18 x 36 rectangular pool - 4' at each end and 5.5' in the middle. To increase the temperature of the pool we purchase blue solar covers (we have a reel which works well with a rectangular pool) and they seem to work to increase the temperatures - or at least, lessen the cooling of the water over night. The problem is that they do not last and after a year, or two at the most, they start to come apart and deposit fine blue particles in the water - a PITA to skim. I recall that the cost is between $160 and $200 for the solar covers depending on mil thickness - not a lot if we could get at least two years use. One issue may be that in the off season the cover remains on - so year round use.
I intend to find plans for a DIY solar water heater system that would cylcle the water through black tubing ant thus attain temperature increases that way. We live in the foothills in central California and want to extend our season a bit by bumping up the temperatures earlier and later in our swim season. (usually sometime in May to sometime in September). If I do that sucessfully with a solar water heater circulation system we would not need to depend on the solar covers.
Until then, any suggestions re solar covers that do not come apart after a year? I am sort of thinking that there may not be any. I am also considering getting a winter cover as that would mean we could put away the solar cover for the year at the end of our swim season (though storing a bulky solar cover would be a bit of an issue). The off season cover would be a mesh cover to permit rain to pass through and not puddle.
So, I am asking for advice and suggestions about solar cover options, and about winter covers. I appreciate any help I can get - I depend on you all a good bit.
(And BTW - I took what I learned here and bought a robotic cleaner from Marina Pool and Spa - great price and service- I think it arrived in about two days after ordering).
I intend to find plans for a DIY solar water heater system that would cylcle the water through black tubing ant thus attain temperature increases that way. We live in the foothills in central California and want to extend our season a bit by bumping up the temperatures earlier and later in our swim season. (usually sometime in May to sometime in September). If I do that sucessfully with a solar water heater circulation system we would not need to depend on the solar covers.
Until then, any suggestions re solar covers that do not come apart after a year? I am sort of thinking that there may not be any. I am also considering getting a winter cover as that would mean we could put away the solar cover for the year at the end of our swim season (though storing a bulky solar cover would be a bit of an issue). The off season cover would be a mesh cover to permit rain to pass through and not puddle.
So, I am asking for advice and suggestions about solar cover options, and about winter covers. I appreciate any help I can get - I depend on you all a good bit.
(And BTW - I took what I learned here and bought a robotic cleaner from Marina Pool and Spa - great price and service- I think it arrived in about two days after ordering).
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