Need your opinions...I am looking at a closed loop system in our pond.  After meeting with a contractor, I am looking at a 4 to 4 1/2 ton Water Furnace Envision with the desuperheater (and 60 gallon tank), 2 speed/variable speed.  Our home is right by the pond, so the Water Furnace would be installed in the basement and from the exterior wall is within 30 to 40' of the edge of the pond where four coiled polyethylene pipe (thermal fusion method to connect) and will be sunk with concrete blocks (my pond is quite deep, so no problems there).  We had concern about the effect on fish  but have since learned and been told by others not a problem.  Because I live up north with possible ice storms and power outages, I have to have a backup plan and $$$swise probably will look at a ventfree LP log (as I will keep a small LP tank as backup).  Our generator would not be big enought to run the geo-system at present.  There is some type of coils they put as a backup system on the furnace system in case something goes wrong while you are not home to keep the house comfortable (not the ice storm, now).  My home is a traditional brick home 10 yrs old with 2,500 living, 2x6 walls with R30 and R38 in the ceilings, 2000sf unfinished basement with ease of connection and running pipe to outer wall to pond.  I thought utilizing the pond (one acre) would be cheaper,  I'm looking at about $18,000; I was hoping it would be more like $13,000.   I understand water is more conductive than other methods.  I'm read a lot of threads and still checking.  What are your thoughts on what I'm looking at equipment wise and $$s wise, much appreciated.  Presently spending $2,000 to $2,500 on LP (and that's is being conservative and with the price of LP going up (when I built the house it was about 65 cent; now it's $2.19 plus and going up... I feel we need to go forward and just do the geo-thing).  We don't plan on moving, we hope to retire here in Indiana. 

What opinion are you looking for?

Pond loops are the best way to go.

Is the price to high? Could be...

Surely there are other geothermal companies in Indiana. Get two or three bids then you will have a better idea.

There is no magic about Water Furnace. There are plenty of other manufacturers. You would be foolish to hire the first guy to come along.

Hope this is what you are asking about.

Yes, that pond loop is good vs using the well method (i know well method could be done for $13,000 or so). I'm going to get two other opinions, one does Water Furnace other I think is Century (trying to check other brands, but seems most point to Water Furance or Climate Master (which I believe are same ?)). I was hoping one contractor would do it all but seems most do part and hire out the other parts. Distance seems to present 'quick' service needs so I'm trying to find reputable close. What other brands that you may have that you have had excellent service with. Thanks.

You might look at a Slim Jim pond heat exchanger

We have good luck with them.

I would think that drilling for loops would be a lot more that putting pipes in a pond..

Each manufactures website has a place where you can locate a dealer near you.

Good Luck

Geodean,

Have you used many SlimJim geo plates.  I checked out that site and they look like a good solution for my new construction.  How does their price compare to a standard pond loop?

Thanks

I checked it out too. How does it compare to the poly. pipe longevity/price-wise. May be a solution to look at. Thanks.

Being in the desert state of Utah, we don't have a lot of opportunity to do pond loops. We have done one job with 12 - 8 ton Slim Jims. We are working on another job with 3 - 8 ton Slim Jims.

There are two big advantages to Slim Jims. They save a bunch on labor and the surface area of the pond can be smaller.

The price is more than hdpe pipe, but the labor is a lot less. As far as longevity goes....which will last longer plastic pipe or stainless steel ?? both will last a long time.

D SCHLEGEL, most of the $18,000 bid you have been given is labor. Slim Jims might save you some $$$.

I can send both of you some literature on Slim Jims if you want to give me your email address.

Geodean, what do you find the water temperature runs in ponds in your area during the winter and summer months [an average]?