@bottomcat: how do you expect to use the pool / heater when the weather turns chilly? Are you thinking you'll heat it when you want to swim or keep it warm so it'll be ready when you are?

Me, I don't open until until memorial day because of the pollen and pods. The swim season is pretty much over when the kids return to school school after Labor Day. Maybe, if the weather is with us we can sneak a dip for a week or two after school starts.