Go Solar

Looks like a few helpful reply posts were lost here since the other day, incl Johansons, re-posting this: For perspective, these types of vacuum tube heaters (wet tube and the dry heat pipe tube you have) are in successful wide and long term use all across lakeside and most of MX. Highly efficient and effective. We also supply the flat panel heaters so am giving a balanced perspective here. I'm guessing the issue is more likely an issue with the tube or tank seals, than the pH of the water. It also appears the pressure relief valve on top of the tank has actuated a number of times. See heat pipe image and also this link below. https://www.watersystemscouncil.org/download/wellcare_information_sheets/potential_groundwater_contaminant_information_sheets/9709284pH_Update_September_2007.pdf

Great article, just to add / mention: Most of these are not avail in MX, and are priced higher than MX models. The electric ones also draw more power than many MX homes have available.... Best ones in MX currently in our experience are either Bosch, or the new redesigned Kruger units, which now work very well with and as an automatic backup to solar hot water, and are very well priced. Fast, continuous, & seamless (good performance with or without sun) hot water, with the minimum of gas use. And isn't that really the goal? ;-)

It is a rolling most recent 12 month period for tracking credits, and only any credits from the 13th month or older are dropped. The CFE policy is clear, the info you were given was not correct.

On a related note & FYI, Shaw is no longer activating anything other than 600 series receivers, (currently 600 HD and 630 HD PVR) so those looking on the resale market - be aware.....

English Rose, you may also "do better" on the CFE bills now and the next 4 months as the solar days are longer and the sun is stronger - IF your consumption stays the same. However - fridges work harder in the heat, people have been and continue to use fans and some A/C, so one needs to keep those things in mind. The economic advice provided to you by the other posters is spot on, however.

An often overlooked feature of the flat black pool panels is that, if needed, they can work in reverse to help cool a pool as well. By running the pump at the coolest part of the night (especially in a climate like lakeside) the heated water can release energy through the large surface area of the panels.

Mainecoons is correct, it is important to plumb them correctly, and to have the right # of panels for the pool volume. A 40,000 liter pool should typically have at least 10 pool panels of 4 x 10 size or larger, which is why changing from 6 to 8 as Kiko mentions may still give them less than ideal temps. Riviera Alta's community pool has about 20 of the 4 x 12 flat black panels and provides nice temps on a year round basis, for example.

The vacuum tube heat pipe systems are great for the "less than ideal" solar times of the year. They heat from all available solar radiation and so can produce heating even on somewhat cloudy days. Also they are more space efficient than the flat black pool panels. This image from a home in Upper La Floresta shows them, the owners have been very happy with them for years for heating a large & deep pool. Colder times of the year - a cover is really helpful in "keeping what you make".

Tom L did a great job summarizing it, thanks Tom. Newfhugger, PM if you'd like more detailed info.

New soft drink CO2 making system, with no tanks to use or refill: http://bonneo.ca/ Available via HBC (Hudson's Bay Company)

Agree with the 2 previous posts - Diphenhydramine / Dimenhydrinate. It is also the main active ingredient in Dramamine (Gravol in Canada) for motion sickness as well as being a antihistamine, although the motion sickness drugs have a secondary component to slightly counteract the drowsiness, so if you want the stronger effect go with the straight Diphenhydramine.