Insulating crawl space

We are in the process of purchasing a cabin in the Clarkesville, GA area. It's a foreclosure so we can't get any info from the previous owners. It's a private well, uninsulated crawl space with the water heater and air bladder in the crawl space as well as all the pipes. We don't plan to rent but would like to be able to use it year-round, preferably without having to winterize/dewinterize each trip. HVAC is a small heat pump.

Any thoughts on insulating the foundation walls in the crawl space along with the pipes and letting heat sink through the floor to keep the pipes from freezing? There is currently no insulation in the floor. Would rigid foam insulation boards be appropriate? Do we need a vapor barrier on the foundation and if so between the foundation and insulation or on top of the insulation? There is already a vapor barrier on the ground of the crawl space. Thanks

 

I would actually appreciate any thoughts on this issue from people as well. I'm sure there have been many threads about this subject though.

I am in almost the same situation and about a year ago I did a significant amount of research on the internet about this subject as well as insulating between the joists and ventilation of the crawlspace.

I found there was loads of information about the issue, but as would be expected on the internet loads of it was conflicting. Some 'experts' had written articles stating that opinions on crawlspace ventilation were evolving over time despite the fact that it remains code in almost all areas.

 

Before you think about insulating a crawl space: Is any water entering through the foundation? How damp is it? Are there any cracks in the exterior walls?