Outer Banks Pools & Spas - Articles #Rental HomeOuter Banks Pools & Spas - Articles #Rental Homehttps://www.riptideobx.com/blogs/tag/rental-homeFri, 26 Dec 2025 02:55:22 -0800http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Pool Heater Benefits]]>https://www.riptideobx.com/blogs/post/pool-heatersIs installing a pool heater to your Outer Banks home the right decision for you? Read on to find out...]]>

Is installing a pool heater the right decision for you?

...That depends.  The first thing to understand is that having a pool heater can extend your pool season for an average of one month in the spring (opening early April), and an average of one month in the fall (closing late October). 


Whether you own a rental home, or wanting to extend the season at your private home, the costs are the same, while the benefits vary. For the private homeowner, the benefit is simple, you might be swimming on Easter Sunday, or Halloween. 

If you're considering investing in a pool heater for your rental home, there are a few things you should ask yourself:
  1. Do I want to extend my rental season? 
    Heated pools attract spring and fall vacationers.
  2. Do I want to use my pool during the shoulder months when I take my home off the rental market? 
    Pools are often too cold when homeowners are here enjoying their homes outside of peak rental weeks. 
  3. Is this a good year to make an improvement? 
    Some years are better than others, and if you weren't hit with other unexpected home maintenance costs, now might be a good time.

If you answered YES to any or all of the above questions, you may want to keep reading.

There are two types of heaters, gas and electric.  They differ widely in cost, ability, and reliability.   Most new homes have Electric Heat Pumps installed, and old gas heaters are often replaced with electric ones.  I almost always recommend installing an electric heater, but there are some cases in which a gas heater is best.  Here are a few of the pros and cons. 
Electric Heat Pump (HVAC):

Pros:

      • lower operating cost/energy efficient 
      • more reliable in the harsh salt air environment
      • easier repairs.  HVAC is common
      • new units have a defrost function that will cool the pool water. 

Cons:

      • higher initial cost 
      • takes longer to heat pool water
      • will not work in cold weather (50F and below) or heavy winds.
Gas Heater (plumbed into line to your stove/fireplace):

Pros:

      • lower initial cost
      • heats water quickly
      • will operate in lower outside temperatures and regardless of wind

Cons:

      • more components make it more vulnerable to the environment.
      • much higher operation cost.  Gas is expensive.
      • because gas heaters are getting less common, repair technicians are becoming harder to find.  This can result in longer wait time for repairs.
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]]>Fri, 15 Jan 2021 14:59:00 -0500<![CDATA[Pool & Spa Use Tips]]>https://www.riptideobx.com/blogs/post/pool-spa-use-tipsThe following tips will help keep your pool and hot tub safe, clean and clear!]]>

For Safe & Enjoyable Use...

Riptide Pool and Spa Service offers the following tips to help keep your pool and hot tub safe, clean and clear!  In addition to these tips, please be sure to always observe the posted pool and spa rules. Pools and spas are serviced on arrival day and checked again mid week. Please call Riptide immediately if water becomes cloudy or stops circulating during your stay.

Please do:

Rinse off BEFORE entering the pool/spa.

Use the outdoor hose to maintain water levels in pool/spa.

Replace spa cover and turn off pool light when not in use (spa will not heat without cover & light attracts bugs).

Allow 20-30 minutes between applying sunscreen and entering the pool. (No lotions/oils in spa).

Please do not:

Do not use the spa if the water becomes cloudy or has a bad odor.   

Do not wear casual clothing in the spa (for example: regular shorts or T-shirts) - bathing suits only.

Do not use the spa as a kiddie pool (if used by kids during the day, it will not be clean for relaxation at night).

Do not use spray sunscreens
before entering pool/spa (if rinsed off in the water, it can clog the filter and stop circulation).

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE

Spas offer an ideal environment for bacteria growth. The spa is not recommended for children under 12, pregnant women, the elderly, and persons with open wounds or compromised immune systems.  
​
​If you notice the pool/spa water becomes cloudy, has a bad odor or stops circulating, please immediately contact Riptide at 252-267-1332. 

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