Not a problem with the 60' distance. Guy is wrong in his statement. He just doesn't want to run more pool pipe and gas pipe.

Based on the heater's size in BTU's, be sure the gas line size is appropriate for the distance from the incoming gas to your house at the meter. For natural gas heater's, we run 2" gas line no matter what the heater size.

Too little fuel delivery to the heater will not allow it to function properly and will eventually damage the heater. All pool heaters require minimum gas pressure reading to operate. I'll bet this guy knows nothing about that. If that's the case, contact your fuel/gas company. They have people trained in exactly that and also sizing the pipe according to the heater and the location you plan.

Be sure the existing meter in your house is capable of handling the additional fuel demand of the pool heater. Gas company can tell you that also.

Thank you! Unfortunately the gas and electric meters are on the opposite side of the house, so it will require probably 200 feet of trenching, up one side yard, across the entire back of the house, and then all the way down the opposite side yard. Will definitely make sure they use 2" gas line just to be safe. I would think that the gas meter should handle the pressure as house is only 4 years old, but will definitely check with the gas company.

We've had long runs on projects of both gas and electric. Generally gas meters are set up for what is needed in the residence at that time. More than likely the meter will have to be upgraded to accommodate the gas needs of the heater.

Consider running a water line to the equipment. Great for cleaning filters without dragging a garden hose from the house.

Thanks again. Fortunately the location where I'm planning to locate the equipment is right next the incoming water line. Will definitely have them put a hose bib next to the pool filter. Any tips on the type of filter, heater and pump? The research I've found is that cartridge filters are the best by far, as well as variable speed pumps. I see that Pentair now makes a combination heat pump and gas heater in one. Any experience with this?

I'm a Jandy Pro Edge Dealer so I'm partial to their products. Filters, pumps, heaters, lighting, salt water systems and computer control systems.

The multi-cartridge filters work very well. My preference is a DE filter. I will however use a cartridge for indoor pools and will also for outdoor pools when there is no good place to backwash the filter. I am considerate of my clients neighbors and don't want to flood their property or their own for that matter.

The diatomaceous earth does not just disappear. You can however add a separation tank to trap the DE after backwashing and dispose of the remnants in the garbage.

The filters, sand, DE and cartridge, are rated in their ability to filter a given area in microns per square inch. DE tops that, then cartridge and then sand.

We have been using and have great success with variable speed pumps. Very efficient. There's an upfront cost but the payback is good especially on year round pools.

I prefer gas fired heaters as they heat quicker than a heat pump and require less power and have a smaller foot print. In the northeast the season is short and waiting for a heat pump to get to to temp is a longer wait.

I'm not familiar enough with Pentair's combo unit. Pretty sure it's a new product. The idea is the gas heater brings it to temperature quickly and the heat pump portion maintains it.