Solar pool covers can help increase the temperature of your swimming pool for free while saving on heating costs and helping reduce evaporation while protecting from bugs, debris, and dirt infiltration.
Many individuals are uncertain how best to install a solar pool cover; is the bubble side facing up or down?
What is a solar pool cover?
Solar pool covers are blankets designed to capture and transfer the sun’s heat directly into your swimming pool water, acting both as an insulator and heat sink to reduce evaporative loss and act like miniature magnifying glasses to direct sunlight into your pool. When installed correctly, they can reduce energy costs by up to 50 percent!
Solar covers are intended to be used regularly, so they must be maintained in good condition in order to work optimally. Sunlight or chlorine can quickly damage them, so proper installation and use is critical in order for it to last three to five years, with some warranties provided as added protection. Unfortunately, many homeowners lack knowledge on how best to care for their solar cover; many make the mistake of orienting their bubbles upwards, which defeats their purpose and compromises their performance.
Solar covers should always be placed with their bubble side down over pools in order for their bubbles to absorb and transfer the sun’s warmth into the water, keeping it warmer for longer. Furthermore, these bubbles also act as an insulator by keeping moisture inside their containers during nighttime while also keeping their warmth.
Before using your new solar cover, it’s advisable to let it soak up some sun for several hours prior to making use of it. This will allow the fabric to relax and reduce wrinkles. Furthermore, trimming its edges beforehand is beneficial in avoiding debris being trapped under it while making the cover fit better overall.
If you need assistance determining how best to cut your solar cover, professional guidance should be sought. They will offer advice on the optimal installation method as well as guidance in which direction it should be cut. They may even be able to assist in determining the size of your pool, which is essential when installing one of these covers.
Benefits of a solar pool cover
Solar pool covers made with transparent materials are designed to allow sunlight into the pool and warm its waters naturally, as well as reduce energy costs and prevent evaporation of water and chemicals. Easy to use, they should also be installed and maintained correctly to be effective – either purchasing from a swimming pool supply store or hiring professional installers who will make sure it fits perfectly for you while being trained in handling any potential issues that might arise.
One advantage of installing a solar pool cover is keeping it clean. A surface will trap dust, plant matter, and other debris before they enter the pool water, cutting down on time and money spent cleaning and potentially saving headaches when cleaning large pools with lots of vegetation nearby. This is particularly effective if your collection features numerous waterfalls.
When purchasing a solar pool cover, make sure to examine its material quality and thickness carefully. An excellent solar cover should transmit and retain heat while protecting from debris and UV damage; thicker shells tend to be more costly but last longer and won’t easily blow away in strong winds.
Solar blankets should cover all aspects of a pool to maximize heat retention and efficiency, though partial coverage will work just as effectively.
Solar covers not only reduce evaporation but can also cut back on chemical usage by up to 50%, saving both time and money as you don’t have to replace these chemicals as often. They should definitely be considered when budgeting your pool expenses!
Installation of a solar pool cover
Solar pool covers made from durable and UV-resistant material are designed to keep your swimming pool clean while allowing sunlight into its depths. Furthermore, they act as an insulating layer that retains heat and moisture inside of your collection instead of escaping and protects it against damage caused by wind or heavy rainstorms.
Installing a solar cover on your pool requires five straightforward steps. First, ensure the pool and surrounding area are free from debris, such as leaves and twigs. Next, please take out your solar blanket from its packaging and lay it across the water, making sure air bubbles face downward and it lines up with the edges of your pool. Lastly, secure it using straps, clips, or a universal attachment kit for optimal results.
Solar pool covers are an efficient energy-saving device that helps heat a pool in two stages: first, bubbles on its surface absorb and transfer solar energy directly into its waters, raising their temperatures by 15 degrees Fahrenheit; later on, those bubbles retain that heat to ensure your pool remains at an ideal temperature even after sundown has set in.
Solar pool covers can be invaluable resources, yet they do come with some drawbacks. Notably, they do not make the pool safe for children and pets and are susceptible to chemical damage from high chlorine levels. Furthermore, during storms and winds, they must be removed in order to avoid damage from flying debris.
No matter your pool style or aesthetic needs, there is an endless variety of solar pool covers available that will enhance its appearance or lower your electricity bill. Choose between fully transparent covers such as Daisy Illusion that look just as great but allow some water through for a less noticeable aesthetic. However, such fine options should not be used with saltwater pools due to corrosion issues; also, these covers may need replacing more often than other options.
Maintenance of a solar pool cover
Solar pool covers typically have an estimated lifespan of seven years with proper care; however, if left neglected, they could begin deteriorating within just one season and lose up to 40% of their effectiveness.
Maintain the longevity of your solar cover by regularly cleaning it of debris. This will prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for algae that can then be reintroduced back into your pool once removed. A vacuum cleaner or manual brush are both excellent ways of getting rid of dust, dirt, or plant matter from your cover, though to reduce work and save time, use a pool cover roller, which allows you to roll up the body on itself quickly saving valuable time in doing this task yourself.
Solar pool covers are typically constructed of transparent yet durable materials that allow sunlight to pass through and heat the water while keeping unwanted debris out and helping maintain an ideal temperature. As soon as tears or holes appear in your solar cover, it should be repaired immediately – you can find kits specifically designed to improve solar covers, or you could use any translucent repair materials that may work just as effectively.
When not in use, it’s a good idea to keep the cover away from direct sunlight to protect it from fading and cracking while simultaneously limiting chlorine release into the water. For best results, wait at least an hour after adding strong chemicals before reinserting the cover.
Install windbreaks around your swimming pool to help minimize wind resistance, which will prevent its cover from blowing off or becoming tangled in branches and bushes. In addition, be sure to trim surrounding trees and bushes regularly so as to minimize wind resistance and keep your cover safe.
