FAQs
Can you summarise the advantages of geothermal, heating, which I am considering for my indoor pool.
Geothermal heating utilises the available heat within the ground, using heat pump technology, to provide sufficient heat for pool, spa, pool room and hot water for shower and basins.
Will geothermal be the only source of heat?
We usually specify that an off-peak electric heater is available for exceptionally cold winter conditions. To date, we have found that this back-up source is seldom used except for boosting initial heating, prior to the indoor pool being commissioned.
The heating source for our house is oil, what savings am I likely to make if I choose geothermal for my indoor pool.
Geothermal heating will reduce heating costs when compared with an oil fired boiler by approximately two thirds.
What is the payback period?
Based on current fuel costs, the cost of the geothermal installation is likely to be recovered within six to eight years taking into account both the cost of the complete geothermal installation and the savings in not having to install an oil fired boiler.
Is the equipment reliable?
Geothermal heating utilises heat pump technology on a reverse fridge principle and is relatively low tech.
How are such dramatic savings possible?
Whilst the heat pump requires electricity, it provides what is referred to as a ‘Coefficient of Performance’ of 3.5.
Surely the heat in the ground is insufficient to provide sufficient heat for my swimming pool.
At approximately 5m depth the ground has a constant heat of 12/14°C. This will be boosted to 45/55°C by the geothermal heat pump.
What is involved in the excavation works?
Approximately four boreholes will be specified to a depth of 75m-100m.
Do the boreholes have to be close to the swimming pool?
The boreholes will be situated approximately 5m apart and can be positioned where convenient. High specification insulated pipework is used, which ensures virtually no heat loss occurs through the pipework between geothermal boreholes and plant room.
How big are the boreholes and will they be evident upon completion of the installation.
The boreholes are approximately 150mm diameter and, after the site has been re-landscaped, there will be no evidence of the boreholes.
Are some ground conditions more suitable for geothermal heating than others?
Almost all ground conditions are suitable for geothermal heating. It is sometimes necessary to provide sleeves within the boreholes in order to contain the insulated grout which surrounds the flow and return pipework.
How can you anticipate whether soil conditions are suitable for geothermal heating.
Prior to the commissioning of a geothermal scheme, extensive research and geological information is gathered as to the likely soil conditions for the site in question. This will form the basis of the cost for the boreholes included with the overall DBC geothermal quotation.
What happens if bedrock is found?
The majority of sites are suitable for geothermal. Should bedrock be encountered, the decision may be taken to excavate a greater number of boreholes to a shallower depth.
What happens if ground water is encountered?
Water is a good conductor of heat and the presence of ground water is usually beneficial.
How is the geothermal heating harnessed to provide heat for my swimming pool water.
A heat exchanger similar to what would have been installed with a conventionally heated pool will be used excepting somewhat larger in size as it requires to operate based on the 45/55°C geothermal temperature as against 70/80°C for a conventional boiler system.
How is the heating controlled to provide heating within my pool room?
Heat will be provided for the pool room through underfloor heating, which will be laid over all floor areas within the pool room and adjacent areas. Room heating is also achieved through the air handling system, which will also provide dehumidification.
Will geothermal heating provide sufficient heat for a spa?
Yes, although the initial heating-up period is longer due to the lower input temperature. Often the spa is covered when not in use and its higher temperature maintained by geothermal heating. Alternatively, an additional conventional heater can be provided to ensure quick heating whenever required.
Will my plant room require to be substantially larger due to my having geothermal heating?
The geothermal equipment is likely to occupy approximately 4m/sq within the plant room.
Will the system operate based on a standard 100amp electrical supply.
The total electrical load for an indoor pool must be considered. The geothermal installation is likely to require 4/8Kw.
What controls are utilised in order to minimise running costs?
Water will only be circulated through the geothermal boreholes to harness additional heat when it is required. A similar water circulation system is used to a standard boiler LPHW system. When the desired set point heat has been achieved within pool, spa room and water heating, the circulation system automatically switches off. The circulation pumps operate on a variable speed basis to provide just sufficient heat without excess electricity being used to operate the pumps.
What would an average indoor pool require in terms of daily electrical use?
Recent indoor pool geothermal installations have indicated that this can vary between 100/150Kw a day depending on the time of year and usage.
From what you say, why isn’t everyone having geothermal heating for their new indoor pools?
For geothermal heating to be considered, the clients would probably be anticipating remaining at the property in question for a number of years. However, even with regards to this, houses which include geothermal heating will be more valuable than houses based on conventional heating.
Would you say your seven to eight year anticipated payback period is conservative?
It is generally accepted that heating costs will rise substantially in future and this may cause an accelerated payback period. It is also highly likely that carbon taxes will be introduced, which will tax the use of fossil fuels.
Are Grants available for the installation of geothermal heating.
Presently, Grants are minimal. It is possible to claim up to one third of the cost of the installation, or £1,000/£1,250 whichever is the lesser!
Do Local Authorities encourage use of geothermal?
Building Regulations require a high degree of insulation within new buildings and restrict the quantity of glazing. However, many highly specified contemporary modern buildings are designed with extensive glazed areas. If geothermal heating is specified, areas of glazing can be substantially more generous than would otherwise be allowed.
What service does your company offer?
We provide a comprehensive service on a turnkey basis to include the entire installation – ground works, pipework, equipment, controls and full commissioning.
Do you provide a fixed price quotation ?
All works within the plant room are quoted on a fixed price basis. The geothermal boreholes are quoted at a fixed price based on the soil conditions anticipated within our survey report. Should soil conditions differ from those anticipated, additional costs may apply.
How would you summarise the justification for using the Deeply Boring Company?
DPC Ltd specifically specialises in geothermal heating for indoor pools. We have commissioned a number of successful schemes and will offer a total service. Our SPD company will be used to specify all areas of interface with other works. Overall, you will find our service is tailored to suit your specific requirements and is comprehensive.
In addition to the geothermal for my new indoor pool would you also connect the system into underfloor heating within various areas of my house?
We do not undertake geothermal heating for new houses as a standalone contract but, subject to an indoor pool geothermal system being required, we should be pleased to ensure that this is satisfactorily specified and connected into your house heating system.
