Pool Solar Covers

Having a pool solar cover helps to prevent rapid heat loss and evaporation. To ensure that it delivers the same top quality results each time, it is necessary that you regularly maintain it.

A pool solar cover can come in the form of plastic, vinyl, or liquid. Depending on the type of material you choose to go with, the cleaning routine for each will be different.

Plastic solar covers:

Plastic covers can be more of a hassle to maintain in comparison to liquid solar covers. The plastic is made from bubble-wrap material, which automatically makes cleaning its surface a more demanding task. Since cleaning plastic covers can be somewhat of a pain, some people just resort to replacing their solar cover whenever it gets dirty.

Vinyl solar covers:

Vinyl is much easier to clean than plastic. All that is necessary is for you to spray away the dirt or debris from the pool cover and you’re done. Usually, it comes with a protective case that allows you to neatly fold and store away your cover when not in use. Due to its convenience and durability, most people prefer this type of solar pool cover over anything else.

Liquid solar covers:

Liquid covers are only cleaned through the filter system of the pool. First, you would have to drain out the pool, scrub clean the tiles at the bottom, and then refill the pool with water. Draining the pool is best for liquid covers because it allows for the cover to mix in with the chlorine already in the water. Depending on what the instructions on the liquid solar cover tell you, you may need to purchase a separate type of cover cleaner that will be added to the pool. The cleaner will “eat” away at the bacteria on the cover as it sits atop the surface of the water. Not all liquid solar covers require this extra step.

Cleaning and maintaining a solar pool cover is not a hard thing to do at all. If you follow these bare minimum maintenance steps, it’s guaranteed that you’ll be able to enjoy a long-lasting swimming pool cover that not only saves you money but energy as well. You should always remember to spray and wash the covers regularly so as to prevent the chemicals in the pool from causing damage to it in the long run.

The benefits of a solar pool cover are many. Because they purely run on solar energy, they save you lots from your monthly pool heating costs and electricity costs. They keep your pool clean and free of unwanted dirt and debris while maintaining the temperature inside the pool. All it takes to keep up good quality results is a regular cleaning routine that enables you to enjoy the benefits of the cover for a longer period of time. The cost of maintaining a solar cover is minimal. Investing in a pool solar cover is ultimately gentle on the wallet and environmentally friendly at the same time.

Solar swimming pool covers use the sun’s energy to heat and maintain the temperature of your swimming pool. It is otherwise known as a thermal pool cover. Since it solely relies on solar energy, there is no need to connect it to a power source, which also translates to no more spending on electric pool heating systems and more savings in terms of maintenance costs. Although some pools may be heated by heat pumps or solar panels, having a pool cover further aids the process of retaining heat in the pool. However, in order to guarantee consistent high quality performance, you must keep the solar pool cover in good condition by keeping in mind a few easy steps.

Installation of Swimming Pool Solar Cover

It is important that your pool cover fits the exact size of your pool so as to ensure maximum heat capacity over an extended period of time. Well-fitted pool covers keep out insects, debris, and other waste matter. If the solar cover comes in a bigger size than that of your pool, you have the freedom of simply using a pair of scissors to cut it down to size. If you plan to do this, it is recommended that you work with a helper who can firmly hold down the cover by the sides of the pool while you cut it into shape. While you are in the process of cutting, it is important that you remember to leave 3” extra space on all sides of the cover. This is so that the sides of the solar cover can fold down into a flap and fit into the pool skimmer. The dirt and debris that gets hosed down during the cleaning process will runoff from the cover and collect in the skimmer by means of the flap. Installing a pool cover isn’t hard but you need to be patient and thorough to ensure a good fit.

Solar Pool Cover Usage

The cover heats the water on a molecular level and thus allows you to conserve energy and save money simultaneously. It utilizes the sun’s heat to keep the pool warm and at a comfortable temperature throughout the day. The solar pool cover should be placed in the pool with the bubble side facing downwards and the panel side facing the sun. Even when the pool pump is not in use, the pool cover will keep the upper layers of the water warm. The lower layers of the pool may be cold, so it is best to circulate the water in the pool before use. A good way to clean up the solar cover is to roll it up onto a rotating solar reel, since it minimizes the amount of debris or dirt that can collect on it as opposed to placing it directly on a dirty surface. It makes the cleaning process much easier and much more convenient.

Solar Cover Maintenance

Keeping the solar pool cover clean and free of dirt is key to consistent and good quality results. Debris may damage the cover and prevent effective warming of the water. It is recommended that you clean your pool once or more during the summer season. To clean the solar cover, all you’ll need is a hose, cover cleaner, and a long-handled soft bristle brush. If you have excess debris and water collected on the solar cover, use a submersible pump to drain it off as you maneuver it from the side of the pool. Use the brush as needed for any leftover leaves and small debris. You can roll up the solar pool cover as you spray it clean or you can spot clean residual stains with any store bought cover cleaner.

The Cleaning Process

• Take off the solar cover and spread it across the lawn
• Spray it clean with a hose to dislodge the debris
• Scrub it down with a pool cover cleaner and long-handled brush
• Repeat the process for the opposite side

Caution:

• Do not place your solar cover on abrasive surfaces (such as the driveway or other cement surfaces)
• Only use detergent soap or pool cover cleaner – using any other chemical cleaner may cause a chemical reaction with the chlorine in the pool
• Make sure that the cover is completely dry before you roll it up – it may become prone to mildew and cause bad smells

One of the main benefits of having a solar pool cover is that it helps regulate water temperatures at a low cost. It keeps the pool comfortably heated and clean of debris and waste matter. Also, keep in mind that after a chlorine shock, you should remove the cover so as to prevent it from reacting with the chlorine in the water. Let the chlorine remain in the water overnight and throughout the morning. Drain the pool and refill it with fresh water. At this point, you can safely reinstall the solar pool cover and enjoy your pool knowing that you are indulging in a pastime that not only saves money but conserves energy as well.

There are a few differences between the types of pool solar covers available in the marketplace that can affect your choice in selecting the right one. Solar covers are a great and inexpensive way to give your swimming pool some passive heating. A pool cover essentially looks like bubble wrap though the bubbles are designed not to protect the contents but to trap heat from the sun. The swimming pool cover also reduces any heat loss from the surface of the swimming pool by shielding it from the air and wind. As a backyard pool owner, you also know about water loss and expensive chemical treatments. A pool cover also reduces water evaporation so you can cut down on your water bill. This has a bonus effect of preserving the amount of pool chemicals needed to treat the water. On average, a pool solar cover can actually increase the temperature of a swimming pool anywhere from 10 to 15 degrees.

Before you purchase your next pool cover, consider a few of these tips to help you make the best choice.

• Set a budget in price to control your spending. Most solar covers fall in the $75 to $150 range, but can vary depending on the size, thickness, and other factors.
• Buy exactly the right size for your pool. If this means buying a larger cover and trimming it down, then so be it. A solar blanket that does not cover the entire pool will not be as effective so be sure to take proper measurements before you buy.
• Depending on the shape of your pool, you can purchase square or round covers to reduce your workload at home. If your pool is oddly shaped, prepare to get out those scissors!
• When comparing several options, always look at the thickness of the cover which can vary from 8mm to 16mm. A thicker solar pool blanket has better heat retention and lasts much longer but will cost more.
• Do you need a regular solar cover or a lightweight one? Lightweight solar covers are easier to work with and also much cheaper. This is perfect for smaller pools or warmer climates.
• Colors can make a difference in the effectiveness of the cover. The best colors are blue, black, and silver. Black absorbs more heat while silver reflects sunlight back into the water below. Blue and also clear solar covers allow sunlight to pass through and rely more heavily on heat retention.

Solar power is a renewable energy source that a pool cover taps into to heat your pool. With a number of other great benefits like reduced water, heat, and chemical bills, a pool solar cover is a very smart choice.

If you would like to keep your outdoor swimming pool debris-free and comfortably heated in cooler weather, installing a solar pool cover may be the best solution to your problem. Pool solar covers utilize the sun’s energy and keep your pool warmly heated during the night, on cloudy days, and throughout the winter season. The pool cover traps in heat during the day and maintains the pool at a relaxing and swimmable temperature—prolonging your opportunities to swim throughout the day and throughout the seasons. They are cost efficient and environmentally friendly.

Solar covers not only serve as a good solar pool heating system, but also as a way to keep debris and other waste matter out of the pool as well. It keeps the water from evaporating too quickly and also cuts down on the frequency of chlorination. In addition to achieving the same objectives any formal pool heating system would, pool covers come with the added benefit of reducing and minimizing heating costs via solar energy. Even if you have an indoor pool, a cover can take over the role of energy-consuming exhaust fans and thus increase your overall savings.

Some noteworthy benefits:

• Cuts down on heating costs (>70%)
• Cuts down on evaporation (<95%)
• Saves chemicals, energy, and money
• Keeps pool cleaner
• Made from durable resins
• Unobtrusive to the eye
• Light and easy to maneuver
• Clear cover material encourages transmissivity and improves heating

Solar pool covers are made of resin sheets and polymer. Its thickness can range from a standard cover of 8mm to a high quality cover of 15mm. Air bubbles in the pool cover trap the sun’s energy and conveniently transmit it into the pool. The solar cover floats atop the surface of the pool by means of the upwards facing air bubbles inside the cover. Through an extrusion process the polymer sheets are created and fitted into whatever the size the pool is. They come in rectangular, circular, and free-fitting sheets that can be custom fitted to any irregular shaped pool. In this case, the manufacturer will fit together and combine however many sheets it takes to fill the measurements of your pool.

Given the proper care and maintenance, solar pool covers can last you for up to a lifetime’s use. A few things to remember for preserving your solar cover include:

• Check the chlorine levels regularly (every 4-6 weeks) – excess chlorine causes the air bubbles in the cover to become damaged—making it flaky and close to useless
• Prevent cover leaching – since the cover helps to prevent evaporation, it is best to check chlorine levels especially during the first week of installation in order to maintain a good balance of chlorine in the pool
• Wrap it up – when the pool is not in use, it is advisable to not only roll over the solar pool cover but to wrap it with a protective over cover to prevent sun damage to the resin (harsh sunlight may cause the cover to burn or crack)

If you keep these simple precautionary measures in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy your pool and the benefits of your solar pool cover all year long.