Straight answers from an installer on hot water, replumbing and pool heating, for villas and apartments in the Algarve. Written by iStarTec, a hydraulic installations contractor with its office in Albufeira.
Gas water heater, electric water heater or heat pump. Where the tank goes, what size to choose, who disconnects the gas and how to spend less. For villas and apartments in the Algarve.
Plumbing SystemsWhen to replace the whole system, how to recognise galvanised steel and lead pipes, multilayer vs PEX vs PPR vs copper, permits, and how the work goes without moving out.
Swimming PoolsOutput by volume from 20 to 80 m³, how to read the COP on the spec sheet, where to put the unit, how it connects to the pool circuit and why a cover is worth more than extra output.
Our other guides, on hot water recirculation, choosing pipe materials, underfloor heating and the 2026 energy-performance rules, are in Portuguese for now: see the Portuguese blog.