What Is A Solar Pool Cover
A solar pool cover is basically a large solar blanket. It is similar to very strong bubble wrap that floats on the surface of the pool. It doesnt need to be attached to the pool as the surface tension, and its weight, holds it onto the pool surface. In 8 years of having a solar pool cover mine has never been blown out of the pool or even been lifted and we get some pretty strong winds here.
It has bubbles on one side and a strong flat layer on the other. The bubbles help to act as an insulator to stop heat transfer out of the pool.
A solar pool cover is different from a pool cover. A pool cover is intended to cover the entire pool to protect it during the winter and/or to prevent children or pets from falling in.
Evaluating Your Site’s Solar Resource
Before you buy and install a solar pool heating system, you first need to consider your site’s solar resource. The efficiency and design of a solar pool heater depends on how much of the sun’s energy reaches your building site.
Solar pool heating systems use both direct and diffuse solar radiation. Therefore, even if you don’t live in a climate that’s warm and sunny most of the time — like the southwestern United States — your site still might have an adequate solar resource. Basically, if your building site has unshaded areas and generally faces south, it’s a good candidate for a solar pool heating system.
Your local solar system supplier or installer can perform a solar site analysis.
Round Oval & Rectangular Solar Covers
Solar covers are basically a summer must-have as a cost-effective way to heat your pool and keep it warm while preventing water loss from evaporation. It even helps maintain the chemical balance of your pool water and keep out debris.To help you get the right solar cover for you and your pool, we offer a variety of different quality tiers at different price points. We also have covers available in different colors including the classic blue solar cover and clear. Youâll be able to find the right solar cover for you in the size you need in no time! To get the best solar cover for you and your pool, we recommend covers from Sun2Solar®. They create products to heat your pool without relying on fossil fuels and specialize in solar covers. Youâll be able to find a solar cover that fits your budget. All Sun2Solar® covers also include a warranty.For more help finding the right solar cover for you, check out our check out our Solar Cover Buyerâs Guide and FAQ.
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Whats The Difference Between A Solar Cover And A Solar Blanket
While people typically use the terms solar cover and solar blanket interchangeably, they are actually quite different.
A solar cover is a broad term for a group of substances placed or applied on the surface of pools to raise the temperature or hold warmth in the pool. These substances include solar blankets, solar rings, and liquid solar covers.
A solar blanket, on the other hand, is a type of solar cover. It is made for warming pools, retaining warmth in pools, and reducing water evaporation from pools. Solar blankets are typically made from materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or vinyl. These materials come in various thicknesses , and they are sometimes UV-stabilized for durability. They may also come with air bubbles for higher heating efficiency.
Best Solar Pool Covers: Pros Cons Reasons To Buy
Tired of paying your water, heat bills, and buying a lot of chemicals for your pool? Or dont you want to clean the pool of leaves and debris too often? For people who have their own pool, maintenance is often difficult and costly. But did you know that many difficulties can be solved by purchasing a solar pool cover?
In this article, we have listed 5 reasons why a solar cover is a great and beneficial purchase. Also, with the help of unique research, we have selected the 6 best models of solar covers, each of which will best satisfy the needs of pool owners.
So lets take a closer look at the top 6 best solar covers for above-ground and in-ground pools.
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Solar Pool Cover Bubbles Up Or Down
Good question as it is not really obvious.
However the answer to whether you have the bubbles up or down on solar cover is always bubbles down into the water.
The bubbles side has a larger surface area than the flat side so heat is transferred into the water more efficiently than if the pool blanket was the other way around.
The bubbles contain air and this is heated up by the sun and the heat is then transferred by the process of conduction. The flat side is the tough side whereas the bubble side is generally the least tough side. So having the bubbles facing down on the pools surface means they are protected from anything which may drop in the pool.
The smooth side therefore faces upwards. The beauty of it being smooth is that it makes it easier to clean. You can run the hose over it before you remove it from the pool.
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How To Remove A Solar Cover From Your Inground Or Above Ground Pool
If you have a large pool, or if you swim often, removing the solar blanket every time you want to use your pool can be quite a chore. One solution is to cut the solar blanket into smaller panels so you can remove the pieces one at a time. If youd rather not cut the blanket up, a convenient alternative is a solar cover reel.
Good for both inground, above ground, and Intex pools, the solar reel is placed at one end of the pool. Youll attach one end of the solar blanket to the reel, and then turn the handle or wheel. The blanket will be spooled onto the solar reel, saving you a lot of hard work.
Some solar blanket reels are available with wheels, so you can roll up your cover and then move the solar reel aside. Others come with mounting hardware to install permanently in one location. Which version works best for you will depend mostly on how much space you have around your pool.
If you dont have a solar reel, you can pull the cover off and accordion fold it. Pull about four feet out, then fold that section in half. Continue pulling two-foot sections, folding each one back and forth like an accordion. This method also lets you rinse off each small section before folding, if needed.
Tip: If you remove the solar blanket temporarily, be sure to keep it covered or in the shade to prolong its life.
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Best Solar Pool Cover In 2022 Reviews & Buying Guide
Here, you can find the best solar pool covers that are efficient and durable.
Solar Pool Covers are a cost-effective way to prevent water evaporation and protect the pool from debris. Apart from that, they can sustain pools water temperature for a long time and decrease the energy costs.
They are designed to use on in-ground and above-ground pools. It would be difficult to choose the right option from several options available for these pool covers.
We suggest you consider the following key factors before investing in the solar pool cover to get the best one.
For optimum functioning of the pool cover, it is essential to select the right size pool cover according to your pool size and shape. For instance, oval solar cover for rectangular pools or compact blanket for square pools. If there is a custom shape or unique shaped pool, then purchase a larger solar blanket and trim it to fit on the pool.
The solar cover used on the pool is made of either polyethylene, vinyl, or polypropylene. Each one has its set of pros and cons. Choose them as per your need.
- Vinyl is strong, tear-resistant, durable, blocks UV radiation, and allows you for quick removal of the cover from the pool.
- Polyethylene is a lightweight, affordable and quick heat transfer material with a thickness of 12 mils or less. Thus, they are more likely to tear easily.
- Polypropylene is durable, thicker, and blocks UV radiation, yet less flexible and a bit difficult to roll or fold.
Outline
Why Do I Need A Solar Pool Cover
Traditional pool covers keep out dust and debris from your pool. They also cut down on maintenance and energy costs.
A solar pool cover serves all these purposes with a few added benefits. These solar-powered covers heat up your pool by preventing water from evaporating.
If its not covered, it can lose up to two inches of water a week. While it may not seem like much water, it can add up to at least 10,000 gallons of water each year.
They also trap in the suns heat during the hot summer months and retain it inside the pool.
Anytime no ones using the pool, you can leave it covered. Itll absorb the suns heat during the day and retain it during the night. Its also a great way to prevent any debris or bacteria build-up.
Besides heating your pool, solar pool covers have many benefits. Here are a few reasons why you might want to invest in a solar cover.
- Reduces water evaporation
- Reduces debris and algae spores from creeping into your pool
- Gives you an extended swim season because it keeps the water warm for longer
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Solar Inground Pool Cover
- Can Be Added To Any In-Ground Pool Kit.
- Sizes available for almost any size Rectangular kit
- 8 Mil Thickness
- 5-Year Manufacturers Warranty
- Note: Cover Does not include step cut out, if you have steel step inside the parameter your dont need to order anything different. If you have a step that is outside the perimeter of the pool you will need to order a cover that is either 4 longer or 4 wider . You will then need to cut the material to fit your steps when it arrives.
5.00
Should I Cover My Entire Pool
There are 2 answers for this question. In order to get the maximum heating benefit from our solar cover, it is advisable to cover the entire swimming pool. This also puts you at a bit more of a risk for algae growth if you do not properly take care of your swimming pool water. This means circulation, brushing and water chemistry. If these are things you struggle with, you may want to only cover 80-90% of the swimming pool.
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Ecosavr 99999 Solar Fish Liquid Pool Cover
Youll be able to significantly conserve water loss from evaporation and reduce overnight heat loss in your pool by half with the Ecosavr Solar Fish liquid pool cover.
Unlike other products, which are poured into your pool and may require agitation to set up a protective layer, Ecosavr is packaged in a fish-shaped plastic pouch that is dropped in its entirety into your pool. The fish pouch sinks to the bottom, where it slowly releases its contents over a period of a month.
Youll need to carefully follow the instructions or watch the instructional video to properly prepare this product. We found that it works rather well to increase pool temperature. The liquid pool cover relies on water pressure to be released, which can vary between pools.
While Ecosavr is affordable and seems safe to use, we could not determine how it will affect your pool chemicals, filtration system, or whether its eco-friendly or non-toxic.
- Need to prepare product before application
- Results vary based on size of pool
- Unknown if compatible with pool chemicals or filtration systems
- May not be eco-friendly or non-toxic
Blue Wave Ns520 Solar Pool Cover
Present at the top, we have a solar pool cover coming from one of the most popular brands in the market. The blue wave NS520 is a highly premium solar pool cover that offers great performance.
Our 1st pick for the best solar pool cover is the Blue Wave NS520 pool cover. It is made up of 14 millimeter thick plastic material, which easily covers a rectangular pool sizing up to 16 x 32 feet. Blue wave is claiming up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit rise in water temperature upon installation. As there are thermal bubbles present all over the cover, it manages to minimize the heat loss along with up to 95% reduced evaporation.
As the pool cover has innovative cells, you can rest assured that your pool will feel quite warm even at night time. The Blue Wave NS520 is highly premium and durable as it can withstand ultraviolet rays and chemicals used in swimming pools. Thus, it is not only an ideal choice for your swimming pool but also an environmentally friendly option altogether. Blue wave is providing up to 6 years of warranty on this solar pool cover.
Best Features
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Solar Pool Cover Buying Guide
Blanket solar pool covers are an inexpensive means to extend the swimming season. They are an ideal option as no other pool cover can increase the temperature of your water. However, it would help to consider a few things to get the most effective.
If these dont suit you, there are always the liquid solar covers, yet they wont stop debris.
How To Store A Solar Cover In Winter
Apart from UV light another thing that makes your solar cover degrade quicker is the chemicals in the pool. So if you just remove the cover and store it then it will have these chemicals, and dirt, still on it. These will continue to act upon the cover while it is stored. So before you store the cover you should wash it with soapy water.
Ideally you should do this in an area large enough to lay it out flat, such as a terrace or a driveway. Lay it out and then hose it down. Afterward, using a bucket of soapy water wash it with a soft broom to remove as much as you can. Then hose it down again. You should do this on both sides and then leave it to dry completely before rolling it up.
Once dry and rolled up you need to protect it from not only the winter weather but also from UV light. Even the winter sun can produce enough UV to degrade the cover. If you have somewhere inside you can store it, such as a large garage, then that is ideal. If you cannot store it inside then you can buy a cover to protect it quite cheaply in a size to fit yours.
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Best Overall: Sun2solar 1200 Series Rectangle Solar Pool Cover
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Minimizes changes in water chemistry
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Not available in round or oval shape
What do buyers say? 77% of 6,300+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
This pool cover from Sun2Solar is our top pick because it is available in a variety of sizes and it keeps your pool warm after a long day in the sun. Made of a flexible resin, this cover is durable enough to withstand the elements yet thin enough to transmit solar heat. However, this cover can be prone to rip because of its thin construction, so always be cautious when rolling it up and storing it during the off-seasons.
Air bubbles cover the bottom of the Sun2Solar pool cover place them face down in the water, leaving the smooth side facing up. The surface of the light blue cover absorbs UV rays from the sun, while the bubbles transmit the absorbed energy into the water. Although clear solar pool covers transmit more of the suns energy into the water, they also let in more UV rays that cause significant changes to pool water chemistryrequiring more chemicals to avoid algae and maintain ideal water conditions.
This light blue cover is a more versatile option for homeowners that are looking for a pool cover to keep out debris, lock in heat at night, and absorb the suns energy during the day. It can even be trimmed to better fit your pool, if its between sizes.
Size: 15 x 30 feet | Shape: Rectangle | Thickness: not listed | Material: Plastic | Weight: Approx. 30 pounds
What Makes The Elite Solar Pool Blanket Different
The Elite Super Bubble Ultra Heat Deep Colour Blankets are proven to heat better than standard pool blankets thorough smart design, including:
- Larger bubble sizes, making it the best insulating round bubble blanket available
- Thickness of 550 micron
- Darker colours that heat better than lighter colours, giving you a warmer pool and a longer swimming season
Elite Super Bubble Solar Blankets are salt-safe and chlorine safe and will out-last other round bubble blankets due to their thickness and bubble design.
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Get The Most Out Of Your Solar Cover
Follow these tips to make your solar cover last longer.
- Buy the thickest material you can afford.
- Keep the chemicals in your pool between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm.
- Maintain a 7.4 pH balance for your pool water.
- Reel up or store your cover when its not being used.
- After adding chemicals, wait at least 30 minutes before replacing the cover.
- Clean it regularly with a broom and water hose and hang it to dry.
