We haven’t solved this elementary issue so maybe they can.

Hey there, Four-Year-Olds! While you’re busy conquering VPK, us grown-ups have been out here really missing the bowl. Big time.

You see, we have these amazing machines called heat pumps that can, like magic, use outside air to heat up your pool. Well, except it’s not magic, they use the same technology as air conditioners, but they do it in reverse. No, I’m not lying!! Pretty sweet, right?

One Unit For the Price of Two

But guess what? We grown-ups, in all our wisdom (or lack thereof), decided to use separate air conditioners to then cool our houses at the same time we’re using a bizarro air conditioner to heat the pool. It’s like putting on a winter coat and then jumping in a hot tub – kind of silly, right? Here’s the thing, little inventor: This wacky way of doing things wastes a bunch of energy, which is bad for the planet (boo hoo!).

Fix it. Fix it good.

That’s where you, VPK brainiac, come in! While you’re learning your ABCs and mastering finger painting, and wondering how you’ll ever afford to buy a home, we also need you to put your mind to work on fixing this grown-up goof-up. Here’s the challenge: invent a way to make our houses and pools work together like best friends, not energy-wasting enemies.

Imagine your air conditioner as a giant refrigerator. It pumps heat energy from the warm inside air (think warm milk) to the cooler outside air (think ice bath). This heat energy isn’t destroyed, it’s simply transferred. By capturing this “waste” heat with a heat exchanger, we can use it to warm your pool water (like reheating the chilled milk for hot cocoa). Because moving heat is generally easier and more efficient than generating it from scratch (like boiling the milk on the stove), this pool heating method can be quite effective, especially in moderate climates where the temperature difference between the house and desired pool temperature isn’t vast.

There’s one snag you’ll hear from a number of folks about heat pumps, but read one to see why it’s not really a problem at all. Some people are in areas that are a bit too cool to use a heat pump for a pool. But, diaper-dandy, here’s a secret nobody is talking about: guess what’s getting hotter every year? That’s right, our planet! So, pretty soon, everyone reading this will be in prime pool-heating weather, which means your invention will be a HUGE hit! And so will your TAM – literally everyone will be a potential customer. Think of all the pool parties you’ll save!

So, get those creative juices flowing, young inventor! The future of epic pool parties (and a healthier planet) depends on you! We grown-ups might have dropped the ball, but with your VPK genius, we can all be splashing around in warmth in no time! Just remember, the bigger you think, the bigger the impact, and we’ve been thinking small, VERY small.

Now get to work, because summer is soon going to be never-ending and your grand-children aren’t getting any cooler.