The Passive and the Active Solar Pool Cover

Solar pool covers or blankets are used to cover the surface of your in ground pool, either in or out of doors. A typical solar pool cover will consist of a heavy duty plastic that is resistant to the corrosive effects of pool chemicals and harmful UV radiation caused by exposure to direct sunlight. The design of the pool cover is very similar to the common bubble wrap that is used to protect fragile objects. In the case of pool covers the bubble side of the cover is placed above the surface of the pool.

 

The aim of the pool cover is to create an insulation barrier between the water of the pool and the air This has two beneficial effects :

 

If the solar pool cover is exposed to the sun or a heating device it will absorb the heat and raise the temperature of the water in the pool. Once it has raised the temperature it will keep that temperature. This can save on energy costs that might be incurred using an ordinary pool heater.

 

Water evaporation is very common in pools because there is a large surface area exposed to the elements. This is more common in outdoor pools but can also happen in the indoor set up. A solar pool cover will form a barrier that prevents evaporation occurring. Evaporation not only causes your pol to lose water but also heat.

 

A consideration when looking at solar pool covers is the thickness of the cover. Generally the side of the cover that will be exposed to direct sunlight should be thinner than the bubble side that will come in contact with the water. The outer side should be thinner to allow sunlight to diffuse through the material and get trapped in the bubble pockets. The bubble side of the cover is generally thicker because it will come in contact with pool chemicals and the water itself that can cause greater wear and tear.

 

Most pool covers will last a long time. Many companies offer warranties based on the thickness of the blanket. Some warranties can last up to 10 years. Most pool covers are reasonably priced and will save you money after the first year of purchase by saving on heating costs or evaporation of water.

 

A useful by-product of using a pool solar blanket is that it can help to keep the pool cleaner by protecting it from leaves and dirt that may be blown into it if it was left uncovered. The cover cannot be used as a safety device however. If you have young children or small pets it is advisable to get a mesh pool cover or fence the pool off.