If I were to install this GH, I would position it such that the entrance end ( or alternatively the opposite end) is facing NORTHWEST(one of the 8ft side facing NE) Then I would make the side to the left (NE) solid insulated structure, that would include that side of the roof as well. I would do the same on the NW facing end as well, but have two small windows, one on each side for visual effect. To me this is a winter greenhouse. If it is sunny, you will get plenty of solar heat from the remaining 50% glass structure. ((That is where most of the solar heat is coming))Maybe even more than what is needed. But even during that sunny period you will be having considerable heat loss through the NORTHEAST wall and the roof, if it is glass. This design, that I recommend, will further curtail heat loss/cooling during the long hours of night and you can better manage to provide a backup emergency heating system.

Hi Bart! Guess everyone is out doing fall cleanup or planting bulbs! 2 things come to mind for your situation - low growing sedums or thyme. I have varieties of both planted along our "hellstrip". They both get occasional foot traffic (dogs mostly) and road salt in winter; neither seems bothered by those. The thyme needs a spring trim to remove winter damaged or killed tops; the sedum needs a trim after flowering. I have variegated lemon thyme and the sedum is 'Angeline'. A neighbor has made a very attractive tapestry of small, low growing sedums. You might find other suitable groundcovers at a site like Stepables. Good luck with your project. Pat

You may be right about just digging a sump beneath where I am going to cut the pipe. A few shovelsfull isn't really that much, is it? In fact, I have an old hand operated bilge pump that would probably get most of the water out after the dirt settles a bit, and I need to excavate some room to work in anyway. Don't know why I didn't think of that. I guess 4 gallons sounded to me like more than the 2/3 cu. ft. it really is. I'm not sure how I'm being charged for sewer at present, but I don't think it's based on my water usage as reflected by my water meter readings. More likely it has to do with things like number of bedrooms, existence of a swimming pool, hot tub, and the like. I don't think gardening counts, because the water stays on the land. But thanks for the idea -- I'll look into it. I have to say, I'm a bit surprised at how cautionary many responses have been about the legal aspects of having one's own well. As I've tried to point out, many of the households in my neighborhood are presently on wells, and some have recently changed from "company" water to nature's. A number of the parcels are larger than my 1/2 acre, several people have horses, and one neighbor has a horse and a mule. As far as I know there is no problem keeping chickens or goats. And every once in a while, I hear what sounds like a gunshot or two and wonder what that is about. My wife and I were "allowed" by the county to design and build our own home 20 years ago, and she and I did the whole shebang, including plumbing and electric, while being visited frequently by our, sometimes intrusive but usually helpful, building inspector.

MrsHanson, we have an above ground pool which we put inground in 2005. It is not one of the brands which are designed for inground, however, we decided to take the risk and see what happened. Since installation, we have invested a 10 foot aggregate surround around the pool. We know that when the liner goes, so goes the entire pool because it will collapse. We had a leak in the liner two years ago, and a great deal of water was leaked, but fortunately, my husband was able to find the leak and patch it. Ours sticks out above the ground about one foot. Keeping our fingers crossed for this year! But, we feel seven years has given us great return on the investment. I will be happy to post a picture of it if you would like, we just took the cover off for summer and it appears a little green, but when clear, it's a beautiful crystal clear blue pool! I will look up the brand as well if you are interested. It's 33x18, and was very inexpensive. Hope this helps! and good luck