Pool covers are a necessary part of owning a pool. They keep dirt and debris from entering the water and prevent evaporation. Pool covers also help maintain the water temperature by trapping heat from the sun. Solar pool covers are one type of cover that is becoming increasingly popular thanks to their effectiveness and the easy installation process. So, how do they work?
Solar pool covers absorb the sun’s rays and transfer the heat to the water below. They’re available in various sizes and shapes to fit any pool, and can be cut to shape. Solar covers are efficient at keeping the water warm, preventing evaporation, and reducing the cost of maintaining a pool.
Solar covers are an investment that will save you money in the long run by reducing your energy costs and chemical usage. They’re also environmentally friendly, easy to install and remove, and they require no special equipment or skills. Let’s look at some of the features of solar covers in detail.
What Is a Solar Pool Blanket?
A solar pool blanket (on Amazon) is a sheet of material that is placed on the surface of a swimming pool. The purpose of the solar pool blanket is to reduce evaporation from the pool, as well as to keep the water warmer.
Solar pool blankets are typically made from various materials, such as polyethylene or PVC.
There are a few different ways that solar pool blankets can be used. One way is to simply place the solar pool blanket on top of the swimming pool, and another is to attach it to the sides of the pool.
Solar pool blankets are an extremely effective way to reduce evaporation from swimming pools. In fact, they can reduce evaporation by up to 95%.
This can make a big difference in the overall temperature of the pool. Additionally, solar pool blankets can help keep the water warmer, which is beneficial for those who enjoy swimming in cooler weather.
Pros and Con of Solar Blankets
Solar pool covers serve two purposes: They help keep your pool clean, and they conserve energy. The best solar blankets will have a black bottom that helps absorb the sun’s rays and transfer that heat to the water below.
This can increase your pool temperature by as much as 15 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can swim earlier in the summer season and later into the fall.
Solar covers also act as a protective layer, preventing leaves and other debris from falling into your pool. This not only keeps your pool cleaner but also reduces the amount of time you have to spend skimming the surface or vacuuming the bottom.
They also minimize evaporation which means you’ll lose less water (and chemicals) to the atmosphere.
While solar covers are beneficial in many ways, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Solar blankets can be quite expensive, yet they have a limited lifespan of three to seven years. In contrast, a mesh security cover with the same price range has a 10- to 15-year life span.
Another disadvantage of a solar pool cover is that it might be hazardous to children and pets if they fall in while the cover is on the pool. If you have small children or pets, ensure you limit access to the pool area when the cover is in use.
How to Use a Solar Pool Blanket
Using a solar pool cover is pretty simple. You just need to remove it from the storage bag, unfold it, and place it on top of your pool. If you have a rectangular or square-shaped pool, you can let the cover float on the surface.
You might need to use a weighted blanket or water tube system to keep the cover in place for an above-ground pool.
If you are using a new solar cover, you may need to make simple adjustments to fit your pool. For example, you might need to cut off the excess material around the perimeter.
The cover should fit snugly around the pool to avoid gaps. If there are gaps, then water will evaporate, and debris can get underneath, which defeats the purpose of using a solar cover in the first place.
Also, make sure that the cover is properly secured before leaving it unattended. If it’s not, then strong winds could blow it away. It’s also a good idea to have a few spare grommets on hand for when you need to replace any that become damaged.
How Long Do Solar Blankets Last?
Solar blankets are made from a durable material that can last for years, but they will eventually start to degrade. The amount of time a solar blanket lasts depends on the quality of the material, how often it’s used, and how well it’s cared for.
The lifespan of a low-quality solar cover is 1-2 years, while a high-quality cover can last up to seven years.
You can extend the use of a solar cover by taking proper care of it. This includes storing it in a cool, dry place when it’s not in use and limiting the use of chlorine in your pool. You should also inspect it for holes or tears and patch any you find.
The warranty is also an important factor to consider when you’re purchasing a solar cover. A longer warranty usually indicates a higher-quality product that will last.
Other Types of Solar Pool Covers
In addition to the standard solar pool blanket, there are also solar sun rings (on Amazon) and liquid solar covers (also on Amazon).
Solar sun rings are round, inflatable discs that sit on top of the pool water. They’re placed on the surface of the water and work by absorbing the sun’s rays and releasing the heat into the pool. Solar sun rings are less effective than solar blankets, but they’re easier to store and don’t require much care.
Liquid solar cover, meanwhile, is made from a special polymer that forms a thin film on the water surface. It is applied directly to the water surface to form a layer that traps heat and prevents evaporation.
Liquid solar covers are less effective than standard covers, but they’re much easier to use because you don’t have to remove them each time you go for a swim.
