u/cardstim

I stumbled across this AliExpress mini split and it got me wondering: what is the absolute rock-bottom price you can get a decent mini split for?

At this point, we’re seeing 12K BTU units in the U.S. for roughly $500–$1,000+, depending on brand/specs. (The Home Depot⁠)

But AliExpress has me wondering how much of that price is actually the equipment vs. markup, distribution, warranty, etc.

For those who have bought directly from China/AliExpress:

What’s the cheapest mini split you’ve purchased?
How low have you seen a 9K/12K BTU inverter heat pump go?

Were you actually happy with it?

Any nightmare experiences with parts, refrigerant, or warranty?

At what price would you say “screw it, it’s worth the gamble”?

I’m curious if $200–$300 equipment-only mini splits are actually a thing, or if the really cheap listings are too good to be true.

Link for reference:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256812008877731.html

I figured I’d share my project since I found very little information from people actually going through this process.

My pool had the original fiberglass wedding-cake style steps built into the shallow end. Over time, the fiberglass had deteriorated and replacement options were surprisingly expensive. The quotes I received to replace the fiberglass step unit started at around $7,000 and went up from there.

Instead of replacing the fiberglass, I decided to abandon the existing steps completely and install new grouted steps.

The process looks like this:

• Remove the old fiberglass steps.
• Construct a new wall in front of the old step cavity.
• Fill and pour concrete over the abandoned step area.
• Build new full-width grouted steps in the shallow end using a sand/cement mix.

For my pool, the new steps will run the entire width of the shallow end:
• 18 feet wide
• 4 feet deep

The contractor is essentially creating large tanning-ledge-style entry steps across the whole shallow end rather than reinstalling a fiberglass insert.

Photos:

1. Original fiberglass steps before removal.
2. Fiberglass steps removed and the area prepared for wall construction and concrete.
3. Pool after liner replacement showing the general area.

So far, this approach has been significantly more economical than replacing the fiberglass unit. It also gives a much larger entry area and should eliminate concerns about future fiberglass deterioration.

Has anyone else abandoned old fiberglass steps and gone with grouted/concrete steps instead? I'd be interested in hearing how they've held up long-term and whether there were any issues with settling, cracking, or liner fitment years later.