Myth #7: Solar Pool Covers – Benefits with a Catch?

Want to make your pool more enjoyable and easier to maintain? Solar pool covers might be just what you’re looking for.

These handy devices can help keep your pool water warmer, cleaner, and more comfortable to swim in. They work by trapping heat from the sun and preventing it from escaping, which can raise your pool’s temperature by a few degrees.

Solar covers also have other benefits. They can cut down on how much water evaporates from your pool, saving you money on water bills and chemicals. Plus, they help keep leaves and other debris out of the water. While solar blankets aren’t perfect, they’re a useful tool that can make your pool more enjoyable with less work on your part.

How Solar Covers Keep Your Pool Warm

Solar covers are a great way to keep your pool cozy. They’re like a big blanket for your pool, with lots of tiny bubbles. These covers float on the water and do two important jobs.

First, they stop water from evaporating. This is key because most heat escapes when water turns to vapor. By keeping the water in, you keep the warmth too.

Second, they trap heat from the sun. The bubbles let sunlight through and hold onto its warmth. This makes your pool water warmer over time. Even light-colored covers can raise the water temperature by a few degrees.

Here’s what solar covers can do for you:

• Save energy
• Reduce water loss
• Warm up your pool
• Cut down on cleaning

Solar covers work day and night to help your pool stay warm and ready for a swim!

Good Things About Solar Pool Covers

Solar pool covers can make your life easier and save you money. Here are some of the best things about them:

Less Water Loss Solar covers stop water from drying up as fast. This means you don’t have to fill your pool as often. You’ll save on water bills and use fewer pool chemicals. It’s good for your wallet and the planet!

Keeps the Heat In These covers trap warmth from the sun during the day. In sunny places, this can make your pool a few degrees warmer. You might even get to swim longer into the cooler months.

Cleaner Pool Leaves, bugs, and other yucky stuff often land on the cover instead of in your pool. This makes cleaning easier and your filter doesn’t have to work as hard.

Lower Energy Costs By keeping heat in, you might not need to run your pool heater as much. This can lead to big savings on your energy bills.

Here’s a quick look at how solar covers help:

Benefit	How It Helps
Water Savings	Less refilling needed
Heat Retention	Warmer water for longer
Cleaner Water	Less debris in the pool
Energy Savings	Reduced heating costs

Keep in mind that solar covers work best in sunny weather. On cloudy days, they won’t add much heat, but they’ll still help keep the warmth in.

To get the most out of your solar cover:

• Use it regularly
• Keep your pool chemicals balanced
• Take it off sometimes to let the water breathe

With a solar cover, you can enjoy a warmer, cleaner pool without spending too much. It’s a simple way to make your pool more fun and cost-effective.

Making the Most of Your Solar Cover

Using a solar cover can be a game-changer for your pool. To get the best results, keep your water balanced. Test it often and fix any issues quickly. This stops algae from growing in the warm water under the cover.

When you add lots of chemicals or shock your pool, take the cover off first. This keeps gases from getting trapped and hurting the cover or messing up your water.

If you have a big pool, think about getting a solar cover reel. It makes putting the cover on and taking it off much easier. Plus, it helps your cover last longer.

Want an extra warm pool? Try using your solar cover with other heating methods. It works great with gas heaters, heat pumps, or solar heating systems. The cover keeps in the heat these other methods make.

• Test water often • Remove cover for big chemical adds • Use a reel for easier handling • Pair with other heating methods for warmer water

My Pool Cover Experience

I have been using pool covers for the past 10 years on my pool. I am currently on my secnd one.

I would estimate that using one extends my swimming season by 6 weeks, perhaps more. I can start using it earler as the water temperature reaches the level that I am prepared to go in at (and I am a wimp) probably 3 weeks sooner than if I didn’t use it. The same is true in the fall as it extends the season by 3 weeks.

Read: Do Solar Pool Covers Work? 19 Things to Know Before You Buy

Making the Most of Your Solar Cover

Solar covers can be a great addition to your pool. They help keep water in, maintain warmth, and block out leaves and twigs. But they’re not perfect. You’ll get the best results by using them wisely.

Take off the cover when adding chemicals. This helps the chemicals work better and keeps your water balanced. If you want your pool really warm, you might need extra help from a heater.

Remember, solar covers aren’t magic. They do a good job, but they have limits. Here are some tips:

• Remove the cover during the day to let the sun warm the water directly
• Put it back on at night to trap heat
• Clean the cover regularly to keep it working well
• Replace it when it starts to break down

By using your solar cover smartly, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, warmer pool without spending too much money. It’s a simple way to make your pool time more fun and comfortable.

Read: Myth #8: No Debris, No Problem?

Common Questions About Solar Pool Covers

How do solar covers warm up pools?

Solar covers act like a blanket for your pool. They trap heat from the sun and stop it from escaping. This helps your pool get warmer faster. The cover also blocks water from evaporating, which keeps the heat in even more.

What thickness works best for heating inground pools?

For inground pools, a cover that’s 12-14 mil thick often works well. It’s a good mix of durability and heating power. Thicker covers trap more heat but can be harder to handle. Thinner ones are easier to use but may not warm the pool as much.

Do solar covers work on all pool types?

Yes, solar covers work on both inground and above ground pools. They come in different shapes and sizes to fit any pool. The covers trap heat and stop evaporation in all pool types, helping to warm up the water.

What should you think about when picking a solar cover?

When choosing a solar cover, think about:

• Pool size and shape
• How much sun your pool gets
• How often you’ll use the cover
• Your budget
• How much heating you need

Pick a cover that fits your pool well and matches your needs.

How does a solar cover reel help?

A solar cover reel makes using your cover much easier. It helps you:

• Roll up the cover quickly
• Store the cover neatly
• Put the cover on faster
• Keep the cover in good shape longer

Reels save time and make pool care simpler.

Is there a difference between clear and blue solar covers?

Clear and blue solar covers work a bit differently:

• Clear covers let more sunlight through
• Blue covers absorb more heat
• Clear covers can warm pools faster
• Blue covers might keep heat in better at night

Both types help warm your pool, but clear ones might work a bit faster in direct sun.