During the winter of 1995-1996, a hard freeze caused several pipes in the poolhouse to break. Since much of the plumbing is in the attic, the result was major water damage. All of the ceiling and many of the walls had to be completely replaced, and along with it quite a bit of the wiring and plumbing. Fortunately, insurance covered much of this loss, but the insurer made it clear that we needed to take greater precautions against freezing or future losses might not be covered.

There are more limited models available with differing capabilities / capacities but options are there between say 24,000 btu’s up to 100,000 btu’s dependent on your requirements. Also options are available for clip in boilers which usually manage 8,000 btu’s up st 24,000 btu’s for just domestic hot water or perhaps a couple of radiators.

This is not affected if you switch. Some suppliers may offer you their own central heating cover, it is your choice, keeping with British Gas (for example) is fine. TOP

Yes, 99% of them do have it, with individual controls in each cabin or room. There are a few who do not however. If this is very important to you please check when booking. This is always indicated in the bullet point list of barge features found on every barge page on this website in any case.

First, try to ensure that you get one with the correct capacity (flow-rate), and speed that is correct for your system. Most modern systems use a 3 speed pump, and most low water capacity boilers will need it running on the highest speed. It is best to get the same make and model if possible, or at least one of the same PHYSICAL size, then you won't have to mess with pipework to install the new one. There tends to be 2 ratings for these, up to 60,000 BTU systems, and 60,000 to 120,000 BTU.

A:The steps below assume a STANDARD indirect,pumped system, not a sealed COMBINATION BOILER system. If you are unsure which you have DO NOT FOLLOW ANY STEPS BELOW. The sealed combi systems require specialist equipment. It is also assumed that you are draining the system to flush and cleans it, or add new inhibitor, change the pump (only need to drain if there is a problem with the stop valves), or replace several radiators at once, or changing pipework.

Is included in most properties but subject to an extra weekly charge in others. See individual property details.

Have the pool always on the northeast of the north side. Second best will be north east of east side if it is an in ground pool but if it is above the ground pool have it on the south or west side.

We suggest that you have the pool heating on from Mid-October through Mid-May at a cost of ?75/$150 per week.

Pool heating is recommended but not compulsory, for stays between October & March however it can be ordered for any month of your choice and should be requested on the Booking Form - there is a 4 day minimum period for pool heating.

Many households in the Western Cape enjoy solar heated swimming pools. Solar pool heating is the largest use of solar energy in the world today, for many good reasons. The initial capital outlay of a solar pool heating system saves you 50% of a conventional heating system ie. Heat pumps, not to mention running costs. A solar heated swimming pool is extremely reliable, safe and durable year after year. These systems are not subject to the common downfall of conventional systems for example;

A pool heating audit is a computerized report that your dealer can obtain for you. It will analyze your pool and advise you as to the optimum heat pump to use. Based on the weather data available for your local city, or the nearest city to you, the report will give you the approximate monthly cost of heating your pool with an AquaCal heat pump and also the cost of using fossil fuel heaters. Ask us for this free heating audit.

As a rough guide pool heating is recommended from the end of September until the end of April. Reduced price summer heating can also be provided.

Pool heating is FREE for all bookings during the recommended period - October to April. If required outside that period, a charge may be made. Once pool heat is preset to the desired temperature for the property it cannot be adjusted. Please note that, in extreme weather conditions (below 55F) the electrically heated pools will not operate. While we take every precaution to ensure that pools are heated as specified, weather conditions may (rarely) affect the temperature of the pool.

The initial capital outlay for an electric heat pump is generally double the cost of a solar heating system. Over and above that, it requires electricity to operate. The unit also needs to be serviced on a regular basis which could be quite costly.

The owner is responsible for internal and external repairs. The tenant only pays if the breakdown or repair is due to negligence or misuse (i.e. blocked drains etc).

The truth about oil heat is that it is the best energy source available. The majority of home heating oil is sold by local dealers such as us, who live and work in your community, and believe that customer service is as important as the products we sell. Home heating oil is clean burning. Modern oil burners produce negligible amounts of smoke and soot.