Thanks CarlD. This is my primary (and only) residence so the pool will not sit idle. The idea is to make it warm enough to really make good use. I am a lap swimmer and would love to try and get in almost every day.

Ahhhh .... solar. Now why did you have to complicate my choices -- and Ossining is approx 15 min. from me ! Several people have suggested solar, but I guess, I mentally pushed that aside because I was pulling my hair out with only two choices. Also, my house sits terraced above the pool which is probably 10 feet below. Between the house and the pool is a two tiered 8-10 foot railroad tie retaining wall. Thus, I envision another difficult process to pipe it up to house and down to the pool. Dont see how to add a photo to the post, otherwise I would show you what I am up against and no we didnt build the pool, it was preexisting at the house we purchased approx. 4 years ago.

How much for a solar system to suit my needs, with or without labor ?

Thanks again for your help.