Thanks for the reply.
Grew up in South Dakota, so I know how right you are about shoveling. All we shovel here is sunshine.
Anyway, sounds like an interesting idea using your recirculating method. Can you recommend a size of sump pump (never bought one)?
Also, if I switch to a plate chiller, can I simply submerge the entire chiller into an ice tub? Or do I go the route of the sump pump again?