Loading ...Solar Covers for Pools
The greatest loss of heat and water from your swimming pool is due to evaporation. Even when the sun is shining down, the water reflects much of it’s warmth and evaporation causes significant cooling of the water and water loss. A solar pool cover can help capture the heat of the sun and stop much of the evaporation saving energy, water and money.
A solar pool cover may also be called a solar blanket. Solar covers are not safety covers and lay on top of the water in your pool. They do not attach to the pool. Solar covers must be removed before using the pool. They are relatively light weight and reels are available to make it simple for only one adult to remove the cover.
Solar pool covers look like large sheets of bubble wrap. They are usually transparent, but are available in colors. The air in the covers absorbs warmth from the sun and transfers it to the water. The plastic of the cover prevents water from evaporating. Users of solar covers have reported savings of between 40% and 70% on the cost of heating their pools.
Most solar pool covers are sold in standard rectangular sizes. There are other solutions for pools that are irregularly shaped. There are round solar pads with magnetic edges that can be tossed into the pool and will act as a solar cover. While these discs are not quite as effective as a standard solar blanket, they still can save a significant amount of energy. In addition to the round pads, there are liquid filled solar “fish”. These fish shaped solar collectors are not effective at preventing evaporation, but they will collect and disburse solar heat and can be left in the pool while it is in use.
Solar pool covers can be used for outdoor and indoor pools and work for in ground or above ground pools. There are some standard size round covers available for above ground pools. In indoor pools, solar blankets not only help keep the water warm and prevent evaporation, they cut down on the need for ventilation by reducing the humidity of the room when the pool is not in use.
One advantage of using a solar pool cover is that you can extend the season for the use of your pool. The solar heat will warm the water during the day, and the blanket will eliminate evaporation during the night keeping the water warm. Instead of only using your pool during the hottest summer months you can open it early in the spring and close it down later in the fall.
If your pool is oddly shaped or if you don’t want to bother with a solar cover, there is a liquid solar pool cover that can be added to your pool water. The liquid cover is not as effective as the blanket, but it will help keep the water warm and cut down on evaporation. It is safe and will not harm people, animals or the environment. There is no reason not to use a solar pool cover for your pool.
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