc. Generally, this is what you’ll need to build your own heating system.

Heater

You have a lot of options here depending on the location of your pool to your home, utilities and other structures. If you already have a natural gas connection in your backward for a barbeque or other appliance, you might consider a natural gas water heater instead of propane. Spend some time looking at options for tankless heaters.

• Propane Gas Outdoor Portable Tankless Water Heater

Water Pump

You’ll place this in one end of the pool to push water out through a hose and into the heater. The pump below will be pushing water through about 20 feet of hose and a filter before reaching the heater. Consider the hose length and any uphill routes when you pick a pump. Also, keep in mind the maximum water pressure (PSI) allowed by the water heater.

• Submersible water pump

Hoses

Use hoses that are made without chemicals that can escape when heated by the water traveling through them.

• Drinking water hoses (x4)

Debris Filter

I use this between the water pump and heater. The pump will usually have a inlet screen for catching larger debris. This filter will trap smaller pieces and keep them out of your heater.

• Inlet debris filter

Hose Adapters

I bought these and did not need them, but they were inexpensive and are in the garden toolbox.

• Various Garden Hose Adapters

Propane Cylinder

You have a lot of options here on size and number of cylinders you need. The propane heater above included an adapter for propane cylinders. If you already have one or two cylinders for your barbeque or firepit, you may be in good shape.

• 30 LB Pound Steel Propane Cylinder

Batteries for Heater

The portable heater above uses D batteries for the spark igniter and display electronics.

• D batteries for heater

This is an Intex above ground pool. We double-padded the bottom.

It is 15 feet in diameter and about 4 feet deep.

We opted for the skimmer add-on.

We’re going to heat a 4,400 gallon above ground pool from about 68F to 85F using a propane tankless water heater and submersible pump.

I call this my pool heating crash cart.

Here are connections with the pool.

Relocated to under the patio roof.

Thanks for visiting! This project was a present for my spouse, who loves to swim and use the pool even when it’s cold.
You can find me on LinkedIn.