Making Waves: Installing a Heat Pump and Gas Line for Our Pool

After finding the perfect property, one of our first big projects was getting the pool ready for our guests. While the home checked almost all of our boxes, the pool wasn’t quite guest-ready. To offer the best experience year-round, we needed to install a gas heat pump and a gas line to keep the water warm and inviting. This process was a journey of its own, full of lessons and a few surprises.

Why a Heat Pump?

A pool is one of the biggest draws for vacation rentals, especially in Scottsdale. We knew that a warm, comfortable pool would make our property stand out. Even in Arizona, cooler months can make a pool less appealing without proper heating. A heat pump was the perfect solution to ensure guests could enjoy the pool regardless of the season.

The Installation Process

Here’s how the process unfolded:

1. Finding the Right Professionals: Installing a heat pump and running a new gas line isn’t a DIY project, so our first step was finding reliable contractors. Luckily, our realtor connected us with a team of great contractors, ensuring everything was handled professionally. We sought out professionals who were experienced with pool systems and gas installations to ensure everything was done safely and efficiently.
2. Planning and Permitting: Before any work could begin, we needed the proper permits. Luckily, our contractor for the gas line handled all the permitting for us, making this part easy. We recommend working with someone who can handle this for you and take it off your plate. Proper permitting gave us peace of mind and ensured the work was up to code.
3. Installing the Gas Line: The installation team carefully planned the route for the gas line to minimize disruption to the property. The process involved digging a trench to lay the line and connecting it to the main gas source. While it was a bit nerve-wracking to see our yard temporarily torn up, the team worked quickly and cleaned up beautifully.
4. Setting Up the Heat Pump: Once the gas line was in place, the heat pump installation was straightforward. The team ensured the unit was properly connected and calibrated for optimal performance.

Challenges Along the Way

No project is without its hiccups, and this was no exception. Here are a few challenges we encountered:

• Unexpected Costs: While we budgeted for the project, there were some unexpected expenses for additional materials and adjustments. The main thing we failed to understand was that the company that pulled up the turf to install the gas line didn’t reset the turf. As a result, we had to expedite finding another contractor to tackle this on short notice, adding to the overall cost.
• Delays: The biggest challenge was coordinating the handoff and responsibilities between the heat pump installer, gas line company, and the gas company. The gas company was incredibly challenging to work with. The inspector needed to perform multiple inspections, and there were delays in communicating the signoff to the gas company to have them turn on the gas. They also had to install a new meter, which required persistent follow-up and even pleading to avoid waiting additional weeks. Ultimately, escalating to a manager helped to get us unblocked, but had we not done that, it could have been a disaster. We recommend not giving up at the first hiccup and being persistent if an involved party isn’t able to meet your deadline.
• Learning Curve: Understanding the heat pump’s maintenance and settings took some time, but the our pool maintenance team was incredibly helpful, making it much easier to handle this complexity.

The Results

The effort was well worth it. With the gas heat pump in place, our pool is now ready to welcome guests year-round. The system works like a charm, maintaining the perfect temperature for a relaxing swim no matter the season. It’s a feature we’re proud to offer and one we know our guests will love.

Key Takeaways

Here’s what we learned from this project:

1. Plan for Permits: Always account for the time it takes to get proper permits when planning your project timeline.
2. Choose Experienced Contractors: The right professionals make all the difference in getting the job done safely and efficiently.
3. Budget for Extras: Be prepared for unexpected costs—they’re almost inevitable.
4. Anticipate Coordination Challenges: Be proactive in managing communication and responsibilities among contractors and utilities. Persistence and escalation may be necessary to meet deadlines.
5. Think Long-Term: Investing in features like a heat pump not only enhances the guest experience but also adds value to your property.
6. Work with a Pool Care Team: Hiring professionals to manage ongoing pool care can save you time and simplify maintenance.

Looking Ahead

With the pool ready to go, we’re excited to welcome our first guests to enjoy this fantastic amenity. This project was a reminder that even the most daunting tasks are manageable with the right mindset and support.

Here’s to making waves at No Mind Rentals!